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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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)
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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
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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
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What you get on the All-Women Trail Running in Adventure in Chamonix and Courmayeur:
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- 2 IML-certified, experienced guides with extensive knowledge of the area and a decorated trail runner Meg Mackenzie
- 6-day trail running tour
- Accommodation (4 nights at the 4-star Hôtel Le Refuge des Aiglons in Chamonix, France and 1 night at the 3-star Hotel Bouton d’Or in Courmayeur, Italy)
- All breakfasts and four dinners
- Guided daily runs with IML-certified guides and Meg Mackenzie
- Round-trip airport transfers (Geneva-Chamonix)
- Transportation to the trailhead
- Special guests during group dinners
- License-free photography
- Run the Alps Guide to Trail Running in the Alps (sent prior to the trip)
- Spa afternoon at QC Terme in Chamonix
- Special gift at the end of trip
What’s not included:
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- Transportation to France
- Some meals (details in the itinerary)
- Guide gratuities — optional
What you get on the Women’s Trail Running Retreat in Chamonix:
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- 2 IML-certified, experienced guides with extensive knowledge of the area, as well as guidance from a decorated trail runner Meg Mackenzie and and internationally acclaimed trainer, coach and lecturer Mareli Kruger
- 6-day trail running tour
- Accommodation in a private luxury chalet with a hot tub, sauna, cinema room, terrace, and garden
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Private chef Jenna Beaugy
- Dinner in a Chamonix restaurant for one evening
- Wine tasting
- Guided daily runs with IML-certified guides and Meg Mackenzie
- Round-trip airport transfers (Geneva-Chamonix)
- All transfers to and from trailheads and cog mountain train to Montenvers
- Run the Alps Guide to Trail Running in the Alps (sent prior to the trip)
- Spa afternoon at QC Terme in Chamonix
- Special gift at the end of trip
What’s not included:
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- Transportation to France
- Lunches (trail snacks provided by the guide)
- Guide gratuities — optional
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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.
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Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
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- Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 8-15L vest)
- Clothing for running and leisurewear
- Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
- Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
- Carbon fiber running poles — optional
- Spare clothes for layering
- Waterproof rain jacket
- Baseball cap and warm hat
- Toiletries (sunscreen, anti-chafe lubricant, hand sanitizer, bug spray, etc.)
- Personal snacks for the day to supplement those provided by the guide
- Sunglasses
- Camera — optional (but recommended)
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.
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Group sizes and prices:
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- For these group adventures, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 5:1.
- The cost does not decrease as the group grows.
- If there’s more than 5 people in your group, discounts and custom dates are available.
Trail running in Chamonix and Courmayeur can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
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- If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
- Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
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Secure your spot for next year with a 10% deposit!This tour gets sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you will be the first one to know about any new upcoming dates. Pick your preferred dates without the risk of your bucket list adventure selling out!
- Only 10% of the total amount should be paid as a deposit upon booking. This deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another 57hours adventure any time in case the dates don’t suit you.
- Once the dates for 2024 are set, you can confirm your booking by the end of this year by paying another 20% of the total amount.
- The final balance is due 3 months (90 days) prior to departure.
- Once the trip has been confirmed, the regular cancellation policy applies.
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.
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- If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to ninety (90) days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, Client is entitled to a full refund minus a $200 fee.
- For cancellations sixty one (61) to ninety (90) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a full refund minus a $500 fee.
- For cancellations thirty-one (31) to sixty (60) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of the tour cost.
- Zero to thirty (30) days in advance, Client is not entitled to any refund.
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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.
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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!
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