Take this unique opportunity to participate in an exciting 6-day trail running retreat with the famed Meg Mackenzie and an inspirational life coach Mareli Kruger! Apart from running premier routes in one of the world’s most famous trail running hotspots—Chamonix—you’ll also spend your days in a deluxe chalet (think private chef, jacuzzi, and a cinema room). What is more, you’ll not only get running guidance, but also tips on how to live your life to the fullest and an empowering and inspirational experience with like-minded women.
You’ll arrive in Geneva, and transfer to Chamonix—airport pickup included. Enjoy your first impressive views of Mont Blanc before settling into the deluxe chalet, which features a hot tub, sauna, cinema room, terrace, and garden, making it an excellent space to unwind, relax, and recover from our outings. Later in the afternoon, your group will have its first gathering, followed by a catered dinner. Accommodation: Private luxury chalet Meals: Dinner
Start your first morning with a delicious breakfast. Afterwards, you’ll go to the village of Montroc, and run a loop with a stunning panoramic summit! Then you’ll hike up through trees to the top of the Aiguillette des Posettes mountain, with views of the Chamonix valley. Head down through meadows, take a break at a mountain café, and continue to the village of Vallorcine (you can run or take the gondola). Later, jump on the train back to Chamonix and take part in your first workshop with Mareli, considering the common challenges of imposter syndrome and developing self love. Accommodation: Private luxury chalet Meals: Breakfast, trail snacks, and dinner Running: 11 km (6.8 miles), 900 m (2,950 ft) ascent, 1,000 m (3,280 ft) descent
After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll head out on a run through the Chamonix valley and a river-side spot called Paradis des Praz. Take a break at Café Floria, with inspiring views of the Mont Blanc range. Afterwards, your group will take a downhill run back to the chalet basecamp. Once there, you will get inspired during your second workshop with Mareli, one that she calls “Postcards from Nature.” This is an instinctive discovery through natural elements to gain deeper insight into your life journey. In the evening, you’ll head to Chamonix to enjoy dinner in town. Accommodation: Private luxury chalet Meals: Breakfast, trail snacks, and dinner Running: 10 km (6.2 miles), 400 m (1,312 ft) ascent, 400 m (1,312 ft) descent
Your day begins with a scenic train ride to Montenvers, found above the Mer de Glace glacier with views of the Drus mountains. Next, your group will run along the iconic North Balcony. From here, your route will bring you to the viewpoint of Signal Forbes and to the Refuge Plan de L’Aiguille—famous for their fresh tarts! The descent to Chamonix winds down through forest (you can also take the Aiguille du Midi cable car). In the afternoon, relax at Chamonix’s QC Terme, exploring wonderful baths and pools, or heading to the outside jacuzzis while admiring Mont Blanc. This evening, you’ll watch Meg’s acclaimed documentary on periods and get a chance to discuss the issues and challenges women need to consider when trail running. Accommodation: Private luxury chalet Meals: Breakfast, trail snacks, and dinner Running: 14 km (8.7 miles), 800 m (2,625 ft) ascent, 1,600 m (5,250 ft) descent (option to take the tram down)
Today, you’ll head to La Jonction, a unique high-elevation destination where two of the valley’s largest glaciers converge. Your group will first enjoy a brunch at Chalet des Pyramids, a tiny mountain hut perched high on a dramatic ridge. From here, it’s a strenuous run to La Jonction, where you’ll literally be able to touch the ice of the glaciers. The descent will follow the same route you used to get to La Jonction. Back at the chalet later that afternoon, you’ll be able to relax with an informal wine tasting, followed by another delicious, catered dinner—great chance to celebrate your achievements with your guides and fellow runners. Accommodation: Private luxury chalet Meals: Breakfast, trail snacks, and dinner Running: 16 km (10 miles), 1,700 m (5,577 ft) ascent, 1,700 m (5,577 ft) descent
After breakfast, say goodbye to your new friends, and head off with memories of the special week in the Alps—as well as a better understanding of yourself and with tools to move forward and create the life you seek for yourself. Meals: Breakfast
What you get on the All-Women Trail Running in Adventure in Chamonix and Courmayeur:
What’s not included:
What you get on the Women’s Trail Running Retreat in Chamonix:
The all-women Chamonix and Courmayeur trail running camp is open to all levels. You should only arrive with enthusiasm for trail running and basic trail running skills. However, you still need to have excellent fitness, as you’ll be running for up to 12 miles (19 km) a day with up to 5,000 feet (1,524 m) of vertical ascent and descent.
For Women’s Trail Running Retreat in Chamonix, you should be an intermediate trail running with a couple of years of experience. You should be able to hike very steep sections for up to 2 hours and you should be able to run for up to 12 miles at a slow, but steady pace. You should also be able to manage some rocky trails and daily ascents/descents of up to 5,000 feet. Having said that, the tour is generally inclusive to runners of varying skill levels and you needn’t necessarily “check” all the requirements from the above description.
Keep in mind that you will always have a guide by your side who will observe your technique, match the running with your experience and fitness level, and change the routes if necessary. You will also be taking numerous breaks and there will sometimes be options to shorten your routes with trams and gondolas.
If you’re looking for something more challenging, check out this Tour du Mont Blanc running adventure. If you’re looking for a hiking trip in the Chamonix area, check out this classic Tour du Mont Blanc Trek.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and prices:
Trail running in Chamonix and Courmayeur can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
For regular dates a $500 deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 3 months (90 days) prior to departure.
Once you pay the deposit, the cancellation policy stated below applies.
To get to Chamonix, most people fly into Geneva International Airport (GVA), one hour away. Once you arrive, your guides will work out an airport transfer to your starting point.
Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet.
57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.
We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in France and Italy, please refer to France Diplomacy’s COVID-19 travel advice and Italy’s Entry Requirements.
Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
