Mountain Adventure Holidays
Our carefully designed trail running camp is based in Chamonix, the heart of the French Alps. Join us and develop your trail running skills and mountain running experience as well as learn about sport specific rehabilitation and performance.
We base this week in what is now seen as the 'running capital of the world', Chamonix. Experience running on sections of the 'Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc' and the 'Marathon du Mont Blanc' while surrounded by awe-inspiring views and glaciated peaks. Expert coaches and beautiful trails where you will not only have fun with like-minded people, but also learn a lot!
Running with nature can add many new dimensions both to your health, mind and other sports. Getting off the beaten track and varying your training can help prevent injuries, improve your strength and fitness and provide an easy way to explore the great outdoors.
Our trail camp is suited to regular runners who love the freedom of getting out and exploring new places. If you can comfortably run 20kms (12.5 miles) or run for 2 hours and are looking to learn, explore and improve then this trail running camp is for you.
We will offer a comprehensive week of trail running, performance guidance and education so that you can go home feeling confident and informed. The skills learned on this week will not only improve your road or trail running performance, but can also be converted to many other adventure sports.
Today you will arrive in the world famous alpine town of Chamonix, in France. In recent years Chamonix has earned a place on the world trail running circuit through various events the most famous of which is the week-long Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc®. This evening your coach will meet you at your hotel to discuss the week ahead and answer any of your questions. The hotel can organise massages during your week, but we would advise booking as soon after your arrival as possible.
Our week long 'camp' is a holiday with benefits. Each day of the camp you will receive one-on-one coaching, video analysis for different terrain, and individual drills to improve your form and efficiency to run in the mountains.
Morning: The week starts with coaching by Chloe Lanthier. Enjoy a warm up run from the hotel door and focus on training techniques to maximize efficiency, speed, economy for distance and different terrains. Return to the hotel for lunch.
Afternoon: Seminar on injury prevention: practical with 'prehab' drills and exercises to keep you safe on the trails and in training.
Morning: Today we start with a session on how to tackle hills, and in Chamonix we have plenty of them. With the help of some handy 'drills', explore climbing and descending methods to help improve your hill technique whilst developing good overall 'form' along the way. Return to the hotel for lunch.
Afternoon: Review of video analysis so far. Video feedback is instant and is an incredibly helpful tool for developing and learning new techniques. In this session you will receive one-to-one coaching and individual tips to improve your form, before heading back out on the trails to put it into practice. We end today with a run-specific stretching session.
Complete your day with time by the hotel pool before enjoying another delicious home cooked meal.
Morning: Begin the day with a fun 'run specific' workout to improve your overall strength that can be adapted to use at home. Develop this further and start planning for future goals.
Seminar: The importance of nutrition and getting your fuelling right.
Video analysis review: Watch film of your technique and improvements, followed by a lunch break.
Afternoon: A practical session on planning routes and mapping runs, as well as an introduction to basic compass work. We then put it into practice with the opportunity to try a professionally laid out orienteering course in the local woodland, at Bois du Bouchet.
The next three days are all about getting up in the mountains. You are here on holiday and we aim to show you the best of Chamonix Valley! Using the Mont Blanc Express train to reach the neighbouring valley of Vallorcine, we will be looking at the benefits of using running poles. Chloe will be joined today by International Mountain Leader, Seb Gros. Seb is passionate about trail running as it allows him to explore new places, and he has run the famous GR20 in Corsica, in the Swiss Alps, Mallorca, the South of Spain, and off the beaten track in France. He will put his extensive knowledge of Chamoinx to good use today showing you some gorgeous trails. With the use of light-weight running poles we will practice a mix of 'fast uphill hiking' and running, following the route of the famous 'Tour du Mont Blanc' walking circuit and yet more of the Mont Blanc Marathon route as we aim for the Aiguillette des Possettes at 2201m. (7219ft). This route can easily be shortened or lengthened to suit individual needs. 10-20km (6.2-12.5 miles)
Today we will enjoy running from our hotel door, first on good trails over rocks through the forest and up to high mountain meadows where the alpine flowers grow. Our focus today will be how to achieve a Vertical Kilometre! For many runners both local and visiting the 'Vertical K' has become something of a legend. Being sure to take it steady and enjoying breaks along the way, we aim to stop for lunch at the top of this famous Chamonix climb. Our trail then travels along a beautiful single track trail on what is known as the 'Grand Balcon Sud' and a section of the Mont Blanc Marathon route. The views of the Chamonix peaks and glaciers are simply awe-inspiring. After coffee and snacks on the mountain, we begin our descent on superb trails back down to the valley floor. This afternoon we will complete the day with a yoga class tailored to runners.
