September in the Alps
Dates (2 available) | Duration |
|---|---|
| Sep 15 - 21, 2025 | 7 days - 6 nights |
| Sep 14 - 20, 2026 | 7 days - 6 nights |
A unique trip that includes Chamonix, the world’s trail running hotspot, the quiet Swiss Alps village of Champéry, and a chance to take part in the oldest trail race in the Alps.
This fall trail running trip is a unique partnership with our longtime friends at the Broken Arrow Skyrace and Trail des Dents du Midi, the oldest trail race in the Alps. But you don’t need to be part of the Broken Arrow scene, or want to trail race, to take part and enjoy the trails. This trip is open to everyone!
Now, here’s a secret: September is our favorite month in the Alps. Temperatures are cooler, trails are quieter, and there’s a relaxed vibe that settles throughout the region. September is a rejuvenating time in the Alps.
Our trip starts in Chamonix, France, the world’s epicenter of trail running that’s been nicknamed the “Vallée du Trail.” We’ll run the high-elevation Balcon Sud, in full view of the impressive Mont Blanc massif and the towering Aiguilles, or needles, that dot the range. After, we’ll wander through town, taking in the sights in this village where modern-day alpinism began. Climbers still fill the streets, testing themselves against the demanding rock and ice climbs in the region.
Our second day will feature a ridge run to the Aiguilles des Houches, and we’ll descend past mountain huts, through pastures and forests back to Chamonix.
Next, we’ll take a journey over the high border and into the Swiss wine-growing Rhône valley. From there, it’s up a side valley to tranquil Champéry, a small village nestled under the seven craggy peaks of the Dents-du-Midi range. The next morning, we’ll head off for a trail run in this relaxed corner of the Alps.
Trip participants will have a special opportunity to take part in, or cheer on, the Alps’ oldest trail race, DDM Trail, with its beautiful course around the wild Dents-du-Midi range. Until two weeks before race day, we’ll have entries available to the race’s challenging 57-km race, the two-person relay of 25 km and 32 km, and a 32 km solo race over the second half of the full course. DDM Trail is an authentic Alps trail race, with a history dating back to 1963!
For those who prefer not to race, we’ll provide trail run options for the day, and there’s always the chance to cheer on runners and watch the race unfold from a number of beautiful mountain huts and cafes.
Our September in the Alps trip has a number of unique components that only Run the Alps and Broken Arrow can offer. During our stay in Chamonix, one evening will feature a visit from one of the valley’s internationally-known elite trail runners. Guests will receive copies of two trail running books filled with rich details about the trail running in Chamonix: Trail Running Chamonix Mont Blanc, developed by the Run the Alps team, and The Race that Changed Running, by Run the Alps founder Doug Mayer. Before one dinner in Chamonix, Doug will also offer a brief walking tour of Chamonix, covering a few of the many historic moments in trail running that have taken place in town. In Champéry, the Trail des Dents du Midi race organization will host a private pre-dinner apero at our hotel, just for Run the Alps guests and close friends of the race. Broken Arrow Co-Race Director Brendan Madigan is scheduled to join us for the entire 2025 trip.
September is our favorite time of year in the Alps. The trails are quieter, and cooler temperatures prevail. It’s a great time to be in this dramatic setting!
Top photos: PatitucciPhoto, SkinnyLegsPhoto, Sam Hill, Kim Strom
Itinerary
Chamonix train station.(Photo: Kim Strom)
Day 1 - Chamonix
Arrive in Geneva, and transfer to Chamonix, France, the world’s home for Alpinism and trail running. Enjoy time to relax at the pool and outdoor patio of our charming Chamonix hotel before joining the group for our trip meeting, followed by dinner.
Midday warmth on the Grand Balcon Nord. (Photo: Kim Strom)
Day 2 - Chamonix
Today we’ll enjoy a few of the hundreds of kilometers of trails in the Chamonix valley, as we get oriented to the Alps. We’ll run one of Chamonix’s dramatic “balconies,” with views of Mont Blanc and the Aiguilles Rouges natural preserve.
