6-day Mont Blanc alpine running tour
6 days of ultra trail running to train for the famous race taking place in Chamonix, around Mt Blanc. Be coached by Caroline, certified UIMLA mountain leader and trail running expert.
Group
Alps
6 Days
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
Fit
Intermediate
Description
This ultra trail running course around Mont Blanc takes up traces of the legendary event in the world calendar of trail running in Chamonix.
We’ll move along the breathtaking sceneries. In fact, it’s the opportunity to get into the key aspects of a good physical and mental preparation in this legendary trail. Or it can simply be to discover this mythical and sportive tour.
Beyond the sporting aspect, this trip allows us to discover the magnificent sceneries of the Mont Blanc massif. Indeed, we get to experience the culture through 3 countries: France, Italy and Switzerland.
This course is also an opportunity to discuss the essential aspects of a good physical and mental preparation: training, nutrition, equipment, techniques…
This course is unique because:
– It has a high level of trail coaching;
– It’s a legendary trail with incredible sceneries;
– Stages are accessible and balanced to take the time to discover and enjoy the itinerary.
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 20-35km a day and go up from 1000 to 2000 meters. We will mainly be on single tracks and varied terrain. We will partially be on aerial paths.
Did you find this trip interesting? Then I invite you to contact me for more information! I will be happy to guide you on these paths and coach you throughout these 6 days. If you are looking for something different, we’ll have the opportunity to discuss together other courses. I have many options in the Alps and surroundings, for all levels. For example, you might enjoy some intense Trail running training in Annecy.
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Accommodation included
- Transport during the trip
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Price details
Price per person to join a group up to 12 clients. The price does not include the guide´s expenses (accommodation, meals, lift tickets, etc). Contact me for a private group.
Itinerary
Day 1: Chamonix – Les Contamines, Nant Borrant
36 km, altitude change: +1700m / -1410m, 7 to 8 hours of race trail.
We will meet at 8AM in Chamonix. We talk about some instructions regarding the trip, the day’s stage and the safety instructions. Then the day begins with a “warm-up” to the Nant Borrant refuge, with the ascent of the Voza Pass and the roman road. Arrival to the refuge at the foot of the Bonhomme pass in an enchanting place with a warm welcome. Night at the lodge.
Day 2: Les Contamines – Courmayeur
35 km, altitude change: +2300m / -1770m, 9 to 10 hours of race trail.
The second day we’ll ascend to the Bonhomme Pass, crossing the Croix du Bonhomme and the Fours Pass, before descending to the city of Glaciers. We’ll reach the Seigne Pass entering to Italy and descending to the Combal lake and the Veny valley before arriving to the lodge (room for 4 people).
Day 3: Courmayeur - Arnuva
32,5 km, altitude change: +2120m / -2000m, 9 to 10 hours of race trail.
In the morning of the third day, we’ll do the ascent to the Chécruit pass, then descend to Courmayeur and have a well deserved break. Then we’ll go up to the Bertone refuge at the entrance of the Italian Val Ferret. Afterwards, we’ll take a beautiful balcony trail that offers an incredible view of the south face of Mont Blanc. Descent to Arnuva, end of this third stage. Transfer to a hotel for the night.
Day 4: Arnuva - Champex
28 km, altitude change: +1400m / -1700m, 5 to 6 hours of race trail.
The program of this day consists of the ascent of the Grand Ferret Pass, in the border between Italy and Switzerland. We’ll cross through the Fouly before arriving to a beautiful green area and the Champex lake. Then we will have the opportunity to taste a good blueberry pie at Leon, an institution among local trailers! Night in a refuge.
Day 5: Champex - Montroc
25 km, altitude change: +1600m / -1800m, 5 to 6 hours of race trail.
We’ll start the sixth day with the climb to the Bovine pass. A balcony path offers a wonderful view of the entire Valais, that allow us to reach the Forclaz pass and then the little town of Trient, at the foot of the glacier with the same name. We will have to save energy for the ascent to the Balme pass because it’s demanding but incredible with its magnificent sceneries. Fortunately, a good rest and good meal await us in Benoit house at Montroc.
Day 6: Montroc – Chamonix
18 km, altitude change: +1000m / -1170m, 3 to 4 hours of race trail.
Last day of our trip, with the climbing of Montets Pass without difficulty. Things become more serious with the ascent of la Tête aux Vents, in the heart of the Aiguille Rouges massif. Then the traverse to the Flégère offers an incredible view of the northern slope of the Mont Blanc massif (Aiguille Verte, Drus, Mer de Glace, Aiguilles, Mont Blanc…). Finally we end our trip with a final quite technical descent to Chamonix.
Details
Accommodation In mountain lodges (dormitories) and 1 night in a hotel (double or triple room). |
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. (Tour du Mont Blanc 6 jours) Group size: 7 to 12 people. Advanced level: - Regular practice of running and other endurance sports : 3-4 times a week for at least 1:15h - Regular practice of running in varied terrain, experience & participation in races or nature trails 20 to 40km - Occasional practice of mountain hiking - Be able to progress at a minimum speed of 600m D + / hr for 1 hour - Mountain environment Knowledge 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: a silk sheet, spare clothes for 6 days, a towel, 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 At Chamonix Mont Blanc, at the train station at 9am.
Access:
- By car: A40 direction Genève, Chamonix Mont Blanc.
- By train: SNCF station Chamonix Mont Blanc |
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.
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