Mont Blanc Ultra Trail running training course

4 days of training and preparation for the famous trail running race taking place in Chamonix around Mt Blanc with Caroline, UIMLA certified mountain leader.

Private and Group

Alps

4 Days

Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Extremely Fit

Advanced

Highlights

An official and full tour of the Mt Blanc ultra trail running race
Personalized advice to prepare better for the race
Comfortable accommodation

Description

This trip around Mont Blanc takes traces of the legendary ultra trail running race in the world trail calendar (168 km and 10000 meters of altitude change). You will progress in breathtaking landscapes in the company of an experienced trail running leader. We will cover many topics, for example: recognition of the path, advice on physical preparation and nutrition, equipment advice, technical improvement…

The opportunity to take care of key aspects of a good physical and mental preparation for this legendary ultra trail. The trip is for runners with ample experience. In addition, you must have already participated in long trails or steps (a race book is required upon registration).

In the ‘extra’ section below, you’ll find information about the required trail running level you need to have and the equipment you’ll need to bring with you.

During these 4 days we will run on average 35km a day and go up from 1500 to 2500 meters. We will mainly be on single tracks and technical trails (stone, névé…). We will partially run off trails and be on aerial paths.

Does this trail running training around Mont Blanc sound interesting? Then please don’t hesitate to contact me! We will have the opportunity to discuss your level.

If this course is not appropriate, we will talk about all the others trips that I organize this year in the Alps and elsewhere, for beginners and experienced trail runners. If you are looking for a longer trip here, I also offer this Ultra Trail race trail training in 7 days.

Price includes

- Guiding fee

- Accommodation included

- Luggage transfer

- Breakfast

- Lunch

- Dinner

Price details

The price does not include the guide´s expenses (accommodation, meals, lift tickets, etc).

Itinerary

Day 1: Chamonix – Nant Borrant

36km, D +1653/-1256m
8AM: Meeting at Chamonix, recovery of travel bags, then equipment check and briefing. The first part of the course is rather rolling on a wide trail to the Houches. After this warm-up, we tackle the first challenge to the Voza pass before descending to the village of Saint Gervais and then Contamines. This first day is a warm-up before tackling the alpine part of the tour. End of the stage at Nant Borrant.

Day 2: Nant Borrant - Courmayeur

43km, D +2762/-3019m
This great stage is the longest of the trip. We cross magnificent and wild landscapes, the opportunity to cross the famous Bonhomme, Seigne and Checrouit passes before descending to Courmayeur, stage city of this physical day. Well deserved rest for everyone! Then end of the stage in the village of Courmayeur.

Day 3: Courmayeur - Champex

45 km, D +2550/-2250m
During the third day, we reach the Swiss part of the tour of Mont Blanc. Quickly, we move on mountain trails to admire the “other side of Mont Blanc”. The Grandes Jorasses and Aiguille de Triolet sit proudly above our heads. We reach the top of the Val Ferret at Arnuva before starting the ascent to the Grand Ferret pass. A long descent through the pastures then leads to Praz de Fort. A last effort and we are in Champex, beautiful little village at the foot of a mountain lake. End of the stage in Champex.

Day 4: Champex - Chamonix

44 km, D +2476/-2907m
Last step of our journey, we find the French border after crossing the Bovine pass and we descend through the forest to the village of Trient. Two passes more to cross, Catogne and La Tête au Vent, and the Chamonix valley is not far off. The circle is complete! End of stay in Chamonix at 6PM, baggage retrieval and closing cocktail.

Details

Accommodation

In a lodge the first night (dormitories), then 2 nights in hotel (shared room with private bathroom). If you want to arrange accommodation for the night before day 1 in Chamonix, it is also possible.

More info

For group tours 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 4 jours)

Group size: 9 to 14 people.

Level: - Regular practice of running and other endurance activities 4-5 times per week for at least 1:15h - Regular practice of foot race in varied terrain - Regular practice of mountain hiking - Experience and participation in trails in the mountains of at least 40km and 2000m of positive vertical drop and be able to progress at a minimum speed of 800m positive vertical drop / hr for 1 hour, - In racing recognition: being able to keep the barriers official schedules of the race on the duration of the course, the course is usually done in several days. (2-4 days depending on the relevant races) - Mountain environment knowledge required

The equipment :

During the day : a light backpack with a waterproof jacket, a long sleeve warm fleece type, 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, a towel, 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

At Chamonix.

About the guide

Caroline

4.92

(12)

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

What people are saying about this trip

James Jirn

4.00

August, 2019

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.