Today is about putting everything you have learned this week into practice. We plan to run/hike to a local 'summit' and ensure that you finish your week on a true high! We will cover some distance and also aim to gain height for some unforgettable views of the Mont Blanc mountain range. If all has gone to plan then you will be going home with the confidence and motivation to enjoy running on hill or mountain trails when you return home. We expect to cover between 15-20km (9.3-12.5 miles). If you would like an individual debrief then your coach will spend time at the end of the afternoon giving advice on how to continue your progression once you return home.
Today is departure day and the trip finishes after breakfast.
It is always our aim to complete the proposed itinerary outlined above, however, it may be necessary for our guides/instructors to adjust the daily itinerary based on the weather conditions, group safety and enjoyment.
On all of our trips we aim to accommodate our guests in well-situated, comfortable, characterful, family run accommodation.
We take time to research, update and view the best options available to us on every trip. Detailed below are examples of our favoured venues and those we intend to use. If unavailable at the time of booking we will use alternative accommodation of a similar standard.
The trip fees are based on two people sharing a room. However on many of our trips single rooms are available on request for a supplementary fee.
The Folie Douce Hotel offers everything that any runner would need on a trip to the Chamonix Valley. Perfectly located within easy reach of the town centre shops and street cafes, the trail head for many iconic run as well as the starting point of the famous UTMB race! Enjoy fabulous views of Mont Blanc, excellent dining and bar area, outdoor pool, yoga classes and spa area all in the heart of Chamonix.
Chamonix, France is easily reached from other European and worldwide destinations by road, rail, coach or plane.
Geneva is the closest international airport, only 1 hour 15 by road which makes shared transfers, buses or trains easy to arrange.
A range of travel options to reach the Chamonix valley can be found on the Chamonix Tourist Office website.
If arriving via Geneva we recommend that you book a seat on a shared transfer which is a door-to-door service to reach your accommodation in Chamonix. We recommend Mountain Drop Offs, Chamexpress and Haute Pursuit for this service. Easybus also runs a service from Geneva airport to Chamonix Bus Station. This service runs throughout the day, but does not drop you at your hotel.
Please contact us if you need further advice on your specific travel requirements.
It is a condition of booking that you have appropriate insurance for your chosen activity, including emergency helicopter rescue, repatriation, medical costs, as well as trip cancellation/curtailment insurance in the event of you being unable to join/complete the trip.
Please read the relevant clauses which are numbered 10, 11, 11a, 12, and 22 and are set out in our Terms and Conditions.
We also recommend your insurance covers you for baggage loss/damage. Tracks and Trails Ltd are unable to accept responsibility for the loss or damage to any client equipment or luggage.
If you are booking on behalf of other people it is important that you ensure that insurance has been arranged by all others included in your Booking Form.
You should bring all insurance documentation with you at the time of the activity. If you fail to provide proof of insurance we reserve the right to ask you to leave the trip.
If you are joining a trip in the UK helicopter/mountain rescue insurance is not required as this is a free service.
For further details, please read the Insurance section on our website.
Summer mountain weather in the European Alps can vary considerably, and in this respect it is no different to any mountain environment where the terrain influences the weather and it can change from valley to valley.
However, in the summer months it is generally good in the Alps, but it can deliver everything from glorious sunshine, to rain, fog, high winds and even snow. Temperatures can reach over 30°Celsius (86°F) in July and August, but can drop to 5°Celsius (41°F) on the high passes, or 'Cols' as they are known in the Alps. Essentially, as with all mountain journeys, you should be prepared for any eventuality. The average temperatures range from 15-25°Celsius (59-77°F) in the valleys and 5-15°Celsius (41-59°F) on the passes.
