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Reviews

Reviews of Run the Alps Guided and Self-Guided Trips.

Adventure of a Lifetime

The Dolomites are EPIC and hanging with Courtney and Kevin along with other cool trail runners was also EPIC. What more could you want for an Adventure of a Lifetime!

Nancy L
UTMB Fun Run

Run the Alps completely took the stress out of planning a running trip through 3 countries so all we had to do was show up, run and eat our way around Mt Blanc. The logistics were smooth, the hotels were great and unique, the communication and recommendations were perfect. It was a wonderful experience.

Clare
Once in a lifetime adventure!

This is an excellent trail system to see the Swiss Alps. The views are always amazing and the variety of terrain made it a fun adventure. We had a tough time at Becs de Bosson because there was a band playing up there and they overbooked the hut. But other than that, many options to shorten the days if needed and truly a dream vacation for me.

Kallie Carpenter
Awesome trip

Awesome trip! Running in places that look fake with great German style bier and strudel to break up the days sprinkled throughout the runs. Every hotel was amazing, the itinerary was very easy to understand with maps and check points save 1 and the distances were manageable even though we gained 3000ft at least most days.

Chris
So epic

Just finished the Via Valais and it exceeded my already high expectations. The views literally never stop, and only get better as the trip goes on. Run the Alps has the planning down to a T.

Drew
TMB – if I can do it, so can you!

This adventure seemed unattainable for someone who does trail running just for fun. The challenge of the route is already daunting, but coupled with the logistics of lodging, transportation, bag transfers, meals, and course descriptions made it seem impossible! Run the Alps made it seamless so all we had to do was eat, drink, run and sleep! The app was particularly helpful throughout …an unexpected perk we really appreciated. We hardly used the actual maps at all.

Moe
Review of TMB self-guided tour

The trip exceeded my expectations, which were admittedly high. I struggle to pick a favorite day because they were all incredible. As I made my way towards Chamonix on the final day, I was sad that the trip was ending, and I slowed down to savor every moment. Everyone at Run the Alps was helpful and knowledgeable, and the trip went as smoothly as possible. I’m already trying to decide which Run the Alps trip I want to do next.

Amy
Amazing and unique experience

I’ve never done a holiday / experience like this before and it exceeded my expectations. It was challenging and brutal but once in a lifetime. The whole itinerary was seamless, well organised and comms were constant and clear. I’d highly recommend using this team to plan this type of trip. Expert advice, well looked after!

Jennifer Fiander
6 Day TMB Marshall

I think that this was the best holiday we have ever had. Everything ran like clockwork. Our bags were always waiting for us and all the accommodation was good.

Belinda Marshall
An absolute dream!

We had been planning for an Alps trip for 10 years, and we cannot imagine doing this trip without Run the Alps! Working with Steph was a breeze. She provided reassurance for all of our bookings, great advice for the towns, gear, transportation, you name it. The route Run the Alps curated was perfect, and we loved doing it self-guided. With the maps, daily run down of the routes, and the GPX files, it allowed us to be on our own schedule, but provided peace of mind.

Lindsay
Loved our trip!

We just returned from the Via Valais tour. We would definitely chose it again. Amazing scenery, great trail variety, wonderful hotels. I felt like every day was a new present. When we ran into weather problems one day, Doug kindly helped us come up with the perfect option that allowed us to still make it to our hut. We would not have been able to figure that out without Run the Alps guidance. Highly recommend them and their excellent service. Hope to get to work with them again!

Kristin S
trip of a lifetime

We did the self-guided tour in 4 days, and it was a trip of a lifetime. The alps were so beautiful. Run the Alps was fantastic. The hotels they booked were great, the transfer of our bags was done seamlessly, and the information (including the new app) made it so easy for us to follow the trail. I would recommend them to anyone. Really, such a fantastic experience.

Self-guided tour of Bernese Oberland

Great trip! Totally beautiful mountains.

Wally
Trip of a lifetime!

