Trail Race in Chamonix, France
Anytime from June 15 - Sept 20
Dates | Duration |
|---|---|
Anytime from June 15 - Sept 20 | 9 days - 8 nights |
Trail run around Chamonix, France, the world’s trail running capital, and take part in one of the six races of the Mont Blanc Marathon series.
It’s one of the most exciting times of the year to be here in the home of Run the Alps!
Working in partnership with Mont Blanc Marathon race organizer Club des Sports, Run the Alps has developed a unique package: a chance to spend a week exploring this legendary region of the Alps– and the opportunity to take part in one of the world’s best known trail races. Most of the races sell out quickly, and sign-up for the 23km and 42km distances is by lottery. However, Run the Alps has a limited number of race entries available. (Please contact us for the latest availability.)
The Mont Blanc Marathon races kick off peak trail running season in Chamonix, with 10,000 runners from around the world taking part in the Vertical Kilometer, 10km, 23km Cross du Mont-Blanc, Salomon Golden Series 42km Marathon du Mont-Blanc, or the epic 90km race.
This is a great way to enjoy trail running in the Chamonix region and experience a classic Alps trail race, too!
Chamonix is the home of Run the Alps, so our staff will be on hand, and will join each of our self-guided guests for a visit in town, and a chance to review your plans for the week, discuss race preparations, and answer any other questions you might have.
Top photo: Kim Strom
A typical Mont Blanc Marathon race package:
Book this tour
$2790 per person
$900 single supplement
Looking for a customized itinerary?
Please get in touch. We’d love to discuss your options with you.
Prefer to go with a guide?
Explore our group guided trips or inquire about our privately guided trips.
Itinerary
Chamonix VK. (Photo: Toni Spasenoski)
Day 1 - Arrive in Chamonix
Take a transfer from Geneva Airport to Chamonix and check-in to your hotel.
Running along the Grand Balcon Sud. (Photo: Sam Hill)
Day 2 - Chamonix
Meet a Run the Alps staff member at a local cafe to help plan your week, then trail run along the Grand Balcon Sud, traversing the Aiguilles Rouges mountains in full view of Mont Blanc.
Chamonix’s Grand Balcon Nord. (Photo: Kim Strom)
Day 3 - Chamonix
Enjoy a run up to see the Mer de Glace glacier, then along the Grand Balcon Nord balcony trail, above treeline and under the Mont Blanc “aiguilles,” or needles – the granite towers of the Mont Blanc Massif.
Heading towards Col de Balme. (Photo: Kim Strom)
Day 4 - Chamonix
Take the train to the tiny village of Montroc at the head of the Chamonix valley to run a loop over the Aiguillette des Posettes mountain. This route follows a section of the Marathon course and allows for a break at Refuge Col de Balme, right on the Swiss border. Afterwards, you can take the lift down to save your legs for the upcoming race – or run all the way down to the valley if you feel like it!
Forested Petit Balcons. (Photo: Dan Fitzgerald)
Day 5 - Chamonix
Today, it’s time to taper, perhaps with a gentle run along the petit balcons sud and nord – forest single track which traverses each side of the Chamonix valley. This run is very easy to shorten if you’re keeping it easy before your upcoming race!
Bib pick up. (Photo: Doug Mayer)
Day 6 - Chamonix
Today’s a rest day! You’ll have the chance to enjoy the festivities around town, including talks, visits with elite runners, films and more. If you’re racing, you’ll also pick up your race bib. You might also want to do some sight-seeing, such as taking the tram to visit the Aiguille du Midi, a 3842m high mountain above Chamonix.
Outside Café Floria. (Courtesy Elyse Kopecky)
Day 7 - Chamonix Rest or Race
It’s off to the races! All weekend long, trail runners will be strolling the streets of Chamonix– today is the Chamonix Cross – the 23km race. If you’re tapering for tomorrow’s Marathon, you may want to rest or watch the race. If you want a short run or hike, heading up to La Floria, a mountain café just above Chamoinx, could fit the bill.
Start of the Mont Blanc Marathon. (Photo: Pierre Raphoz)
Day 8 - Chamonix Race Day
If you’re taking part in the Mont Blanc Marathon, it’s time to enjoy a classic Alps trail race! If you already raced the Cross yesterday, you can watch some of the world’s best racers compete while you recover – or take a short run up to La Floria above Chamonix.
Chamonix train station.(Photo: Kim Strom)
Day 9 - Depart Chamonix
Depart Chamonix via shared airport shuttle back to Geneva – or another destination to continue your vacation!
Regional map
- Accommodation in 3 or 4 star hotels
- Buffet breakfasts each morning
- Detailed daily run descriptions, GPX files and all the resources you need along the way are provided via our app (see a sample here). We’ll also send you a printed copy of the route and other key information, in case you’d like to take these with you as a back-up
- A chance to meet with a Run the Alps guide or staff member to plan your stay in Chamonix and finalize run options for the week
- Shared 90-minute shuttle between Geneva airport and Chamonix, France at the start and end of your tourA copy of our Guide to Trail Running in the Alps, which contains thorough travel instructions, regional information and tips from the staff and guide team at Run the Alps
- In-tour support through our WhatsApp Helpline
- Flights
- Race entry is billed separately, as part of our race partnership program
- Transport to and from trailheads if you choose to shorten a run
- Trail snacks and lunches – our materials include info of where to stop along the way or if bringing trail snacks is a better option based on the day
- Dinners and drinks Extra charges made at accommodations such as room service or laundry
Plan to arrive in Chamonix the day your tour starts, at the latest. The closest airport is Geneva, Switzerland. This tour includes roundtrip shared shuttle transport between Geneva Airport and Chamonix. Please note that flights from the U.S. usually depart the day before arrival in Europe.
If you’d like to arrive a day or more before the tour starts, the shuttle is still included.
You’ll return from Chamonix to Geneva Airport by shared shuttle. Since Geneva Airport is only 90 minutes away by shuttle, it is possible to leave the day the tour ends. If your flight departure time is before 10am, a private shuttle is required at an added cost of $240.
- Why Run the Alps? See how Run the Alps compares to other trail running companies and what sets us apart here.
- Group Discounts: When we create tours for a group of five or more self-guided guests, there is an opportunity for some savings. We’re pleased to pass them on to you – please get in touch to explore your options.
- Alumni Discount: We love welcoming our alumni back to the Alps and offer a 10% discount on all standard guided and self-guided trips. Simply check the Alumni box on the registration form and we’ll apply the discount when we invoice you.
- Want to shorten or extend your trip or add an Alps Trail Race? Just let us know and we’d be happy to help.
- Can a non-running partner join me on this tour? Yes–read how hiking and sightseeing companions can come too.
- Celebrating a special occasion? Each year we get a number of guests who are celebrating a birthday, anniversary or retirement with a Run the Alps trip. If this is you, let us know!
- Concerned about being ready? We’re here to help. You can check out our Training Resources or get in touch if you’d like to be put in touch with a coach.
- Tour Grants Program: Run the Alps is committed to making our trips more inclusive. If you’d like to join this trip, but don’t think you can afford it, please check out our Tour Grants Program.
- Trip Insurance: Life can sometimes throw us a curveball and wreak havoc upon the best laid plans, which is why Run the Alps requires trip insurance. Learn more here.
- Terms and Conditions: You can read up on them here.
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