Mountain Adventure Holidays
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.
The Marathon du Mont Blanc weekend has just wrapped up, and as we shake off the feeling of the past few days, we can't help but marvel at the experience. It was a privilege to be there, immersed in the vibrant energy of the community, watching people come together to do what they love most—running and cheering along the scenic trails.
Trail running in Chamonix is a bucket list adventure. But how does one navigate the trails, or transition from road running to the rugged terrain around the Mont Blanc? How do we fuel for long days out? Luckily, this camp covers all the topics. It’s a guided, worry-free gateway into the trail running community.
Almost a year ago, I embarked on an adventure and entered the world of trail running.
I did not really know what to expect when I signed up to try trail running in Chamonix, as part of Stance #HoodtoTrail project.
We are often asked what it is like to run in the mountains. The easiest way to explain this is to suggest you watch this film which encapsulates the experience of running along stunning mountain trails high above the valley of Chamonix, France. The sensation of running through alpine meadows, taking in stunning views, while enjoying the physical sensation of running 'free' is not to be missed.
Chamonix is often referred to as the world capital of 'alpine mountaineering', but also has legendary status as the ultimate trail running and racing destination in Europe.
In August it is the mecca for runners from around the world who collect to take on the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc. Racing from Chamonix along the classic TMB route around the mountain. It’s the pinnacle of the trail racing season and in addition to the UTMB, the trail racing festival includes a host of races of differing lengths including the 100km CCC which leaves Courmayeur and travels through Champex in Switzerland before finishing in Chamonix.
If you’d like to experience running between countries on either the UTMB route or the CCC route with a Tracks and Trails guide, then check out our summer trail running holidays and get in touch.
The beauty of the Chamonix Valley’s Classic Trails is the scale of choice. From meandering routes alongside the river at its base to the tree-lined petite balcons some 300m off the valley floor. They all interlink with the grand balcons that undulate above 2000m and offer high alpine vistas from both the south and north sides of the valley.
This is running territory that will take your breath away – both figuratively and, at times because of the altitude, literally! What more could you want from a trail running holiday.
Most of us like achieving a challenge, be it big or small. As a runner much of the time the goal is centred around a time, pace or distance. However for a mountain marathon there is a lot more to consider. In 2009 I wanted to run the Everest Marathon, and the main goals for this event is to reach Everest Basecamp healthy and acclimitised.
Read my top tips on trail running at altitude some of which are featured in this months 'Trail Running Magazine' attached.