The Dolomites tour with Courtney was phenomenal! Everything from the people, sights, accommodations, food, drinks, weather, etc.. were top notch. The Run the Alps team did such a great job with coordination and planning for us throughout the week. I will definitely be looking to join future trips with Run the Alps!

Justin Storie
Trip of a lifetime

our guides curated a thoughtful experience of running trails that I couldn’t have self discovered, and sharing everything from the history of the towns, to the geology of the rocks. Our group bonded over the beautiful trails and I feel like I made some genuine friends along the way. I couldn’t have dreamed of a better trip, and having Run the Alps cover 100% of the planning and logistics behind the scenes made this feel completely carefree!

Mike Marlin
Go Run the Alps!

I’ll remember my Run the Alps adventure in the Dolomites forever! From winding single-track trails to steep summit climbs to picturesque refugios, and even sharing miles with the one-and-only Courtney Dauwalter, the five days were magical. The communication, planning, coordination, accommodation, everything was so well done. I was able to just show up and run.

Kelly
Incredible way to experience the Alps!

My partner and I loved every minute of this trip! Our guides were incredible and you can tell that Run the Alps has worked hard to make the Tour du Mont Blanc a trip of a lifetime. We could not have been happier with the experience, highly recommend!

Epic adventure!!!

Words cannot even begin to describe the experiences I had running the self-guided TMB. Stephanie was an absolute rockstar in planning every detail. The trip blew me away and exceeded any and all expectations… from transportation to lodging… and most importantly those trails. Oh those trails are magnificent, challenging and breathtaking. The maps were easy to follow and the local information was priceless. Thank you for some of the best 5 days of my life!!

Leslie
Via Valais All Day

This was one of my favorite vacations for so many reasons. As I anticipated, the scenery was gorgeous, the mountains were spectacular, the trail running was amazing. An unexpected highlight for me was how much fun our group had together, laughing over shared meals, breaking out in an impromptu dance party, cramming into small rooms at the huts together.

Breann Boyle
Great experience!

I had a great experience! Both Chamonix and Champery were beautiful and great towns to visit and use as starting points for entry into the mountains. Hotels were comfortable and excellent places to stay. Our guide, Suze Walker, was knowledgeable, friendly, and so helpful. I highly recommend this tour.

Ken Schatz
Chamonix and Champery trail adventures

This tour was an amazing introduction to the Alps for me. Run the Alps did a great job of organizing all aspects of the tour including accommodations, food, travel, equipment needs, etc. We had a wonderful guide, Suzanne Walker, who was very knowledgeable about the trails, geography, nature and culture of the Chamonix and Champery areas. She gave us a variety of trail experiences in terms of terrain and scenery. She was very responsive to the needs of the group.

Pascal Cheng
Epic Adventure!

Overall the trip was outstanding. The guides were top-notch, food was incredible, and trails were unbelievably special. My only complaint is that the chalet (Chalet Planards 1) was very hot at night – a few fans would be great. It also was not well stocked (soap, shampoo, etc.). Apart from that I would not have changed any of it!

Trip of a Lifetime

I was ecstatic to see Run the Alps partner with The Mirnavator to do a slow running trip. As a slow runner, I often feel left out of the running community. This trip could not have been more perfect. Everything, from the guides to the accommodations to the food to the trails picked out for us, to the adaptations made for us slow runners was on point. We got to see so much of the Alps and experience the different cultures of France, Italy, and Switzerland. I will remember it forever.

Jenny H
Trip of a Lifetime

My 12 day experience with Run the Alps far exceeded my expectation. The guides, Emily, Mike, & Sam, were knowledgeable, friendly, experienced, and fun. The scenery is breathtaking. The support on the trail was phenomenal. Everything went smoothly, allowing me to relax and enjoy the adventure!

Kimberly Doyle
Trip of a lifetime

I can’t say enough good things about this trip! Everything was well-organized. The accommodations were lovely. Our guide (Paul) was competent, kind, funny, and accommodating. Just a perfect running trip! Wouldn’t change a thing!

