Mountain Adventure Holidays
Chamonix Classic Running Trails - group picture
I had the pleasure of speaking with Rebecca, our winner of the National Outdoor Expo, who just completed her first guided trail running holiday with Tracks and Trails on the Chamonix Classic Running Trails.
Rebecca started out as a road runner, but after moving to North Wales—near Snowdonia and within reach of the Lake District—she found herself drawn to the trails. "I began running in the hills and forests without even knowing it was called trail running," she explains. "Now, I can't imagine going back to the road; the trails offer so much more to see and experience."
Beyond the stunning landscapes, our conversation focused on the Low Impact concept of the holiday. Rebecca shared her thoughts on how this approach, which emphasises sustainability and minimising the environmental footprint, made her trip even more meaningful.
Thank you! It was a bit surreal—I just signed up thinking I wouldn't win. I’d never been to Chamonix and didn’t think I’d have the courage to come on my own. But winning gave me the push I needed, and the experience has been incredible. I even met someone on the trip who lives nearby my home, so we can continue running together. It’s been a life-changing experience, and I feel incredibly lucky to have had this opportunity.
It was great to be part of a trip that prioritised sustainability. I’ve become much more aware of the importance of reducing our environmental impact, and it was encouraging to see how this trip integrated that focus. From supporting local businesses to promoting public transport use, it all felt very intentional. It’s something I hadn’t thought much about before, but now it’s definitely something I’ll consider when planning future holidays. Knowing I was contributing to a more responsible way of travel made the experience even more rewarding.
I really valued how the trip was designed to minimise our environmental footprint. Staying at a family-run hotel and using public transport to explore the area made a big difference. The included travel card was a great idea, allowing us to easily navigate the whole valley without needing a car. It showed me how much you can experience while supporting local businesses and reducing carbon emissions.
The guiding aspect was particularly meaningful. Paul, our guide, brought the landscape to life with his knowledge of local flora and fauna. He taught us about the unique plants and animals in the area and how to be mindful of our surroundings, like how to behave around sheepdogs or identify different species. This kind of awareness made the experience richer and more connected to the place we were exploring.
We also adopted practices like taking all our litter with us, which reinforced the "leave no trace" ethic. Learning about sustainable practices, such as “plogging,” - a combination of running with picking up litter - really resonated with me. It wasn’t just about enjoying the trails but also understanding how to protect them. This experience aligned perfectly with my values of respecting nature and being more responsible in my everyday actions.
Honestly, just being in Chamonix! I had seen so many beautiful pictures and was eager to see the mountains in person. But more than that, running here has been an eye-opener. I never imagined I’d make it to some of the peaks we reached, and it's boosted my confidence and improved my running. I also received great advice from our guide on technique and pacing. It’s been an amazing opportunity, and I feel so lucky to have had this chance.
Absolutely—just go for it! You might find that you’re already doing some of these things without realizing it. It gives you a chance to explore places you might not have considered and experience them in a more meaningful way.
I’d definitely recommend it. The whole experience was seamless, from planning to the trip itself. Our guide, Paul, was fantastic—he managed everything, set the right tone, and made everyone feel included. You can tell they have great relationships with the local community, and that made us feel very welcome. It’s been a fantastic experience, and I’m actually sad to be leaving—even with the rain!
It was a pleasure to hear about Rebecca’s experience on the Chamonix trails and to see how much joy and fulfillment she found in her adventure with us. After sharing a coffee and a meaningful conversation, I was happy to see the genuine excitement in her eyes as she talked about her time on the trails, her newfound confidence in trail running, and her interest in coming back for more—perhaps even in winter!
For all running enthusiasts eager to join our community, be sure to check out our Strava account.
If you're feeling inspired and excited to embark on your own trail running adventures, come learn, explore, and elevate your skills at our Chamonix Trail Running Camp.
If you simply want to be guided on the trails, join us on our Chamonix Classic Trails
Keep up to date with Tracks and Trails through our newsletter, click here to sign up. For more information about our trail running camps, either bespoke or Scheduled Departures, speak to one of our expert team by calling +44 (0) 20 8144 64442 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. In addition to trail running camps we offer hiking, and in winter snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