Even in mid-summer we can be faced with overnight snow especially when we have spent the night in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut at higher altitude.
On many of our trips there will be an element of 'group kit' which will be shared amongst our guests. As mountain people you will be used to team work and working together to the mutual benefit and safety of the group.
The 'group kit' will be minimal and usually just a case of sharing a few lightweight 'survival shelters'. For example on a week-long trip you may carry a small shelter for just one day before passing it on to the next person.
If you are booking a trip in winter there will be a few additional safety items. These will be distributed in such a way that no one is over burdened.
Other group items necessary for safety and comfort will be carried by your guide/instructor.
After we have processed your booking we will send you a comprehensive clothing and equipment list that is appropriate to your trip and activity. There will be some items on this list that we strongly recommend and others which are suggested. Our list is based on our experience of what is needed for any particular trip, but it is not the definitive article! If you have items you like to use then do bring them, but be aware of over-loading your 'day' rucksack with items that are heavy and therefore making the trip more challenging.
Please contact us if in any doubt about what to bring.
For each of our trips there is a minimum number of guests required to book before we can 'guarantee' your trip will run. It depends on the particular trip in question, but it is normally 4. The maximum number of guests on your trip is displayed in the 'At a Glance' box on the righthand side of the trip page.
We strongly advise you do not book travel until we have confirmed your trip is 'guaranteed' to run. If you book travel before we have confirmed it is 'guaranteed' we cannot be held responsible for any financial loss if the trip does not go ahead.
When booking a holiday as a solo traveller a twin bedded room comprising of two single beds, is booked as standard. This will be with someone of the same gender unless you request to pay extra for your own room. Single rooms are often limited in supply so if you would like to pay a supplement for a single room we urge you to get in touch as soon as possible. This trip has a single supplement of £375.
We go to great lengths to work with first class guides and instructors who are passionate about their work. They are all fully qualified, insured, and hold the correct documentation.
Please note your guide/instructor has complete discretion to make a daily decision on whether or not to take the advertised route based on the weather and the ability of the members of the group. They have our authority to make any route changes they believe are necessary in the interests of safety and enjoyment.
For our walking, family, and snowshoeing trips your guide will be a fully qualified and experienced International Mountain Leader. For our running trips your guide will be an International Mountain Leader, and an experienced mountain 'trail runner'.
If you have booked on a cross country ski trip you will be with a fully qualified professional BASI Nordic Ski Instructor or equivalent. BASI is the British Association of Snowsport Instructors.
For this trip where you are centre-based, in other words where you are staying in the same accommodation all week, you are welcome to bring whatever luggage you require. However, please note that not all the hotels we use have elevators. This means you may need to carry your luggage to your bedroom and this might involve climbing several flights of stairs. We would suggest that luggage with wheels is generally a good idea.
We do not include lunches in your trip fee for various reasons. We have found our guests have particular tastes and requirements for 'trail' or 'hill' food and it is better you choose and buy what you require. Buying supplies and trying local specialities is a great way to inter-act with the local people and to practise your language skills.
Lunches on our trips are 'picnic' style lunches, in other words you take a packed lunch with sufficient snacks, food and fluid to sustain you throughout your day of activity. If there is the possibility of lunch being taken at a restaurant/farm/cafe beside the trail, your guide/instructor will advise you of this.
Each evening you can choose to order a picnic or a sandwich from the hotel, or your guide/instructor will advise you of other options such as a local shop or market and whether you need to purchase items in the evening or if the shop/market is open early enough the next morning not to delay your start. In all cases we would always ask you to settle any 'bill' for lunch or drinks in the evening before you depart, and not on the morning of your last day when there may be a queue.
On your itinerary you will find an indication of the amount of ascent and descent you can expect each day. This offers a guideline to how much effort might be expended each day and allows you to decide, based on previous experience, if your fitness and stamina are correct for the trip.
