Trail Running on the Tour du Mont Blanc with Núria Picas – 6-Day Alpine Adventure
5.0
(5)
Join UTMB® legend Núria Picas on an unforgettable 6-day trail running adventure across the iconic Tour du Mont Blanc. Experience the stunning landscapes of the Alps, run the most famous sections of the TMB, and elevate your trail running skills in a small, intimate group of only 7 people. Stay in a cozy chalet and immerse yourself in this once-in-a-lifetime alpine challenge.
Alps
6 Days
Jun - Sep
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Run the best trails of the Mont Blanc massif, guided by UTMB® champion Núria Picas
- Experience alpine landscapes, glaciers, and remote valleys across France, Italy, and Switzerland
- Stay in a cozy chalet in Les Houches with full board and exclusive accommodation for just 7 participants
Description
Are you ready for the ultimate trail running adventure? This 6-day journey takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Alps: the Tour du Mont Blanc, accompanied by none other than Núria Picas, UTMB® winner and one of the most respected names in trail running.
Over six days, you’ll run the most scenic and challenging sections of the TMB, passing through alpine meadows, high mountain passes, and glacial lakes. Whether you're conquering Col du Bonhomme or running across the Grand Col Ferret into Switzerland, each day promises incredible views and a new challenge.
You will be staying in a comfortable chalet in Les Houches, just outside Chamonix, where you'll enjoy full board and unwind after each demanding day of running. Along with daily guided runs, Núria will provide practical workshops, sharing her tips and techniques to help you improve your trail running skills.
This trip is ideal for experienced runners who are looking to take their trail running to the next level while soaking in the alpine beauty of the Mont Blanc massif.
Ready for an unforgettable week in the mountains? Send a request to book your spot today!
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Transport during the trip
Price details
- What's Included:
- Expert guide: Núria Picas, UTMB® champion
- 6 guided trail running stages
- Workshops with Núria Picas to improve technique
- 5 nights of accommodation in a mountain chalet
- Full board: breakfasts, picnic lunches, and dinners
- Private incountry transfers
- Support vehicle and logistical support
- Welcome pack and technical gear advice
- What's Not Included:
- Flights and transfers to Chamonix
- Travel/accident/medical/evacuation insurance
- Tips (optional)
- Anything not listed under "What's Included"
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Les Houches & Prologue Stage
- Arrival at the chalet in Les Houches.
- Easy afternoon run (8 km, +200 m elevation) on the first section of the TMB, the Chamonix–Les Houches trail, to acclimatize to the terrain.
- Accommodation: Chalet
- Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Les Houches – Les Contamines (France)
- A 22.5 km run (+1,400 m elevation) across lush forests and alpine meadows, crossing Col de Voza and descending into Les Contamines.
- Accommodation: Chalet
- Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Les Contamines – Les Chapieux (France)
- A challenging 19 km stage (+1,350 m elevation), climbing Col du Bonhomme and Col de la Croix du Bonhomme.
- Accommodation: Chalet
- Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Courmayeur – La Peule (Italy – Switzerland)
- The queen stage: 27 km (+1,950 m elevation) from Courmayeur, climbing to Rifugio Bonatti and crossing Grand Col Ferret into Switzerland.
- Accommodation: Chalet
- Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Champex-Lac – Vallorcine (Switzerland – France)
- A dynamic 26 km run (+1,700 m elevation) through Swiss lakes and forests, crossing Col de la Forclaz.
- Accommodation: Chalet
- Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Col des Montets – Chamonix (France)
- The final 15 km stage (+800 m elevation) climbing to La Flégère, offering stunning views of Mont Blanc before descending into Chamonix.
- Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch
- End of trip: Check-out after the final stage.
Details
Accommodation
Traditional mountain chalet in Les Houches with shared rooms and cozy common areas.
Full board with homemade meals prepared by a professional chef.
More info
Trip Difficulty Level: Moderate – Suitable for experienced trail runners with the ability to run 20–30 km per day with elevation gains of up to 1,500 meters.
Skill and Fitness Level Required:
- Advanced fitness level required.
- Must be an experienced trail runner, mountain runner, or long-distance runner. Ability to manage prolonged efforts and move safely on technical terrain is essential.
- Ideal for runners who want to challenge themselves on high-alpine terrain and improve their running technique.