KrisO
never better weather

really had a lot of fun on this one. paul was excellent and it was nice travel and run with friends in an environment we all appreciated. book a trip, it won’t disappoint. excellent service from start to finish.

Scott W
Epic Trail Running Adventure

Via Valais was everything and more that I hoped it would be in a trail running adventure through the Alps. Truly spectacular. Each day built upon the last in a very nice sequence. I can’t say enough about Mark Brightwell as our guide. He led our group with confidence and demonstrated a wonderful amount of experience of the area and in the trails. He was able to read the group and support slower members as well as offer options to push stronger/more experienced runners.

David Trow
Via Valais

I loved the ease of communication when I signed up. The way the trip was outlined made it easy to understand what I was getting in to, and Steph was always available to answer any questions. I was fortunate to join a group of 6 who were some of the most fabulous people I’ve yet to meet, and Mark, our guide made a lasting imprint on my life. Oh, let me not forget all the mind boggling running, views, laughter, food and lodging. This trip is most definitely not just about the run.

Annie Ley
Tour de Mount Blanc

This was a fantastic trip. The perfect balance of a big adventure without having to do all the planning and logistics on your own. The route was amazing and the guides were a delight.

TMB4 grp

planning and pre-trip with the special attention by Steph and Doug really set up for a great and flawless it could be. then the in-help guidance coaching and fun by Sam and Gary made the trip memorable.

to add or change –
give the dail stats (distance, elevation, etc electronically and not read to us before dinner. Use technology to even show maps on our phones so we could go into the pre-dinner briefing with questions or discussions since we already have the details on the phone.

Chris Bogan
Amazing tour and views

A great mini-tour into a nature reserve and off the “normal” trails. Super well organized and fun trip with a great group of people. I have to say it was very special to share some trail time with Krissy Moehl but not just. Great guiding with tons of local info.

Brendan
First trail running in the Alps

First class event, well organized, excellent accommodation, outstanding trail guides, fantastic people attending, beautiful nature – will return next year!

Stig Horvik
Unparalleled Magic

This trip was filled with magic and more. Was it the stunning views or flawless, fun and tough trails? Awesome, kind and knowledgeable guides or amazing tour mates? The fabulous food? It was all these things and more. It’s kind of hard to put into words how wonderful this trip was and how much it meant to me. One of the hardest things I’ve ever done but I’d do it over again ASAP! The Alps are true magic and I cannot wait to come back and see more. It’s not “goodbye”, it’s “I’ll be back”!

Agnes
Run the Alps, TMB

Run the Alps provided a really great way to tour the TMB while just wearing a running vest, I’m 66 I did the self guided tour with an old friend who I ran the UTMB with 10 Years ago, every thing worked just as they said it would, airport shuttles, bags dropped, room reservations, town and village info. good recommendations of what to see and eat while there, interesting side trips, they are all real pros, it was a perfect experience/adventure for us.

Scott LaBerge
Tour du Mont-Blanc (July 31st – Aug 8th)

TMB was a 360 degree physical, emotional, spiritual experience I will never forget. Run the Alps managed it in a way that allows you to become fully emerged in the adventure. Alistair and Siebrig were knowledgable, caring and experienced guides. Luggage transfer was seamless and efficient. The lodging and transportation logistics all fantastic. If this has been on your list…do it. It will change you.

Michael Lambert
Stunning, incredible, wow!!

We had an amazing time in the Bernese Oberland! The views were of course stunning and our guide was so knowledgeable about the area. We stayed in beautiful hotels and ate incredibly delicious food! The runs were tough but the group was flexible on pace and everyone was very supportive.

Virginia
Bernese Oberland

First, our guide, Bruno Yates, was excellent. He shared fascinating stories about regional flora, fauna, geology and culture. We were a small group and Bruno did a superb job even with our different ability levels. The routes each day included many of the classic trails in the region. The logistics were spot on, including hotel accomodations, baggage transfers and transportation. Highly recommend this tour for anyone wanting to experience this beautiful and rugged part of Switzerland.

