This women-only version of our CCC trail running tour follows the same route from Courmayeur, through Champex, to Chamonix, with a small group of like-minded women who love running in the mountains. Over four running days, we cover 18-29 km (11-18 mi) a day with 1,000-1,900 m (3,300-6,200 ft) of climbing, mixing steady running with fast hiking on the steep sections. An International Mountain Leader who is also an experienced trail runner leads the group. We stay in cozy mountain hotels with spas along the way, enjoy breakfast and dinner every day, and our luggage is transferred ahead.
Arrive in Courmayeur, the Italian mountain town at the foot of Mont Blanc’s south face, which is where we’ll all meet. Our guide, an International Mountain Leader and experienced trail runner, meets the group at the hotel around 6 pm for a briefing on the route, the kit, and the days ahead. Afterward, we head out for dinner together in Courmayeur. It’s a relaxed first evening to get to know each other before the running starts.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Walser, Courmayeur
We set off from Courmayeur and climb through larch forest onto the trail high above the Italian Val Ferret. The route traverses the mountainside past several small summits, with views across to the Mont Blanc massif, before reaching Rifugio Bonatti. From here, we descend to the Arnuva chalet at the head of the Val Ferret, where the day’s running ends. We spend the night either in Arnuva or back in Courmayeur.
Running: 26.6 km (16.5 mi), 5-6 hours (run/walk)
Elevation: +1,881 m (+6,171 ft) / -1,330 m (-4,364 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Walser, Courmayeur, or a hotel in Arnuva
Today we climb to the Grand Col Ferret (2,537 m / 8,323 ft), the highest point of the trip and the border between Italy and Switzerland. A long descent brings us down to La Fouly (1,600 m / 5,249 ft), a small village with a shop and café, which is a good place to refuel. From there, we follow the valley to Praz de Fort before the final climb through pine forest to Champex, a lakeside village where we spend the night.
Running: 28.1 km (17.5 mi), 5-5.5 hours (run/walk)
Elevation: +1,390 m (+4,560 ft) / -1,690 m (-5,545 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Au Vieux Champex, Champex-Lac
Leaving Champex, we climb through forest and pastures to the Alpage Bovine, where we stop for refreshments before descending to the Col de la Forclaz (1,527 m / 5,010 ft). Another climb takes us past Les Tseppes, with views over the Trient Glacier, and back across the border into France. We run down through the forest to Vallorcine, then take on a short climb to Le Buet, where we catch the train to Argentière.
Running: 28.6 km (17.8 mi), 5.5-6.5 hours (run/walk)
Elevation: +1,820 m (+5,971 ft) / -1,960 m (-6,430 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Hôtel Le Jeu de Paume, Lavancher
We take the train back to the Vallorcine valley and climb to the Col des Montets (1,461 m / 4,793 ft), then continue to the Tête aux Vents (2,127 m / 6,978 ft), the last official high point of the CCC. If your legs are up for it, an optional extra climb of about 220 m (722 ft) leads to Lac Blanc or Lac de Cheserys. From here, we descend through pine forest into Chamonix for a well-earned evening in the hotel spa.
Running: 18.4 km (11.4 mi), 4.5-5 hours (run/walk)
Elevation: +1,062 m (+3,484 ft) / -1,304 m (-4,278 ft), plus an optional +220 m (+722 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Heliopic Hotel & Spa, Chamonix
After breakfast, our time on the CCC comes to an end. If you’d like to stay longer in Chamonix, extra nights and airport transfers can be arranged on request.
Meals: Breakfast
Included:
Add-ons:
Not included:
To join this CCC trail running tour, excellent fitness and experience running on mountain trails are required. You’ll be running for 4 days in a row, spending 4.5-6.5 hours on the trail each day. The most you’ll run within a day is 28.6 km (17.8 mi), and the biggest climb is 1,881 m (6,171 ft) of elevation gain. Check out the itinerary for day-by-day distances and elevation changes.
The pace is steady rather than racing. We run the flatter and downhill sections and switch to fast hiking on the steep climbs. Your luggage is transferred every day, so you’ll only carry a light running vest. Keep in mind that the weather in the mountains can change quickly, and snow is possible on the high passes even in midsummer.
Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more Chamonix adventures here our check out our collection of trail running trips in Europe.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Here’s a list of clothes you need to bring:
You must be able to cover your upper body with 3 full layers and your legs with 2 full layers. Temperatures usually range from 15-25°C (59-77°F) in the valleys to 5-15°C (41-59°F) on the passes.
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Yes. Your luggage is collected from your hotel every morning at 8 am and delivered by 5:30 pm. Each runner can bring 1 bag of up to 15 kg (33 lb). Overweight bags won’t be collected, and bags that aren’t ready on time won’t be moved. Soft bags are best, and since some hotels don’t have elevators, you should be able to carry your bag up the stairs.
Group sizes and age requirements:
Min. age requirements
The price for this CCC trail running tour is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. Single rooms are limited, so it’s best to request one early. You can add it to your booking at checkout.
Solo travelers are welcome—they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.
The starting point of your CCC trail running tour is Courmayeur, Italy, and the tour finishes in Chamonix, France. Most people fly into Geneva Airport (GVA), Milan Malpensa (MXP), or Turin Airport (TRN).
Please note that the Mont Blanc Tunnel closes for maintenance from September to December. If you’re joining the September departure, plan your trip to Courmayeur via the Aosta Valley.
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’ll meet your guide at around 6 pm on Day 1 at your hotel in Courmayeur.
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, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors 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.