Coached and guided trail running camp

Chamonix, France is easily reached from other European and worldwide destinations by road, rail, coach or plane.

If travelling by train we recommend booking through RailEurope or Trainline.  The most direct route is taking the Eurostar to Gare de Nord and then use the TGV system via Gare de Lyon, Bellegarde Sur Valserine, St Gervais le Bains and finally to Chamonix Mont Blanc.

For coach travel we recommend using Flixbus.  For more information on travelling by public transport, please see our travel blog.

If travelling by plane, Geneva is the closest international airport, only 1h15 by road which makes shared transfers, buses or trains easy to arrange.

A range of travel options to reach the Chamonix valley can be found on the Chamonix Tourist Office website.

Reaching Chamonix from Geneva airport is straightforward with many transfer companies operating this route throughout the day. Either consider a scheduled bus which will drop you at Chamonix Sud Bus Station, such as easybus.com, or use a private transfer company such as Haute Transfer, or Mountain Drop-Offs which will drop you at your accommodation. If booking with Mountain Drop-Offs you receive a small discount on the route by using our company code of TAT01. This code only applies to transfers in ’normal’ working hours. It does not apply to early morning, or late evening transfers. 

Please contact us if you need further advice on your specific travel requirements.

It is your responsibility to ensure any insurance taken out is appropriate for your trip and the activity you will be undertaking. Tracks & Trails cannot advise on insurance policies or be held responsible if, in the event of a claim, your insurance is inadequate. 

Activity, Injury and Mountain Rescue It is a condition of booking you are insured for mountain rescue, medical expenses, injury, illness, death, cost of repatriation and personal accident risks. The exception to the mountain rescue insurance requirement is if the trip is taking place in the United Kingdom or Norway where mountain rescue is free of charge. Ensure your insurance covers you to the maximum altitude given on your trip itinerary. The maximum altitude can be checked in the 'At A Glance' box on the trip page. 

Trip Cancellation/Curtailment Insurance Insurance should be booked as soon as we confirm your trip is going ahead. Deposit and balance payments are non-refundable unless it is Tracks and Trails who cancel the trip due to a failure to reach the minimum numbers required. In this case we offer a full refund or the option to transfer to another trip.

Baggage Loss/Equipment Damage We advise insurance which covers baggage loss/equipment damage.

All the above is detailed in our Terms and Conditions. For further information on insurance options click here.

When packing for a trip in the mountains it’s important to have the right equipment and clothing. We believe our kit lists cover the necessary items required relating to the weather you might encounter and for the accommodation you will be staying in.

Equipment 

• Trail running shoes - for a variety of trails

• Running poles - highly recommended for long climbing and mixed terrain 

• Running pack/vest - maximum 10 litres, ideally with a chest and waist strip. Test your pack for comfort once full

• Rucksack cover/liner/bags - to keep contents dry

• Water - container 1 litre/2 x soft flasks

Clothing

You must be able to cover yourself with 3 full layers on your upper body and 2 full layers on your legs

• Waterproof jacket with hood - waterproof and breathable membrane designed for mountain use

• Waterproof over trousers 

• Mid length tights and longs socks or long running tights to cover the legs completely

• Thermal top – long sleeves 

• Thin fleece/lightweight down jacket

• Running shorts/skort

• Breathable t-shirt/vest 

• Warm hat

• Ear/headband

• Baseball cap/sun hat 

• Gloves - 1 thick pair & 1 thin pair 

• Running socks 

• Recovery socks/compression socks - optional

• Scarf/buff for neck

• Fleece/wind stopper waistcoat - optional

Comfort

• Lip salve

• Sunscreen

• Sunglasses – essential

• Tissues/Toilet paper - biodegradable bags to dispose of rubbish

• Snacks - running food such as bars/gels/energy drinks/trail mix/recovery drinks etc

