Trail Running Weekend in Chamonix

Trip

Chamonix and Mont Blanc offer one of the most beautiful playgrounds for trail running. We will run on the challenging trails of the valley, surrounded by spectacular peaks and majestic glaciers.

On the agenda: discovering the legendary Mer de Glace, the Aiguilles de Chamonix, the splendid Lac Blanc, the Aiguillette des Houches, and the Vallon d'Émosson. Each day will be an opportunity to progress, immerse yourself in the mountains, and enjoy breathtaking panoramas.
The Chamonix trails are technical and require a good level of experience in mountain trail running. It is also important to be comfortable with heights and to stay focused: this will make the adventure all the more exciting!

Accommodation will be in a refuge in the valley at the foot of Mont Blanc, our base camp for the trip. In the evening, you can enjoy the unique atmosphere of Chamonix, the world capital of mountaineering, before setting off again to explore its wonders the next day. The Mont Blanc massif promises unforgettable landscapes, with just the right amount of challenge.

Esprit Montagne also offers a trail running course between France and Italy, at the Col du Petit Saint-Bernard, on the southern slope of Mont Blanc.
 

Program

2-DAY TRAIL TRAINING PROGRAM IN CHAMONIX

The program presented is indicative only, as it will depend on snow conditions, the period chosen—from spring to late summer—and the weather. The guide will adapt each day by choosing the safest routes best suited to the group's level. Thanks to their knowledge of the terrain, they will be able to suggest the best routes to ensure enjoyment, safety, and beautiful discoveries in the mountains.

DAY 1
AIGUILLETTE DES HOUCHES - COL DE BELLACHAT

Running time and breaks: 7 to 8 hours of walking and technical training
Elevation gain and distance:  +1350 m and -1350 m; approximately 17 km

We will begin our ascent from Chamonix, with the aim of gaining both altitude and intensity. The Bossons and Taconnaz glaciers will reveal themselves before our eyes, dominated by the impressive north face of Mont Blanc. As we progress, we will move from forest trails to rocky landscapes, adapting our pace to the varied terrain. One thing is certain: the views will remain magnificent from start to finish on this extraordinary day.

DAY 2
LE TOUR - LAC DE CHESERY - ARGENTIERE - LE TOUR

Running time and breaks: 6 to 7 hours of running.
Elevation gain and distance: +1,400 m and -1,400 m; approximately 19 km

We will be running in front of the Mer de Glace, the Aiguille Verte, the Drus, the Aiguilles de Chamonix and, of course, Mont Blanc: a simply magnificent setting. The trails, typical of Chamonix, are very technical; you will become real experts in rocks by this evening! Listen carefully to your guide and pace yourself to avoid excessive fatigue. Some passages are very exposed, so we will walk slowly before resuming the race: we are training, this is not a competition, and the goal is also to enjoy the scenery. You should really enjoy the breaks near the lakes; swimming will be possible in some places, but be careful, the temperature varies greatly from one lake to another!