Mountain Adventure Holidays
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.
There’s something unique about the air in Chamonix—an energy that fills the town with a sense of adventure. The hotel lobby is where we meet our guide and fellow runners. Strangers now, about to embark on a week-long journey together. Our guide welcomed us warmly and laid out the plans for the week: a mix of trail runs, nutrition talks, strength training, yoga, and mental training. It was clear—we were in for an enriching experience.
Our first run was a gentle warm-up along the serene river path, a perfect way to chat and bond over our shared love for running. In the afternoon, we met Neil from Clinic du Sport for Injury prevention & Strength training for the trails. He guided us through drills and form analysis, identifying weaknesses and offering tips for improvement. These insights would be invaluable throughout the week. Later, our guide showed us around town, pointing out essential spots for stocking up on snacks an necessities.
Strength training with Neil on the first day
The real adventure began with a run up Aiguillette des Posettes. We took public transport to the valley's end, then ascended to the ridge, greeted by breathtaking views of the valley. Along the way, Rebecca Dent, a high-performance dietitian, joined us. She provided personalized nutrition advice, ensuring we were well-prepared for our upcoming runs and races. The informal chats with Rebecca were invaluable, helping us craft effective nutrition strategies.
Capitalizing on the fantastic weather, we altered our itinerary to ascend Aiguillette des Houches. After dynamic warm-ups inspired by Neil’s training, we climbed high to gaze at Mont Blanc from the other side of the valley. Inez Elpers, a mental performance coach, accompanied us, discussing goal setting, overcoming insecurities, and maintaining focus. Her insights were inspiring, and the tips on snow running—especially the technique of sliding down gracefully—were both practical and fun.
The sun graced us for one more day, perfect for our run up to Plan de l'Aiguille. The long uphill trek was challenging, but the stunning views made every step worth it. Our guide expertly kept the group together, motivating us through the tough stretches. Running along the Grand Balcon Nord was a humbling experience, the towering peaks making us feel wonderfully small. That evening, our yoga inspired session was a soothing balm for our tired legs, with Savasana and Child's Pose becoming instant favorites.
Up to plan l'Aguille on day 4!
Rain greeted us on our recovery run from Chamonix to Argentière. Despite the grey skies, our guide’s enthusiasm was infectious, getting us out the door with a smile. We warmed up at the church before heading towards the Petit Balcon Sud. The run was relaxed and enjoyable, the tree cover and playful stream hopping adding to the fun. A visit to the best bakery in Argentière provided a delicious break, and though we had the option to take the bus back, we chose to run, buoyed by each other's encouragement. Back at the hotel, we concluded the day with a talk on mental flexibility and resilience in sports, sharing insights and tips for training the mind.
Our final day focused on navigation, teaching us to read paper maps—an essential skill for any trail runner. The weather, as unpredictable as ever, kept us lower in the valley to avoid the risk of storms. Our guide's lessons were practical and engaging. That evening, we celebrated with a farewell dinner, indulging in exquisite French cuisine and reflecting on the week’s adventures.
As we said our goodbyes, with plans to reunite at the Ibris race in Kazakhstan, the camaraderie and shared experiences were evident. This trail running camp in Chamonix was more than just a training retreat—it was a journey of personal growth, newfound friendships, and unforgettable memories.
Until then, à la prochaine, Chamonix!
Join us to learn, explore and enhance your trail running on our Chamonix Trail Running Camp
If you simply want to be guided on the trails, join us on our Mont blanc Ultra trail
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 .