Personal First Aid 

• Personal Medication - if required 

• Space blanket

• Blister Plasters

• Normal Bandaids

• Blister tape eg Strappal

• Pain relief/anti-inflammatories

• Glucose tablets 

• 2 x Re-hydration sachets

• A few throat lozenges

• Anti-chaffing cream/Vaseline

• Antiseptic cream/spray 

• Bandage/Knee support - recommended

Documentation

• Cash – Euros

• Credit card

• Passport 

• Waterproof bag for documents

• Mountain Rescue Insurance - compulsory

• GHIC - if travelling from UK for medical cover

Additional Items

• Camera 

• Phone that will function in the countries you are visiting

• Clothing for use in accommodation 

• Clothing for any classes - such as yoga/stretching

• Slippers for use in accommodation 

• Swimwear for pool/hot tubs if available 

• Ear plugs – recommended if room sharing 

• Head torch - also useful when sharing a room

• Maps can be bought locally - not essential

• Heart rate monitor – optional

• GPS watch/phone to track your route - if owned

• Toiletries: soap/shower gel as not all accommodations supply this

• Book/notepad & pencil for talks

Check out the What kit to bring Blog post on our website for further advice on:

• the minimum requirement the racers carry 

• weight saving ideas

• how to waterproof your kit 

• ideal trail shoes for the route

• nutrition advice

**Supplementary snacks if you follow a gluten free or coeliac diet**

Leaders are all first aid trained and will carry their own first aid kit

Adventure Lightly, Leave Only Footprints

• Local guides – led by those who live in the area

• Hop on a train – easy, stress-free travel to destination available

• Feel at home – stay in family run accommodation wherever possible

• Keep it green – our stays are big on recycling!

• Say no to single-use – help us cut down on plastic waste

• Leave no trace – everything, even tissues, comes off the mountain with you

On many trips there will be an element of 'group kit'. This kit will will be minimal and usually a case of sharing a few lightweight 'survival shelters'. For example, on a week-long trip you may carry a shelter for one day before passing it to the next person. If you are booking a trip in winter there will be a few additional safety items, such as a snow shovel, probe, spare ski pole etc.

For each trip a minimum number of guests is required before we can confirm your trip will go-ahead. Minimum and maximum numbers are displayed in 'At a Glance' on the righthand of the trip page. If you book travel before we have emailed to confirm the trip is guaranteed we cannot be held responsible for any financial loss.

When booking a holiday as a solo traveller a twin bedded room comprising of two single beds, is booked as standard. This will be with someone of the same gender unless you request to pay extra for your own room. Single rooms are often limited in supply so if you would like to pay a supplement for a single room we urge you to get in touch as soon as possible. Single supplement £810 in 2026 and £860 in 2027.

For this trip where you are centre-based, in other words where you are staying in the same accommodation all week, you are welcome to bring whatever luggage you require. However, please note that not all the hotels we use have elevators. This means you may need to carry your luggage to your bedroom and this might involve climbing several flights of stairs. We would suggest that luggage with wheels is generally a good idea.

The statistics given on your itinerary relating to ascent, descent and distance should be used as a 'general' indication of the effort required. This is a guideline to help you decide if, based on previous experience, your fitness and stamina are correct for the trip. We ask you to note that the even the most modern of technology can show considerable variations in terms of ascent, descent, and in particular distance.

Your leader will carry the correct maps and you are not expected to navigate, but if you would like to have maps of the itinerary you will find that those listed below cover the route: 

IGN 89025: Tour du Mont Blanc 1:50,000

or

IGN 3630 OT: Chamonix Massif du Mont Blanc 1:25,000

IGN 3531 ET: St Gervais-les-Bains Massif du Mont Blanc 1:25,000

Summer mountain weather in the European Alps can vary considerably, and in this respect it is no different to any mountain environment where the terrain influences the weather and it can change from valley to valley. In the summer it is generally good, but it can be everything from glorious sunshine, to rain, fog, high winds and even snow. Temperatures can reach over 30°Celsius (86°F) in July and August, but drop to 5°Celsius (41°F) on the high passes, or 'Cols' as they are known in the Alps. Essentially, as with all mountain journeys, you should be prepared for any eventuality. The average temperatures range from 15-25°Celsius (59-77°F) in the valleys and 5-15°Celsius (41-59°F) on the passes. Even in mid-summer we can be faced with overnight snow.

