Chamonix - Trail Running Mecca!

Written by Julia Tregaskis-Allen 01 May 2014

Last modified on 28 February 2024
Chamonix - Trail Running Mecca!

Chamonix is quickly becoming the trail running Mecca of Europe. Known for decades as the climbing and extreme skiing capital of the world, Chamonix's vast network of trails suitable for running remained relatively undiscovered. Recently, though, widespread media coverage of events such as the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc and the CCC (Courmayeur - Champex - Chamonix) have brought trail running into the limelight and exposed Chamonix to a new legion of outdoor athletes keen to explore the natural wonders of the Mont Blanc massif.

Trail running is all about getting out into nature and experiencing the exhilaration of running along twisty tracks in forests, along valleys, over creeks and gullies and through beautiful alpine meadows. The Chamonix valley has a great trail network which has been further developed in recent years by the local commune, guided by the input of avid and experienced trail runners keen to develop the area's vast potential.

Last year the International Trail Running Association was launched in Chamonix and the town now also plays host to a number of elite level athletes year-round who have chosen the valley as their training base due to the high quality of the trails and facilities. Visitors also benefit from the great number of sports stores that increasingly carry a large range of trail running equipment suited to all levels backed up with excellent advice from knowledgeable staff.

Tracks and Trails have been at the forefront of leading guided trail runs and we now offer a number of different week-long running camps in the Chamonix valley (in addition to guided trail running trips through the Juras and Swiss Alps). As the Guardian noted in its feature on trail running recently, Tracks and Trails have made it our mission to take daunted, determined and off-road-curious runners and open up our Chamonix playground to all!

Find out more about all our trail running activities by contacting us if you'd like more information or guidance on which trip would best meet your expectations: we're always happy to help! Alternatively, you can email us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call: +44 (0)20 8144 6442.