Jon Post
Spectacular!

what a perfect week of running, power hiking, laughing, pole practice and exploration. our guides, becki, astrid and maarten were such wonderful liaisons to the trails and kept our group motivated, fed, watered, happy and pumped full of new knowledge about the local flora and fauna.

Susan
Cafés tour

Great week with great scenery, great cake, tarts, lunch and dinners and a perfect amount of running ❤️It

Marleen Pierpont - de Grasf
Just Go!

I had an incredible adventure. The weather was perfect for me and not too hot or cold. I highly recommend Giles and this tour. It was exactly what I wanted and more. The food is incredible!

A. Sadler
Run the Alps Experience

If you want to truly experience the Alps in all its glory then Run the Alps is the way to go. The tour coordination of Run the Alps personnel from the start, during and end was excellent. Our guides knew how to push us to get the most out of our experience and the views on the different trails is breath-taking that words don’t do it justice. Everyday was new trail to conquer to create a lifelong memory!

Rhonda Bogart
The Berenese Oberland Trail run

This trip was amazing!! 10/10 recommend. It exceeded all my expectations (and they were high… I’d been looking forward to this holiday for a year)! Beckie and Siebrig (our guides) were brilliant – they managed to design routes that accommodated everyone, and there was always one of the guides at the back, giving encouragement and support.

The mountain huts and hotels all had their own charm and amazing breakfasts and dinners. The food on the trip was exceptional and the scenery was spectacular

Joanna
Wonderful Experience!!🤩

Loved my experience from start to finish. Looking forward to a second tour.

Will H
Life-changing!

We loved every minute of our our trip! Incredible scenery, challenging trails with lots of options, excellent guides, a great group, and delicious food! It was a life-changing adventure for us.

Laura
Great tour for first-time trail runner!

I think would have preferred: We stopped on the trail- A lot. All 8 dys. The first 1-2 dys, good to keep people togeth. The latter days, more freedom to go more our own pace. The trails are well marked. 1 midday meet point should be fine. Dinners build bond. I was said aloud on day 1, I enjoyed longer stops. By day 4, I did not want to stop so freqntly.
This also allows ppl to finish the day earlier, have more downtime.
I liked the sequence of the dys + the ‘shake out’ day. NoSpaceforMorePros!

Epic Trip

I highly recommend Run the Alps for all your Alps Trail Running Needs. They made life SO easy and set my trip up for success. They picked ideal routes, lodging and made it all so easy and seamless. The team there is accommodating kind and super knowledgeable. 10/10 would recommend.

Mike Burnstein
Incredible experience

The Eiger trail running week was a beautiful week of exploring the area around the Eiger and capping it off with an incredible 50K of beautiful scenery that was challenging. Becki (our guide) was extremely knowledgeable of the area and do an excellent job adjusting to the needs of her clients. Both guides and all the runners in the trip were extremely supportive during the race, and it made it just so much fun to have someone cheering for you. Great opportunity to meet some amazing runners!

Kati
AMAZING and well organized Adventure!!!

I absolutely LOVED this trip and everyone I met along the way! Emily and Seabrig were AMAZING guides! They were so kind for all the different levels of runners and the entire trip was organized to a tee! Stephanie went above and beyond to get me into this sold out trip! I will definitely be doing another Run The Alps trip!

Christine
Run the TMB with Giles and Coline

Run the Alps was a best-in-class experience all-around. It really met or exceeded my expectations from pre-booking all the way through. Super people throughout, including Steph, Giles, Coline.

Steve Walker
Bucket List complete

This trip was at the top of my bucket list and it met/exceeding all of my expectations. I was impressed with everyone I interacted with from Run the Alps, from the team that set up all the logistics and answered all the questions to our guide Gary whom embodied the guide/sherpa spirit and also kept us entertained the entire way. I had considered the self-guided tour but glad I joined the group as the conversations on the trail and at meals were special as well.

