Trail running Haute Route des Geants
3 days in the beautiful Valley of Aosta, partially on the trail of the famous Tor des Geants race, with Caroline, UIMLA certified mountain leader.
Group
Alps
3 Days
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
Fit
Intermediate
Description
This 3-day trail on the Haute Route des Geants takes over the first part of the mythical Tor des Geants path (330 km and 24000 meters of altitude change). Indeed, it's the longest endurance test mountain trail.
From the Courmayeur station at the foot of Mont Blanc until Cogne at the Gran Paradiso National Park you will thrive in magnificent landscapes of the high mountains through passes and valleys in the company of Jules-Henri, 2011 winner of Tor des Geants.
Enjoy exploring this region and the exceptional nature which composes it!
The advantages of this trail course are the following:
– The presence of Jules-Henri, team SALOMON athlete
– Part of the legendary route of Tor des Géants with one of its winners
– The discovery of the Val d’Aoste with the Grand Paradis National Park
– Professional advice to improve while having fun
– Perfectly organized logistics: transfer, luggage transport, accommodation and meals
– Running with a light bag
Our housing will be in cottages and hotels (accommodation in dormitories and shared rooms).
In the ‘extra’ section below, you’ll find information about the required trail running level you need to have. You will also see the equipment that you need to bring with you.
During these 3 days we will run on average 15-20km a day and go up from 1000 to 1500 meters. We will alternate between single tracks and large paths.
Do you find this 3-day trail course in Italy interesting? Then please contact me! We will discuss your level and the detailed program. Please note that I can not mix people for this course. But if you want to try it, you can come as a private group, with a minimum of 5 people!
If this tour does not suit you, I will present you other trail programs which I organize this year, in the Alps and elsewhere, for beginners and experienced trail runners, like this Trail running trip in Gran Paradiso. It will be a pleasure for me to take you through these beautiful mountain paths and coach you in your approach to trail.
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Accommodation included
- Luggage transfer
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Price details
Price per person to join a group up to 12 clients.
Itinerary
Day 1: Courmayeur - La Thuile
17km, D+ 1364m, D- 1113m, around 4-5 hiking hours
9:30AM: meet in front of the Chamonix train station, then minibus transfer to Courmayeur (30 min). We start with the shortest stage but with amazing views of Mont Blanc and the Grandes Jorasses which we will find during the first ascent in the wild Arp pass (2571 m). A nice descent to the small valley of Youlaz before following a small path that leads us to La Thuile station. Dinner and overnight at cottage or hotel.
Day 2: La Thuile - Planaval
26km, D+ 2200m, D- 2280m, around 7-8 hiking hours
The second day will start with the beautiful ascent to the Deffayes refuge, where we will admire beautiful waterfalls! The refuge stands before the Rutor, and glaciers are near, a sign that we are reaching the high mountain. The next effort takes us to the Passo Alto (2857 m) in a rocky landscape. A beautiful descent follows. The field is technical but it is a splendid scene. The ascent to the Crosatie pass (2838 m) is made of many pins and the arrival at the pass is carved in stone. Finally, a beautiful descent takes us to the small village Planaval. Dinner and overnight in a hotel.
Day 3: Planaval - Eaux Rousses
26km, D+ 2675m, D- 2493m, around 9-10 hiking hours
We start the day with a gentle ascent to the village of Valgrisenche through alpine meadows, stone paths and larch forests. From the refuge, we follow the path of the Alta Via, and the Fenêtre pass (2840 m) marks the passage from one valley to the next. Then we will reach the Entrelor pass (3007 m), which marks our arrival to the Gran Paradiso National Park! The ibex and vultures observe us and after a nice descent we reach Eaux-Rousses, the end of our day! Dinner and overnight in dormitory.
Day 4: Eaux Rousses - Cogne
23km, D+ 1642m, D- 1765m, around 6-7 hiking hours
For the grand finale, we will borrow the “Géant du Tor”, the Loson pass (3296 m). This stage at the heart of the Gran Paradiso National Park follows the hunting trails of King Victor-Emmanuel II. After the forest, we reach the rocky world up there! The pass is set between two mountains and the blue rock renders the place magnificent… Sublime! It is now time to descend towards the crested Cogne station. Finally, return to Chamonix by bus in the end of the afternoon.
Details
Accommodation In cottages and hotels |
More info A minimum number of participants (defined in advance) is required for the departure to take place. If the number of participants is insufficient and the departure is cancelled, clients will be informed via a phone call at least a week prior to the scheduled departure date and will receive a complete refund. Clients are required to have a multi-risk insurance, covering cancellation fees, rescue and accident, repatriation and baggage loss or theft. (La Haute Route des Géants - Italie) Initiation level: - Regular practice of running 3 times per week for 1-1:30hs - Occasional running practice in varied terrain or regular practice of mountain hiking Equipment: - During the day: a light backpack with a waterproof jacket, a long sleeve warm fleece type, a survival blanket, a whistle, an individual pharmacy kit*, a cap or headband, a hat and thin gloves, sunglasses suitable for running, long tights if you are wearing shorts to run, cereal bars and energy drinks, a plastic bag for waste, biodegradable toilet paper, a headlamp, a minimum reserve water of 1.5L, an elastic strapping strip and some cash - To wear: running short, a short-sleeved t-shirt, running socks and already worn trail shoes - For the whole stay: spare clothes for 4 days, a personal hygiene kit, spare shoes, a spare water socket, spare batteries for the headlamp, a pair of spare laces, a pocketknife and earplugs - Recommended additional equipment: poles and camera * Individual pharmacy kit: anti-friction cream, sunscreen, double skin dressings, elastic band, paracetamol, anti-diarrheal, antiseptic and personal drugs |
Meeting point We will meet in front of the Chamonix train station. |
About the guide
I hold the State Certificate of Mountain Leader (UIMLA), Athlete of Team Garmin Adventure. I won many trail competitions such as Oxygen Challenge, The Glaciers Tour of Vanoise, Albertville Trail, Drayes Blanches of Vercors, the Frison Roche Beaufort, Run and skate of Chamonix… I have also some racing podiums such as the Saintélyon, the Lyon Urban Trail, the Causses Marathon, the Allobroges. I am an ex-sportswoman of high level in rowing (World Championships, World Cups, France Championships). I have a mastery STAPS (Sport) and BEES First degree in rowing.
I organise and supervise many trail courses in the Alps with a pro team, a friends group with whom we have a mission: Run and enjoy! I invite you to contact me if you want to train and/or discover these incredible massifs.
What people are saying about Caroline Freslon
You may also like
Join our newsletter!
Stay up-to-date on the best adventures.