Food On our trips we encourage you to experience local tastes and dishes. If you are vegetarian catering for your diet is not generally a problem.  If you have a 'special' diet because of an allergy/intolerance we ask that you make your needs clear on your booking form so we can discuss your requirements with the accommodation. A diet that is not related to an allergy/intolerance or beliefs cannot be catered for. It is simply not possible for mountain accommodation to deal with many variations in diet while providing meals for groups. 

In addition, if you have an allergy/intolerance we would suggest you bring/purchase suitable snacks as a supplement to the picnic lunches. At times finding gluten free bread, for example, can be an issue.  If you would like to discuss the suitability of a trip for a vegan diet, gluten or lactose intolerance please contact us. We request that you do not CHANGE your dietary requirements during the trip as we will have pre-ordered your meals.

Water If the accommodation has a problem with the water supply they will post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water, otherwise it is normal to drink from the tap. Hotels - It is not uncommon for restaurants to charge for tap water at the evening meal. If this is the case then Tracks and Trails will cover the cost. Mountain Huts - If your trip features a stay in a mountain hut/refuge and the tap water is not potable then Tracks and Trails will cover the cost of bottled water at the evening meal. Sparkling water is not included in this option and any cost should be covered by you.

Plastic credit or debit cards or smartphone pay systems are increasingly accepted throughout the areas where we run trips. Some countries, such as Norway, are moving towards a cashless society. However, in Europe, in the mountain areas where we run trips, a small amount of cash in the local currency is useful. For example, if you stop at a family-run mountain cafe or farm they may not accept cards or smartphone systems, and cash will be necessary. We recommend having enough cash in the local currency to pay for a few snacks and drinks. Whether to bring cash or not is at your own discretion.

A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required. We suggest keeping your passport in your rucksack, and a paper copy of your passport in your luggage. If your trip does not include luggage support carry a paper copy with you, but separate from your passport. You should check passport requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate for the country you are visiting, paying attention to your citizenship. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice.  

NEW European Travel Regulations 2026 If you are travelling to Europe you may be impacted by a change to travel regulations. In the last quarter of 2026, the European Commission will roll out a U.S. style electronic travel authorisation system for visitors from countries that are currently not part of the EU. It is your responsibility to check for updates with regard to the introduction date.

We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at: Plug, Socket & Voltage by Country

If your trip involves staying in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut a slimline and lightweight 'battery pack' can be useful for recharging phones etc. This type of accommodation will generally have electricity, but it may be limited in supply, and it is not always possible to charge items.

If you would like help preparing for your adventure you could consider booking a Quick Fix session with personal trainer Kate Brown. This is aimed at those who want to get ready for any of our Summer activities. Your booking with Kate will involve a 45 minute 1:1 video consultation and action plan. You can read more about her ethos and experience here.

We also offer free training videos on our YouTube channel:

Trail Running Warm-up

Trail Running Progression

Trail Running Recovery

Tracks and Trails pays guides/instructors a fair and appropriate fee for their professional service. If you feel your guide/instructor has provided an excellent service that went 'above and beyond' then it is at the discretion of each guest whether to tip or not.  Guests will often give a tip of between 2 - 5 per cent of the total value of their trip. It is entirely up to you and any gesture will no doubt be appreciated no matter the size. 

Before booking consider whether you expect to be in the appropriate physical condition on the date of your departure to allow you to fully participate in and enjoy your holiday. If you have any doubts because of an illness or injury it would be advisable to check with your doctor. We advise you always carry your insurance documents with details of the Emergency Medical telephone number for your insurance provider, and your policy number. 

GHIC For UK residents travelling to an EU country you should obtain and bring your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). The GHIC gives access to state healthcare in Europe either free or at a reduced cost. The GHIC is not a substitute for medical travel insurance.

EHIC If you have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) it will be valid until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you should apply for a GHIC.

We feel strongly about protecting the environment and do not encourage the use of single-use plastic items. We would ask that you arrive with a ‘water bottle’ or ‘hydration system’ that can be used repeatedly. We operate a zero tolerance for rubbish, and would ask you to remove all items from the mountain, this includes toilet tissue, and those items you consider to be bio-degradable.