Scott
Life changing amazingness

Where to even begin? Absolutely exceeded my (high) expectations. Logistics were super smooth. Guides were exceptionally knowledgeable, supportive, and fun. They created an adventure that was inclusive for a group with a wide range of running backgrounds such that everyone got what they wanted/needed and was free to focus on pushing themselves where they wanted to, to learn about the natural landscape they were in, and to soak up the mountain and local cultures of the areas we explored.

Mary
A quick note of gratitude for the fantastic week

If you’re looking for a way to blend nature, endurance, beauty, adventure, sustainability, culture, and purpose– look no further. The Run the Alps Bernese Oberland (2023) was the adventure of a lifetime largely because of the experience, knowledge and attention to detail that Run the Alps provides. We will be back for more!

Ryan
A life-changing experience

We were somehow lucky enough to slip our tour in between COVID surges and maybe that is what made it so much more meaningful. Everything (the air, colors, food, etc.) seemed brighter and more impactful after multiple lockdowns. Everyone we met on the trail or working in the hotels were so happy to be there and be part of the world again.

Doug, Steph, and the rest of the Run the Alps team went far beyond our expectations and set up an incredible self-guided trip for our 20-year anniversary adventure in 2021. We customized the tour to be a 7-day trip rather than the typical 10 days, or epic 4-day run. They set up all our hotels, bag transfers, etc. and provided us with all the custom maps and details to make it from village to village each day. It was such a luxury to get on the trail each morning with only a light running pack and have everything else taken care of. This was quite possibly the single most impactful experience we have ever had.

Kudos to Run the Alps and we can’t wait to do another one!

Kristofer Johnson
THE BEST

Run The Alps did a phenomenal job putting this trip together (as I know they do with all of their trips). Every single detail has been thought out. And thought out very carefully indeed. Our guide was a delight, and our group developed a wonderful camaraderie so quickly, so easily. Really looking forward to make next trip soon!

JD Soulpice
Incredible

Our guide was amazing and caring for all of us – became like our mom 🙂 the views were absolutely stunning. The food was so good. Running the Eiger race at the end was a great way to end things. I could not recommend this tour more, whether doing it by yourself or as a couple or with friends. I’ll remember this one for the rest of my life.

anonymous
Tour du Mont Blanc 2022

I read about these trips in sort of a “fantastical” way. They each sounded amazing but I couldn’t really see myself doing them. I’m a runner and reasonably fit but Im not a professional athlete. I don’t do ultramarathons. But, after conferring with RTA, we decided to bite the bullet and do it and it was amazing! The views, the tarts, the other runners….the entire experience exceeded my expectations! I want to go again! Thank you Doug, Giles, and the entire RTA crew for such an unforgettable experience!

Jaine
Dolomites Summits

The trip was one of the best guided trips in my life (I’m 63). The guides are truly great in all respects – knowledgeable and helpful group leaders who we all enjoyed spending time with. The location – Dolomites – is dramatically beautiful and the itinerary is diverse and finely crafted.

Andrei
Unbelievable

My wife and I ran a self guided trip with another couple (our cousins). It blew away our high expectations and we would go back in a heartbeat. It was one joyful day after another.

Dan
Life Changing

The trip was magical. The routes were perfectly designed so that each day was different and beautiful in its own way. It was so relaxing to have all the arrangements taken care of from luggage transport to dinner. The trip was such an adventure without being too hard to enjoy it.

Laurie
I’d do it again!

Don’t miss out. It’s an all logistics figured-out-for-you adventure that’s dynamite fun.
Lovely people, guides and fellow guests all friends in the making.

Staci Hartman
We love Run The Alps, such an incredible vacation!!!

One of our favorite vacations ever! Great set up that was challenging but very doable and enjoyable. We really loved our Run the Alps trip and hope to do another in the future! From trip planning, route maps, accommodations and customer service, you can’t go wrong with Run the Alps!!

