Trip duration
4 days
Trip level
Hard
Max people per guide
14 people
Mountain range
Alps
Best period
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Description

This trip around Mont Blanc takes traces of UTMB ® is indeed a mythical race in the world trail calendar (166 km and 9600 meters of altitude change). You will progress in breathtaking landscapes in company of an experienced trail leader. We will cover many topics, for example: recognition of the UTMB ® course, 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).

Dates 2017:
– June 29th to July 2nd
– July 20th to 23rd

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 UTMB race trail training in 7 days.

Itinerary

Day 1	Chamonix – Contamines, Nant Borrant refuge 31km, D +1450/-1650m 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	Contamines - Courmayeur 47km, D +2850/-2810m 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 43,5 km, D +2500/-3730m 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.

Price per person

1 Person	777EUR

Price includes

Guiding fee
Accommodation
All meals during trip
Luggage transfer during the trip

Other details

Meeting point

At Chamonix.

Accommodation

In refuges and lodges.

More info

(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