September in Chamonix. (Photo: Toni Spasenoski)
Day 3 - Chamonix
We’ll run up into the Aiguilles Rouges preserve high above Chamonix, then run the dramatic Aiguillette des Houches ridge, followed by pastures and wooded trails back to town.
Rue du Village in Champéry, Switzerland, on the border with France. (Courtesy photo)
Day 4 - Champéry
Today is a rest day, as we travel by taxi high through the Alps, descending to the Swiss wine-making Rhône valley, then up to the mountain village of Champéry.
Cabane Susanfe, above Champéry, Switzerland. (Courtesy photo)
Day 5 - Champéry
Today we’ll pick a run around the Champéry region, at the end of the bucolic farming valley of Val d’Illiez, and under the snow-covered peaks of the Dents-du-Midi.
Race day! (Photo: Sridhar)
Day 6 - Champéry
Today is race day! You’ll have the choice of running the full DDM Trail, taking part in the relay, or enjoy cheering on the runners.
(Photo: Sam Hill)
Day 7 - Depart from Champéry
Today we’ll say “Au Revoir” to the other Run the Alps guests.
Regional map
- Daily guided trail runs with a licensed International Mountain Leader
- Accommodation for six nights at 3 or 4 star hotels in Chamonix, France and Champéry, Switzerland
- Buffet breakfasts, food and premium nutrition on the trail, and five multi-course dinners
- Geneva Airport-Chamonix shared shuttle transfer at the start of the tour
- All transfers to and from trailheads that are included on our planned itinerary
- Luggage transfers
- A copy of our Guide to Trail Running in the Alps, which contains 80+ pages of information and tips from Run the Alps staff and guides
- Flights / transportation from the tour finish
- Transport to and from trailheads if you choose to shorten a run
- Drinks with dinners
- One dinner in Chamonix; recommendations provided
- Extra charges made at accommodations such as room service or laundry
- Tips for guides
- DDM Trail race–entry is billed separately, as part of our race partnership program
Plan to arrive the day your tour starts, at the latest. Note that flights from the US usually arrive on the following day, so schedule accordingly. The closest airport is Geneva, Switzerland. This tour includes a shared shuttle pickup at the Geneva Airport. If you’d like to arrive a day or more before the tour starts, the shuttle is still included. Zurich will work as well, but requires an additional half-day of train travel, at your cost.
Plan your departure for the day after your tour ends, at the earliest, from either Geneva or Zurich, Geneva being preferable. Consider one night at a hotel in your departure city if you prefer not to rush.
An option exists to arrive earlier or stay on longer, to extend your trail running time. We can help with these arrangements.
- Why Run the Alps? Learn how Run the Alps compares to other trail running companies and what sets us apart.
- Want to extend your trip with more running? We can help provide self-guided run descriptions for nearby regions of the Alps, and/or trail race options.
- Concerned about being ready? We’re here to help. Check out our Alps Training Resources or get in touch if you’d like to be put in touch with a coach.
- 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!
- Alumni Discount: We love welcoming our alumni back to the Alps and offer a 10% discount on all standard Run the Alps trips. Simply check the Alumni box on the registration form and we’ll apply the discount when we invoice you.
- Tour Balance: Your tour balance is due 90 days before your tour starts. We will send you an invoice about a month before that due date. However, you can pay your balance at any time. If you’d like the simplicity of paying in full sooner, or would like to pay in installments, please contact us.
- 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.
Guides for this Tour
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Want to know more?
September in the Alps: Fall is a Great time to be Here
Our annual fall trail running trip starts out in Chamonix, France, the Alps hotspot for trail running and then makes a visit to Champéry in the Swiss Alps. Runners have the choice to take part in, or cheer on, the Alps’ oldest trail race, DDM Trail, on a beautiful course around the Dents du Midi.
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10 Things to Love about Champéry
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The Irresistible Lure of Racing the Dents du Midi
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