Run the Alps Guide to Trail Running in the Alps

^{Lead image: Majell Backhausen}

Are you joining Run the Alps on a guided or self-guided trip?

The first thing you’ll receive from Run the Alps when you sign up for a trip is our Guide to Trail Running in the Alps. To help you prepare, Run the Alps has gathered everything you need to know into this 80+ page full-color handbook. It’s available exclusively to guests coming on our trips. One part useful info, one part daydreaming, we hope you get pulled into the photos, planning, and info until you’re here in the Alps with us!

What’s inside?

You’ll get info about what to expect when it comes to travel, accommodations, and local culture, the low-down on the trails, life at mountain huts and much more. You’ll find inspiring photographs from our tours, a chapter on packing for your trip and on-trail with a useful packing checklist. The guide provides information about the areas we’ll be running, resources for training, and an extensive FAQ section. Throughout the pages, Run the Alps staff and guides offer our inside tips to help you have the best trip possible.

Our 4th edition of the Guide to Trail Running in the Alps also incorporates a totally revamped Guide to Trail Racing. Many of our trips include the option to take part in an Alps trail race, so we wanted to gather everything you need to know in one place. From race history to obligatory gear to medical certificates, registration, and aid stations, we cover it all. Plus you’ll find tips from pro trail runners Hillary Geradi and Katie Schide to help you get ready for race day.  

Here are a few excerpts:

What to Expect

In the Alps, you’ll have an excellent opportunity to see a new region, meet new people, trail run through new territory, and experience the local culture—we encourage all of our guests to come with an open mind and a playful spirit.

There are countless differences, both large and small, from what you are used to at home—for us, that’s part of what makes traveling abroad so much fun. You’ll find detailed information on points like tipping, tap water, and business hours in the FAQ section of this guide.

On the Trail

Once you start running in the Alps, you’ll quickly notice the abundance of trails, a legacy of the range’s historic hiking and climbing culture. Many of the trails you will be running are hundreds of years old, having been used by farmers and hunters since the Alps were first settled. Some even date back to Roman times, and were used as ancient trade routes. The trails throughout the Alps are generally well maintained and well marked. Many signposts give a place name and altitude, posted on a white plate, and may have auxiliary signs pointing to a variety of destinations.

Tip

If you’re uncertain about trail etiquette, step aside and let the passing or oncoming person go by. It’s always appreciated, and will usually get you a smile and a “Merci!”  –Doug Mayer, Founder

FAQ

What are shop and business hours like?

Even in larger towns like Chamonix, France, and Courmayeur, Italy, shops often close at midday for lunch. Typically, they may be open from 8:30 to 12:00 and then again from 14:00 to 19:00. These hours might be extended in larger towns or during the high season, but in small villages, hours are often more restricted. In the smallest villages, a post office or bank branch might be open for only a handful of hours. Many shops close early on Saturdays, typically at 14:00 or 16:00, and may not open at all on Sunday. Most grocery stores are closed on Sundays, although some bakeries remain open and sell a variety of food supplies. Keep these typical schedules in mind if you are arriving late or on a weekend and need to do some shopping.

A few sample pages from the Run the Alps Guide to Trail Running:

We hope you enjoyed this sneak peek! When you sign up for a Run the Alps trip, your own Guide to Trail Running in the Alps will be mailed to you, so you can start daydreaming— and planning— as soon as you like.

Our 4th edition is available thanks to design by Katie Burk, with text and editing contributions from Charlotte Le Flufy, Emily Geldard, Doug Mayer, Steph Lefferts, Krissy Moehl, Malcolm Pittman, Matt Samet, Emily Schmitz, and overseen by Kim Strom.

We’re excited about our cover illustration by Chamonix artist Amélie Brunot | Atelier Mélicope. Amélie created the illustration to celebrate Run the Alps’ 10th anniversary in 2024.