Wendy Shelker
This was really a great trip

This was really a great trip. It far exceeded my expectations in every way. I look forward to doing another trip soon (perhaps I will go for a hut to hut trip!).

Tom Helpenstell
Amazing Covid Summer 2020 Excursion

We did the self supported option since we were already somewhat familiar with the area and wanted to go at our own pace. Great support from Run the Alps with making all the arrangements for our overnight accommodations, luggage transfer, most meals, and detailed maps and trail descriptions with great recommendations and information about the various huts and scenic highlights along the route. Doug and everyone with Run the Alps are super, super, knowledgable, experienced, customer oriented and always strive to improve and expand their offerings. They will settle for nothing less than the very best routes, accommodations, service, support, information, and customer service.

Little Giant
Best Trips Ever!

This was my second trip with Run the Alps. My first was the Guided Bernese Oberland in 2019. Both trips were spectacular with great guides (Emily, Grant and Giles). Being older, I was concerned with “keeping up” as I use a run/walk approach, but my guides worked with my level and never made me feel less. All aspects of the trips were expertly organized with great accommodations. I think the part I liked the best is the personalized approach that Doug and his team provides. I highly recommend Run the Alps and am so glad I was able to experience the Alps in this manner.

Wrenae Shabel
A Life-Changing Experience

The guides were fabulous, the other runners tremendous fun, and the route was stunning.

Loving The Trails
Beautiful and fantastic guides

Run the Alps with guides Becki and Heather was gorgeous, challenging, fun, exciting, breathtaking and relaxing. As guides, they are excellent and experienced trail runners, thoughtful leaders and ready for anything. They will take care of everyone in the pack, from fastest to slowest.

The hotels and food were outstanding. Breakfasts…ummmm breakfasts, with fresh milk, butter, cheese, bread, fruits, eggs, muesli–the best part of the day.

As long as my legs will have me running, I’ll be dreaming of my next trip with Run the Alps.

Shenda
Amazing Amazing Amazing!

Run the Alps has made flying out to Europe so simple by their great communication and organization. They quickly anwser questions and have you all set up and prepared so all you have to do is show up and be ready for a grand time! I loved all of the hotels and chateaus we stayed in. The food was amazing. I highly recommend taking part in a self guided tour!

Renee Laurencelle
Trip of a Lifetime!

Excellent trip! Doug et al run a great and well organized company. In addition to the amazing scenery, excellent food and lodging, and sense of accomplishment and achievement of doing something like this, I was particularly impressed with the carbon offset program that Run the Alps offers for travel/shuttle during the trip, and was glad to help support. This is one trip that I reflect on often and will continue to do so.

Matt Germon/Keely Henderson
Reasons why I’m about to run my 3rd RTA tour!

I highly recommend a RTA trip. I knew I really enjoyed my first two tours, but it was after I did a tour with another organization that made me realize things that I hadn’t initially about RTA, but things they do that really matter to me: RTA is inclusive, caters to ALL runners in the group – no matter their age, talent, or speed. The guides create a supportive community of runners during the tour while at the same time they are flexible to adjust to each individuals needs in terms of distance, stamina, or injuries along the way. RTA tours are organized, scheduled, the guides are certified, they keep their clients safe, don’t put them at risk, and they do a great job communicating at night with what to expect the next day; all things that make a tour top-notch.

Dessa
Tour Mont-Blanc

10/10 …If I could, I would do ALL of the Run the Alps tours. Running through the fairytale mountain scenery, meeting other runners, sampling delicious pastries and meals, having the experience of a wonderful guide (although a self guided tour would also be phenomenal) … you really can’t go wrong 🙂

Sierra
How can you set such high expectations and still be blown away? Run the Alps

It was nice getting to intimately know a small group from all over the world. Our tour overlapped UTMB week and being exposed to the pros, expo and fanfare made it extra special. I came home with so many special memories and you will too! Do not debate it, Do it.

Michael Somero
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