We make every attempt to ensure these statistics are as accurate as possible, but ask you to note that the most modern of technology used to record these details can show considerable variations in terms of ascent, descent, and in particular distance. In other words no two people using GPS devices on the same route will have exactly the same details recorded at the end of the day.
The statistics given should be used as a 'general' indication of the effort required.
It is useful to arrive at your destination with some cash in the local currency, however, on most occasions it is relatively easy to visit a 'cash machine' after arrival and withdraw money on a credit or debit card. Some of our locations are an exception to this in particular Norway, where the accommodation will often have no facilities for withdrawing cash, but they will take a credit card.
On many of our trips we will visit remote cafes/farms where it is wonderful to enjoy a drink and a cake, at places such as these they will only accept payment in the local currency in cash.
Food
On our trips we encourage you to experience local tastes and dishes that reflect the culture of the country and for this reason many of our accommodation options will be family run with a reputation for the traditional food of the region.
If you have a 'special' diet because of an allergy or intolerance to a certain food type which will make you ill the accommodation will cater for this as best they can, eg gluten free, nut free, lactose free.
If you are vegetarian then this is not a problem as the hotels/refuges are used to being asked for vegetarian meals. Our accommodation will try to cater for those with vegan diets but in remote refuges in the mountains this is more difficult. If you would like to discuss the suitability of a trip for a vegan diet please contact us. Gluten-free diets will be possible with regard to the evening meals, but we would advise that you bring along some gluten-free snacks for your breakfasts and lunches.
If you have a 'special' diet which is NOT because of an allergy or intolerance, and is not 'veggie' then we apologise, but we cannot cater for this. The accommodation on the popular routes will be catering for many people each evening, in some cases up to 70/80 meals per night, 7 days a week, and realistically they cannot produce many different meal options unless the food will result in illness.
Water
The countries we visit all have tap water which is drinkable. If for any reason a particular hotel is having a problem with a remote mountain water supply they will normally post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water. At all times you are welcome to ask your guide/instructor if the water can be drunk. We would ask, for environmental reasons, that you avoid using single-use plastic bottles, and bring a water bottle that can be used repeatedly.
A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required for visits to countries outside the EU, such as Norway. Please check the relevant embassy or consulate for other nationalities. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice.
We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at:
http://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/
Note that if your trip involves staying in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut that electric sockets may be in short supply and for that night you may not be able to charge any items. Although the accommodation will have electricity this will often be supplied by solar panels or a generator and limited to use by the staff. For this reason we advise that carrying a small slimline and lightweight 'battery pack' can be very useful for recharging phones which many of you will also use as your camera.
Before booking consider whether you expect to be in the appropriate physical condition on the date of your departure to allow you to fully participate in and enjoy your holiday. If you have any doubts because of an illness or injury it would be advisable to check with your doctor.
For UK residents travelling to an EU country you should obtain and bring with you a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment in certain European countries, but is not a substitute for medical travel insurance. Also note that if/when the UK leaves the European Union that the EHIC card may no longer be valid. Please check this before departing. We advise that you always carry your insurance documents with details of the Emergency Medical telephone number for your insurance provider, and your policy number.
We feel strongly about protecting the environment and do not encourage the use of single-use plastic items. We would ask that you arrive with a ‘water bottle’ or ‘hydration system’ that can be used repeatedly. We would point out that we operate a ‘zero tolerance’ for rubbish, and would ask you to remove all your rubbish items from the mountain even those you consider to be bio-degradable. In particular we ask that you remove any toilet tissue.
You can read our full policy here.
Working across international boundaries, and with various currencies means that the price of our trips can change overnight. We have, however, undertaken to guarantee that once you have paid your deposit the price of your trip is fixed. In this respect we urge you to book early to ensure that you receive the price advertised on our website. The website price may increase due to currency fluctuations, but we guarantee that the price advertised on the date of your booking will be maintained in your individual case.
Prices may vary depending on date.
| From Price | £0 |
| Holiday Type | Trail Running |
| Duration | 8 Days |
| Group Size | 10 |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Countries Visited | France |
| Meet In | Chamonix, France |