The waste water in mountain huts, also known as refuges/rifugios, often runs into nearby streams and rivers with a potential impact on the eco-system, though in many places steps are now being taken to avoid this. Whether or not your trip involves staying in a mountain hut we would nevertheless recommend you consider nature friendly sunscreens which only contain mineral UV-blocking ingredients such as oxide, and titanium dioxide.

You can read our Sustainable Travel Policy here.

Working across international boundaries, and with various currencies means the price of our trips can change overnight. We have undertaken to guarantee that once you have paid your deposit the price of your trip is fixed. The website price may increase due to currency fluctuations, but we guarantee that the price advertised on the date of your booking will be maintained. 

We believe in team work, and enjoy working with other small high quality companies. All our trips are organised by Tracks and Trails, but you may be joined by guests from other companies. Partners are carefully selected to ensure they reflect our ethos and standards. By working with other companies your chosen holiday may reach its minimum number earlier, allowing us to guarantee the trip and give you the go-ahead to book your travel. We guarantee that companies with whom we work will offer the same price package. If you have any questions about this policy contact us. 

We go to great lengths to work with first class guides who are passionate about their work. They are all fully qualified, insured, and hold the correct documentation.

Please note your guide has complete discretion to make a daily decision on whether or not to take the advertised route based on the weather and the ability of the members of the group. They have our authority to make any route changes they believe are necessary in the interests of safety and enjoyment. 

Julia Tregaskis-Allen, Director of Tracks and Trails, is also an International Mountain Leader, triathlon coach and personal trainer. Julia's love of travel, sport and adventure combined with her passion to share this with others has been the inspiration of many of our trips. In particular, the setting up and guiding of our trail running, cross country skiing and family holidays. For more information about Julia visit our About Us page.

Check out Julia's trail video clips on How to Pack for Trail Running, tips on Running with Poles and other videos on the Tracks and Trails YouTube channel.

International Mountain Leaders are not only qualified to ensure the safe management of the group, but are also a source of knowledge about the local flora and fauna, and traditions of the area which you are visiting. For our trail running trips we employ International  Mountain Leaders who have a particular passion for trail running. Many of our trail running guides have competed in mountain marathons, and ultra marathons in the European Alps and further afield. 

Jess is a Physiotherapist and Nutritionist with extensive experience in both clinical and elite sports settings. She has worked as the Physiotherapist for Chelsea FC Ladies and as the Women's Health Lead at Angel City FC. With additional qualifications in yoga and Pilates, Jess integrates strength and conditioning with functional movement, to improve movement patterns, reduce injury risk, and optimise performance.  A keen trail runner, Jess has podiumed in 50k events in the Chamonix area.

Rebecca is a High Performance Dietitian specialising in nutrition for ultra runners and mountain sport athletes. With a wealth of experience gained over the past 15years supporting the recreational to elite, Olympic level athlete Rebecca has developed a deep understanding of the unique demands of endurance sport. Rebecca helps runners get the most out of their training and time on the trails by providing personalised easy to put into practise nutrition strategise, that are built on what you are already doing well, taking into account your dietary preferences and lifestyle situation. Rebecca is based in the Chamonix valley and lives and breathes the mountain lifestyle—spending summers on the trails and winters ski touring.

 You can learn more about our guides and instructors on the About Us page.

 Please note your guide has complete discretion to make a daily decision on whether or not to take the advertised route based on the weather and the ability of the members of the group. They have our authority to make any route changes they believe are necessary in the interests of safety and enjoyment.

Lunches are not included in your trip fee, allowing you to choose the trail food you enjoy while helping to reduce food waste. Lunches are generally picnic-style, with a packed lunch, snacks and drinks to keep you going throughout the day. Your guide/instructor will advise you where to buy supplies locally or help you order a picnic from your accommodation. Occasionally, there may also be an opportunity to stop at a café or restaurant along the trail. Please pay for any lunches or drinks ordered from your accommodation the evening before, to avoid delays in the morning.