Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc: Guided Trail Running Adventure

Our trip begins in the world-famous mountain town of Chamonix, France. With its rich history as a mountaineering destination, Chamonix has attracted adventurers for centuries. It is best known for its breathtaking views of glaciers and peaks, dominated by Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe at 4,810 m (15,777 ft). Ever since the first ascent of Mont Blanc in 1786, climbers and trail runners have been inspired to take on the challenge of this legendary landscape.

We’ll meet our running guide this evening at approximately 6pm at our hotel in the Chamonix Valley. This is a chance to ask any last-minute questions and get a briefing on the exciting days ahead.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Chalet Hôtel le Prieuré, Chamonix

We start the day running through Chamonix, getting a feel for the town’s vibrant energy. This is the starting point of the Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc, and we’ll have a chance to imagine what it’s like to take off with thousands of runners on race day. Our trail follows the Arve River to the village of Les Houches before we climb through forested paths to the Voza Pass, offering stunning views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding glaciers.

From here, we descend towards the spa town of St. Gervais-les-Bains, passing traditional chalets and rustic farms. Our route continues through the valley to the village of Les Contamines at 1,170 m (3,837 ft), where we spend the night. Historically, this village was a key crossroads for Roman trade routes connecting Switzerland and Italy.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Running: 29.9 km (18.7 miles), 7-8 hours
Elevation gain/loss: +1,554 m (+5,097 ft), -1,368 m (-4,487 ft)
Accommodation: Chalet Hôtel La Chemenaz

We begin with a warm-up along a riverside trail before joining an ancient Roman road that once secured trade routes. Passing the stunning Baroque church of Notre Dame de la Gorge, we climb steeply to the refuge at Le Balme. Here, we take a break before tackling the ascent to Col du Bonhomme at 2,439 m (7,999 ft), our first major pass of the trip.

After a short climb to Croix de Bonhomme, we enjoy a well-earned coffee and cake before a long descent through alpine meadows to the remote hamlet of Les Chapieux. Depending on accommodation availability, we may stay in Les Chapieux or transfer off the trail for the night, returning the next day.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Running: 24 km (15 miles), 7.5-8.5 hours
Elevation gain/loss: +1,725 m (+5,658 ft), -1,070 m (-3,509 ft)
Accommodation: Chalet de Roselend, Beaufort or similar

Waking up in a remote valley that is snowbound in winter, we begin the day with a steady climb to Col de la Seigne, crossing into Italy. The ascent is on a wide, gradual trail that efficiently gains elevation. At the top, breathtaking views open up as we descend into Val Veny, where glaciers sparkle in the morning sun and Mont Blanc looms high above.

We push onward with a steep climb to Mont Favre ridge before descending to Col Checrouit and stopping at Rifugio Maison Vieille, known for its warm Italian hospitality. A final descent leads us to Courmayeur, a charming alpine town where we rest for the night. This is also the meeting point for those joining the CCC Ultra Marathon segment.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Running: 23 km (14 miles), 6.5-7.5 hours
Elevation gain/loss: +1,120 m (+3,673 ft), -1,680 m (-5,510 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel Edelweiss, Courmayeur or similar

We leave Courmayeur through narrow streets and historic buildings before climbing steeply through larch forests to Rifugio Bertone. Here, we take in breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc range before traversing a stunning balcony trail to the famous Rifugio Bonatti. Dedicated to legendary mountaineer Walter Bonatti, this refuge is a perfect spot to refuel before we continue through flower-filled alpine meadows.

The trail gradually descends to Arnuva before climbing again to Grand Col Ferret, marking the Swiss border. We take in the wide-open views before making our final descent into the peaceful village of La Fouly, nestled at 1,600 m (5,249 ft), where we spend the night.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Running: 31.6 km (19.7 miles), 8-8.5 hours
Elevation gain/loss: +2,050 m (+6,724 ft), -1,670 m (-5,477 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel Edelweiss, La Fouly or similar

We begin with a gentle run along the valley, surrounded by classic Swiss scenery—wooden chalets, neatly kept gardens, and colorful window boxes. We pass through Praz de Fort, a village known for its historic wooden farmhouses, before starting our main climb of the day to Champex-Lac. The jade-green lake and surrounding mountains make this a picture-perfect lunch spot.

After Champex, we enter dense larch forests, climb through dramatic gorges, and traverse summer pastures home to Swiss fighting cows. Our final descent takes us to Col de la Forclaz at 1,527 m (5,008 ft). Depending on accommodation availability, we may continue for another short descent to Trient for the night.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Running: 30.9 km (19.3 miles), 6.5-7.5 hours
Elevation gain/loss: +1,310 m (+4,296 ft), -1,385 m (-4,542 ft)
Accommodation: Gîte La Casita, Gietroz or similar

Our final day takes us back into France. We begin with a descent to Trient before climbing towards Vallorcine, once home to bears in the Middle Ages. A steady ascent leads us to Col des Montets before tackling the final climb to Tête aux Vents at 2,127 m (6,976 ft), where we are rewarded with sweeping views of the Mont Blanc massif.

From here, it’s a steep descent past the Flegere cable car station, bringing us back to Chamonix where our journey began. Time to celebrate our incredible achievement, rest the mind and body, and maybe recover with a massage (at an additional cost).

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Running: 30.5 km (19 miles), 7.5-8.5 hours
Elevation gain/loss: +1,750 m (+5,740 ft), -2,215 m (-7,265 ft)
Accommodation: Chalet Hôtel le Prieuré, Chamonix

Our mountain adventure comes to an end after breakfast. We’ll say our goodbyes and depart at our convenience. If you’re staying in Chamonix, feel free to ask your guide for recommendations!

Meals: Breakfast