Date(s) Jul, 2024
Number of people
In case you would like to ensure a room to yourself, and not share it with anybody, there is a possibility of a single supplement for an additional fee of $350.
Chamonix and its crisp Alpine air are very inviting, especially in the summer—something you’ll feel as soon as you set foot in the valley for your all-women trail running adventure. Over the course of 6 days, you’ll run some of the most scenic paths near the highest mountain in Europe along with the decorated runner Meg Mackenzie and fellow enthusiastic women runners. Following invigorating runs, you’ll have enough time to wander the quaint town on your own, taste a tarte aux myrtilles, or unwind in a deluxe spa. You’ll also have a chance to talk with notable women athletes from the Chamonix valley, such as—although not yet confirmed—Stephanie Case, Hadley Hammer, Fernanda Macier, and Marion Hearty.
You’ll get picked up from the Geneva Airport and transferred to Chamonix. In the late afternoon, there’s the option of a casual group run of 6.8 km with 360 m of vertical, to the colorful Chalet Floria, perched along the Petit Balcon Sud with a view of the Chamonix valley.
Hiking: 6.8 km (4 miles) Elevation: 360 m (1,181 ft) ascent and descent Meals: Dinner Accommodation: Hôtel Le Refuge des Aiglons
Today you’re exploring the world of trail running on the striking Posettes mountain above Le Tour, high above Chamonix valley and just a stone’s throw away from the Swiss border. Afterwards, you’ll stop at Big Mountain Brewery in Chamonix, where you’ll be joined by a special guest.
Hiking: 15.5 km (9.6 miles) Elevation: +1,395 m (+4,580 ft) / -1,407 m (-4,260 ft) Meals: Breakfast, trail snacks, and dinner Accommodation: Hôtel Le Refuge des Aiglons
After a hearty breakfast, ride through the 11.7-km long Mont Blanc tunnel and cross the border to the historic town of Courmayeur, Italy. After settling into your hotel, take a shared shuttle to the end of the spectacular Val Ferret with the glaciers of Mont Blanc on the left. At Arnuva, not far from the Swiss border, you’ll run a high balcony section of the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc course, back to Courmayeur.
Hiking: 18 km (11 miles) Elevation: +598 m (+1,960 ft) / -1,180 m (-3,870 ft) Meals: Breakfast, trail snacks, and dinner Accommodation: Hotel Walser or similar
Once you’ve had a buffet breakfast of delicious pastries at the Hotel Bouton d’Or, you’ll shuttle back to Chamonix. Hike up to the Montenvers Hotel at the side of the famous Mer de Glace glacier. From there, run the alpine Balcon Nord to Refuge Plan de l’Aiguille, perched high above Chamonix. The refuge also has the best tart in the valley, so be sure to try it out! Dinner tonight will be on your own, giving you the chance to explore Chamonix—ask your guides for recommendations.
Hiking: 9.5 km (6 miles) Elevation: 760 m (2,490 ft) ascending and descending Meals: Breakfast and trail snacks Accommodation: Hôtel Le Refuge des Aiglons
After breakfast, climb out of Chamonix until you reach the awe-inspiring Vertical Kilometer. Take it one step at the time, learn how to move over steep terrain and use wire cables. Switch your way back up the “VK” racecourse from the Mont Blanc Marathon series of races. There’s even an option to go higher, all the way to the top of Le Brévent, high above town. Use the afternoon to treat yourself with a trip to QC Terme, a deluxe spa in Chamonix. After that, wrap up the trip with a memorable final dinner in town.
Hiking: 3.8 km (2.4 miles) Elevation: +980 m (+3,215 ft) Meals: Breakfast, trail snacks, and dinner Accommodation: Hôtel Le Refuge des Aiglons
Say your goodbyes to Chamonix, your team, and your guides. If you’ve booked a flight, a shuttle will take you to Geneva. If not, feel free to stay in the area and explore it on your own—just ask your guides for recommendations.
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!
