Run the iconic CCC trail from Courmayeur to Chamonix, an unforgettable journey through Italy, Switzerland, and France on foot! Over five days, we’ll cover Alpine valleys, forested climbs, high passes, and sweeping ridge trails, all with Mont Blanc as our backdrop. Each day brings a new stretch of trail and a new place to stay, with luggage transfers taken care of so we can run light and free. We’ll enjoy comfortable accommodation in locally run hotels and lodges, hearty breakfasts and dinners, and the support of an experienced mountain guide throughout. If you’re a trail runner who’s after more than just miles, welcome to your new favorite adventure.
Welcome to Courmayeur! We meet at 6pm at your hotel in this charming Italian mountain town. Your running guide will be there to answer any questions, get everyone dialed in, and brief you on what’s coming up. Get ready—this adventure kicks off tomorrow!
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Edelweiss, Courmayeur
We start with a warm-up through the old Roman streets of Courmayeur, then climb through peaceful hamlets and shady larch forests to Rifugio Bertone. From here, the trail carves around the mountainside with epic views of the Mont Blanc range. We pass the legendary Rifugio Bonatti before cruising through wildflower meadows to Arnuva. Then it’s a steady climb to Grand Col Ferret—hello, Switzerland! A smooth, scenic descent leads us into La Fouly, a postcard-perfect alpine village where we rest up for the night.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Trail running: 31.6 km (19.7 miles), 8.5 hours
Elevation: +2,050 m (6,724 ft), -1,670 m (5,477 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel Edelweiss, La Fouly
A mellow morning as we cruise down the Swiss valley, with neat little chalets, flower-filled balconies, and riverside trails. We pass through the village of Praz de Fort—don’t be surprised if we pause for coffee! Then it’s time to climb again, up to Champex with its stunning jade-green lake. After a short break, we head into forests and alpine pastures where Swiss fighting cows spend their summers. We finish with a smooth descent to Col de la Forclaz and on to Trient, a quiet village where we’ll call it a night.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Trail running: 30.9 km (19.3 miles), 7.5 hours
Elevation: +1,310 m (4,296 ft), -1,585 m (5,202 ft)
Accommodation: Gîte La Casita, Giétroz
Final stretch! We kick things off with a solid forest climb to Les Tseppes and big glacier views, then cross the border back into France. From Catogne, we drop into Vallorcine, once known for paying taxes in bear meat! After a short climb to Col des Montets, we tackle the last big ascent to Têtes aux Vents. The Mont Blanc views from up here are unreal. One last descent takes us past La Flégère and into the woods. We roll into Chamonix like heroes. Time to celebrate, we did it!
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Trail running: 30.5 km (19 miles), 8.5 hours
Elevation: +1,750 m (5,740 ft), -2,215 m (7,265 ft)
Accommodation: Chalet Hôtel le Prieuré, Chamonix
Time to say goodbye. After breakfast, our adventure officially wraps up. We’ll head home and soak in everything we just accomplished.
Meals: Breakfast
Included:
Not included:
This CCC Trail running adventure requires high fitness levels and mountain trail running experience. You should be comfortable running long distances on a variety of mountain trails and conditions.
You’ll cover 30.5-31.6 km (19-19.7 mi) per day. Expect to be on the trail for 6.5 to 8.5 hours daily, with up to 2,050 m (6,724 ft) of ascent and 2,215 m (7,265 ft) of descent in a single day.
The trails will be mostly good paths and tracks, but may include narrower paths and steep uphill and downhill sections.
To fully enjoy this experience, you should have prior experience running long distances in mountainous terrain and be prepared for consecutive days of sustained effort.
For more adventures in Chamonix, click here!
Essential equipment
Clothing
You must be able to cover yourself with 3 full layers on your upper body and 2 full layers on your legs.
Comfort & extras
Sheet sleeping bag liner (for refuge/hut accommodation) — can be rented, contact us prior to booking if interested
Documentation
Personal First Aid
Additional items
Your luggage will be moved each day by a taxi driver. The maximum weight limit is 15 kg (33lbs) per person. Please note that your luggage will not be collected if it exceeds this limit. You can only take one luggage bag on the trip. Keep in mind that you must be able to carry your luggage upstairs, as not all accommodations have elevators.
If you follow a gluten-free or celiac diet, please bring supplementary snacks.
Group sizes and pricing
A CCC Trail running adventure can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
The starting point of your CCC Trail running adventure is Courmayeur, Italy.T o get there, most people fly into Geneva Airport (GVA).
Once you arrive, there are several ways to reach your destination, including public transport. Looking to make airport transfers hassle-free? Check out Mountain Drop Offs—they provide door-to-door service in their comfy and spacious shuttles. Use the code 57HCHX to get a 5% discount!
You will meet your guide at around 6pm on Day 1 at your hotel in Chamonix.
Activity, injury, and mountain rescue insurance is mandatory, while travel insurance is highly recommended. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!