Training for Trail Running in the Alps
Will I be able to keep up?
Am I fit enough?
How do I train for one of your trips?
These are very common concerns we hear from trail runners who come on our trips.
The good news is that if you’re willing to spend a little bit of time getting ready, you’ll find those fears are unfounded. Training for the specific challenges of the Alps and arriving with the fitness appropriate to your tour level will help you enjoy your trip even more.
However you prepare, here’s our promise to you: No one will ever get left behind on our trips, and we are here to help you get ready!
The simplest way to train is to crank up the angle on the treadmill at your gym, or add a few more hills to your trail run. (Need something to distract you at the gym? Head over to our YouTube channel for plenty of Alps-inspired content!)
If you think you might benefit from a little extra help, we’ve got plenty of resources for you below.
Recommended Coaches
We’ve developed a summary of coaching opportunities ranging from personalized coaching to general trail running fitness plans. You can read more details about these coaching services on our blog Trail Running Coaching and Training Plans.
Comprehensive Personalized Coaching
Comprehensive personalized coaching offers premium services that often encompass every aspect of running, including individualized training plans, nutrition consultations, and strength programming.
Carmichael Training Systems (CTS)
Personalized Coaching
Personalized coaching offers a tailored approach to training that focuses on individual goals, abilities, and needs, providing customized guidance and support.
Training Apps with Limited Coaching
Training apps range in price and personalization, but tend to be more affordable. Here are a couple we’ve seen recently:
Blogs
Over the years, Run the Alps staff and friends have written a number of stories and articles that we hope you might find helpful. Here are our favorites:
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Trail Running Coaching and Training Plans
Looking for training support? We’ve developed a summary of coaching and training options to help you get ready for trail running in the Alps.
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Training for Steep Trails in the Alps
We want to provide you with essential tips and strategies to prepare for running the Alps with confidence, even if you live in flat terrain.
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How to Train for Downhill Running
Downhill running is a skill often overlooked by many trail runners, but it’s arguably one of the most important skills you should continue to develop and hone, no matter your level or goal.
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5 Tips for Trail Running in the Alps
Embark on your Alpine running adventure fully prepared with these essential tips from Vert.run–the Official Training partner of Run the Alps.
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Tips for Early Season Trail Running in the Alps
To help get the most out of your early season trail running, here’s advice from our guides, who are already trading their skis for trail shoes.
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8 Tips for How to Run Your First Trail Running Race in the Alps
Run the Alps guides, ambassadors, elite trail runners and staff, have collected a few tips on how to run your first trail race in the Alps.
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How to Prevent Injury Trail Running in the Alps
Tips from one of Chamonix’s top Physical Therapists: Here’s a recap if you missed our Run the Alps Rendez-Vous with one of Chamonix’s top physical therapists, Neil Maclean-Martin from La Clinique du Sport.
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Training Tips for Trail Racing in the Alps
If you are planning on racing in the Alps, or you dream of racing here one day, we hope these training tips will set you on track.
Videos
Run the Alps Tour Grant Program
We believe that trail running can be a life-enriching experience, so we’re offering a Grant Program to help make our trips more accessible.
Run the Alps Film Festival 2025
The 2025 edition of the Run the Alps film festival, in partnership with On, is a celebration of trail running in the Alps.
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel
A few years ago, we started looking for the perfect bag for our clients to move their belongings from inn to inn, when they’re trail running the Tour du Mont-Blanc. This is it!