Equipment you will need to bring
Required Gear List:
- Trail running vest (with essentials like water, snacks, windbreaker, and rain jacket)
- Trail running shoes, socks, and gloves
- Hydration system (minimum 1L)
- Technical clothing: waterproof jacket, insulated layers, fleece, etc.
- Headlamp, sunscreen, and personal safety items
- Trekking poles (optional)
FAQs
What weather can I expect?
In the Alps, weather can be variable—expect sunny days but also rain. Be prepared with weather-resistant clothing.
Do I need to be an elite runner to participate?
No, but you should be in good physical shape with previous experience in mountain races or trail running.
How many people are in the group?
The group is limited to 7 participants for an intimate and personalized experience.
How many kilometers and elevation gain are involved?
Each day features routes ranging from 20 to 30 km with over 1,500 m of positive elevation gain. This trip is designed for experienced trail runners, with a strong ability to manage long-distance efforts and navigate technical terrain. The pace will be adjusted to suit the group, and logistical support and guidance are provided at all times.
What makes this tour different from other TMB and/or trail running trips?
This tour combines the iconic Tour du Mont Blanc with expert guidance from UTMB® winner Núria Picas, offering a unique blend of professional instruction and breathtaking alpine scenery. While some use this as preparation for the UTMB® race, it’s more about the shared human and alpine adventure of running with a global trail running legend.
What kind of food is provided?
The trip includes full board: breakfast, a picnic lunch for the trail, and a homemade dinner each evening prepared by a professional chef. We can accommodate vegetarian or special diets if requested in advance. Proper nutrition is key to maintaining energy for the challenging days ahead.
How do I get to Les Houches/Chamonix?
The most convenient option is flying into Geneva Airport (GVA), then taking a direct bus to Chamonix, which takes about 2 hours and operates several times a day. For those traveling from Spain, shared cars from Barcelona are also available, providing an affordable and enjoyable group travel option.
What are the routes like each day?
Each day, we tackle a different section of the Tour du Mont Blanc, selecting the most scenic and challenging parts. Although the routes are demanding, there’s the option to shorten the distance if needed, allowing flexibility for all participants.
Are transfers included during the week?
Yes, daily transfers are included. Each morning, a vehicle will take the group to the start of the run and return to the chalet at the end of the day.
What should I carry in my backpack during the runs?
A trail running vest with essentials such as water, snacks, a windbreaker, a rain jacket, a headlamp, and personal safety items is recommended. A detailed packing list will be provided prior to the trip.
About the guide
B4Experience
5.0
(5)
Guiding agency
B4Experience was founded in 2021 by a team of professional mountain guides and outdoor enthusiasts.
Our main director and guide is Jordi Tosas, a UIAGM guide with more than 40 years of experience in expeditions worldwide.
Our entire team will organize the best trip or expedition out of the main commercial routes to discover and enjoy the best mountain destinations.
Skiing in Nepal, Karakorum, Svalbard, or trekking the best mountains in the Alps, Pyrenees, and Africa, but also rock climbing or ice climbing, are some of our proposals.
Languages
Spanish | English | French | Catalan
Certificates
IFMGA
What people are saying about this trip
Iolanda
Awesome week!! The place, the company, and Núria who gives off such great vibes!!!!
Mutiloako
Brutal experience!
Jordi
An incredible experience led by Nuria Picas, who was excellent in her sporting skills and also demonstrated great knowledge of Montblanc.
Hector
100% Recommended! A week-long experience with a group of 15 mountain enthusiasts, led by world-renowned expert Nuria Picas, who stands out not only for her professionalism and talent but also for her warmth and personal touch. She fostered a fantastic atmosphere within the group, making all participants feel included. This activity is highly recommended, both for exploring the Tour du Mont Blanc and for preparing for the UTMB race, as well as for disconnecting for a few days, meeting people with similar interests, and learning from others, which is always incredibly enriching. Special mention must be made of the warm and friendly service from the entire b4experience team, who ensured we had everything we needed so we could focus solely on running and enjoying each day.
Adriana
The best experience of my life. Superbly organized, Núria Picas gets a 10/10, 100% recommended.
You may also like
Find more trail running trips
Join our newsletter!
Stay up-to-date on the best adventures.