Chamonix Trail Running Camp: Alpine Trails & Pro Coaching

Today, you arrive in the world-famous alpine town of Chamonix, France. In recent years, Chamonix has become a key destination on the world trail running circuit, hosting major events like the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc. This evening, our running guide will meet us at the hotel for dinner at around 6pm to discuss the week ahead and answer any questions. 

If you’d like to book a massage during your stay for an additional fee, it’s best you arrange this as soon as you arrive, as the hotel can organize treatments throughout the week.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: 4-star Hotel Le Refuge des Aiglons or similar

In the morning, we start with a discussion on trail running gear and clothing before heading out for a warm-up run right from the hotel. We run the Chamonix 10 km trail race course, a local favorite that offers a bit of everything—wide-open trails winding through the valley floor and shady woodlands along the River Arve. This is the perfect acclimatization run, helping us get oriented while enjoying panoramic views.

In the afternoon, we join Chamonix’s top physiotherapist, Neil Maclean-Martin, for a practical “prehab” session. The RUN FIT balance, core, and strength session is designed to be done anywhere, making it the perfect cross-training for busy runners. Using drills and strength exercises, we focus on staying injury-free on the trails and in training. Then, we return to the hotel to enjoy the pool and spa.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Running: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Elevation: +350 m (+1,148 ft), -350 m (-1,148 ft)
Accommodation: 4-star Hotel Le Refuge des Aiglons or similar

Today, we are joined by Rebecca Dent, an expert in Nutrition for Runners. Whether we have a race coming up, a new training plan, or simply want to improve our performance, Rebecca will provide clear, practical advice on fueling for trail running. We’ll cover key topics such as common nutrition mistakes, hydration strategies, sweat rates, sodium needs, and the balance between real foods and sports products. This is a great opportunity to learn how to optimize our nutrition for both training and race day.

Our run begins with a scenic train ride towards the Swiss-French border on the Mont Blanc Express. We start at Montroc and follow the Chemin des Diligences. We’ll see cows producing milk for local cheese on alpine pastures. We gain elevation using lightweight running poles to reach Col des Possettes (1,997 m / 6,551 ft). After a coffee stop, we continue to Aiguillette des Possettes (2,201 m / 7,221 ft), where we enjoy panoramic views and a high-altitude picnic. From here, we have a fun descent down to the valley floor and the village of Le Tour. There is an optional cable car descent for those who want to shorten the run.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Running: 10-15 km (6.2-9.3 miles)
Elevation: +940 m (+3,083 ft), -900 m (-2,952 ft)
Accommodation: 4-star Hotel Le Refuge des Aiglons or similar

We start the day with an introduction to trail route planning and mapping. Learning how to navigate the mountains with confidence is an essential skill for trail runners. After our session, we take a short transfer to the start of today’s run—a must-do trail to the summit of Aiguillette des Houches. This peak offers some of the best views of the Mont Blanc Massif.

We begin in the charming hamlet of Le Bettey, passing ancient houses before heading through pine and spruce forests. As we ascend, we reach the Chalets de Challioux and breathtaking glacier views. We continue up towards Aiguillette des Houches (2,285 m / 7,494 ft), a stunning picnic spot. From here, we follow an undulating ridgeline to the Refuge Bellachat (2,152 m / 7,058 ft) for stunning views of the three “Monts”: Mont Blanc du Tacul, Mont Maudit, and Mont Blanc. We descend through the Plan de la Cry chalets before returning to Le Bettey.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Running: 13 km (8 miles)
Elevation: +958 m (+3,143 ft), -959 m (-3,146 ft)
Accommodation: 4-star Hotel Le Refuge des Aiglons or similar

Today, we take on the Vertical Kilometer (VK)—a legendary climb in Chamonix. We start from the hotel and tackle the steady ascent, pacing ourselves and stopping for lunch at the summit with breathtaking views. From here, we traverse the Grand Balcon Sud, a section of the Mont Blanc Marathon, practicing climbing and descending on varied terrain. We continue to La Flégère, where we begin our descent, then stop at Chalet La Floria, a summer-only mountain hut serving coffee and crêpes.

In the evening, we recover with a yoga-inspired deep stretch session, led by trail runner and personal trainer Steph Lightfoot. This hour-long session is designed specifically for runners, focusing on deep stretches that target common muscle imbalances and help prevent injuries.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Running: 16 km (10 miles), shorter options available with cable car descents
Elevation: +1,150 m (+3,772 ft), -1,270 m (-4,166 ft)
Accommodation: 4-star Hotel Le Refuge des Aiglons or similar

We begin with a practical navigation session and introduction to basic compass work. We then put it into action on a professional orienteering course in Chamonix Les Bois. Learning how to read maps and use a compass builds confidence for future trail runs. After a coffee break, we head towards Argentière, running along scenic balcony trails with incredible views of the Mont Blanc Massif. Passing through the sleepy village of Les Lavancher, we tackle some short climbs, practicing uphill techniques to improve strength and form.

We’ll have lunch (not included) in Argentière, and we can choose to return by train or trail. In the afternoon, ultra-runner and mental strength coach Inez Elpers leads a talk on longevity in running. We explore ways to balance training, avoid burnout, and stay focused on personal progress rather than comparison, ensuring we continue running strong for years to come.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Running: 10-19 km (6.2-11.8 miles)
Elevation: +350 m (+1,148 ft), -400 m (-1,312 ft)
Accommodation: 4-star Hotel Le Refuge des Aiglons or similar

Today, we explore two of Chamonix’s most famous glaciers: Glacier des Bossons and Mer de Glace. We begin our ascent through pine forests, following steady trails to Refuge Plan de l’Aiguille (2,200 m / 7,216 ft). As we gain height, we see the icy towers of the glacier up close. After a break at the refuge, we traverse the Grand Balcon Nord, a stunning balcony trail beneath towering rock spires.

Reaching Signal Forbes (2,198 m / 7,209 ft), we enjoy breathtaking views of the Drus and Mer de Glace. From here, we descend to the Montenvers train station, where we can take the train back or continue on foot via a beautiful 870 m (2,853 ft) switchback trail through the forest. This final run is a perfect way to finish an incredible week in the Alps.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Running: 10-20 km (6.2-12.5 miles), shorter options available with cable car or train
Elevation: +1,300 m (+4,264 ft), -1,420 m (-4,657 ft)
Accommodation: 4-star Hotel Le Refuge des Aiglons or similar

After a final breakfast at the hotel, it’s time to say goodbye to Chamonix. We reflect on an unforgettable week of trail running, breathtaking scenery, and shared experiences in the Alps. Safe travels, and see you on the trails again soon!

Meals: Breakfast