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

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

- Accommodation included

- Guiding fee

- Breakfast

- Lunch

- Dinner

- Luggage transfer

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

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

Caroline

4.80

(5)

Mountain Leader

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.

Languages

French | English

Certificates

UIMLA

Request more information

What people are saying about Caroline

James

4.00

Great experience, but definitely favored toward elite runners. One of our guides, JC, was amazing. He cared about every runner. The other guide seemed only to care for the elites (and himself). On top of Col des Montets, I asked if we had time to put on warm layers. The guide said "of course," but then quickly proceeded to run off with the entire group while I stood bare and freezing with my gear unpacked. Total lack of consideration for the well-being of his runners. Otherwise a great tour.

Iv�n

5.00

Ha sido una experiencia inolvidable. El lugar es impresionante y el grupo de personas con el que compartí la semana eran majísimas. Los alojamientos y la comida han estado muy bien. La guía Carol excepcional. Muy simpática, atenta y con extensos conocimientos sobre la actividad a realizar y la zona. Totalmente recomendable. En cuanto pueda repetiré.

Kurt

5.00

Great trip. Good balanced program, valuable tips from experienced guide and breathtaking environment.

Christopher

5.00

Well organized tour of the TDS course. Amazing views await even if you’re not planning to run the race

Andrew

5.00

Awesome and very well organised