A guided run following the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc route

Train Bookings to travel to our meeting point in Chamonix, France, can be made through RailEurope or Trainline. 

Bus For coach travel to Chamonix, France, you can contact Flixbus.  For more information on travelling by public transport, see our travel blog.

Air If travelling by plane, Geneva, Switzerland, is the closest international airport, only 1h15 by road to our hotel. 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. 

A range of travel options to reach the Chamonix valley can be found on the Chamonix Tourist Office website. Please contact us if you need further advice on your specific travel requirements.

You will depart from Chamonix, France at the end of your trip.

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 is important to have appropriate equipment and clothing. This kit list features items we believe are necessary for the weather you might encounter and accommodation you will be staying in. If you have any questions with regards to what to bring, do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Equipment 

• Trail Running shoes - for a variety of trails

• Walking boots - in case of ice and snow on the trail - this may or may not affect your trip depending on the time of season, contact us for clarification OR bring both boots and running shoes. If there is a lot of snow/ice your guide might suggest stiffer footwear for these days/sections

• Running poles - highly recommended for long climbs/mixed terrain 

• Running pack/vest maximum 20 litres, ideally with a chest and waist strap. Test your pack for comfort once full

• Rucksack liner/cover - to keep contents dry

• Water container 1-1.5 litres, or 2 x 'soft' flasks

• Survival blanket 1.40m x 2m minimum

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 x 2 - 1 thick and 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

• Toilet/tissue paper - we recommend biodegradable bags to dispose of rubbish

• Snacks for running - bars/gels /energy drinks/trail mix/recovery drinks etc

For use on the nights when you are in Refuge/Hut accommodation

• Lightweight pack towel 

• Sheet sleeping bag 'liner' - for use under the blankets/duvet provided by the Refuge. We have some for hire if necessary, contact us to reserve

Personal First Aid 

• Personal medication – if required 

• 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

Documentation

• Cash – Euros/Swiss Francs

• 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 that you are visiting

• Clothing for use in hotels 

• Swimwear for pool/hot tubs if available 

• AirTag or similar to track luggage

• Ear plugs – recommended if sharing a room

• Head torch - also useful when sharing a room

• Maps can be bought locally - not essential

• Heart rate monitor – if owned

• GPS watch/phone - to track your route, optional

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

• Padlock - for luggage being transferred

• 1 Medium sized - kitbag/holdall/suitcase

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

Your luggage will be moved each day by a taxi driver. The legal maximum weight limit is 15kg (33lbs) per person. If your luggage exceeds this limit it will not be collected. You can take only ONE luggage bag on the trip. Not all hotels have 'lifts' and you must be able to carry your luggage upstairs. 

**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

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.

If you are planning to enter or race either the ‘UTMB or the CCC' you will find this week offers runners invaluable endurance training and race route knowledge. Our local running guides have in-depth knowledge about the course, the terrain, and how to prepare. It’s also a perfect chance to test out your clothing, equipment and nutrition plans. Weather and conditions permitting, we aim to run the route as described on the map and day-to-day itinerary on our website. The official race route changes from year to year and is often adapted in the event of poor weather. Please let us know if you are planning to take part in the race as this is useful information for your guide.

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. This trip has a single supplement of £660 in 2026 and £700 in 2027.

Your luggage will be transferred daily to the next accommodation and you only need carry a small/medium sized 'rucksack' for items you need during the course of the day. Please refer to the kit list for guidance on the size of rucksack required. 

Your luggage, ONE bag per person, will be moved along the route by taxi and should not exceed the legal maximum weight of 15kgs (33lbs).  If your luggage exceeds this weight limit it will not be collected and will be left behind. 

Be aware that you will have to carry your luggage to your bedroom, which may involve climbing several flights of stairs as not all hotels have elevators. Luggage on wheels is generally a good idea, and the taxi companies prefer a soft bag. They cannot accept responsibility for damage to any hard-shell suitcases. You are asked to avoid leaving valuables in your luggage, fragile items, personal medication or official documents, such as passports.

If your trip begins and ends at the same hotel in Chamonix it is possible to leave extra luggage at the hotel for your return. However, we cannot guarantee at this point in time that we will be using the same hotel at the beginning and end of your journey as it depends on availability. Contact us for details.

Your bags will be collected each morning at 0800 hrs and if your bag is not ready it will not be collected. The bags will be delivered by 1730 hrs to your next accommodation. Earlier delivery cannot be guarantee due to the volume of luggage moving around the Tour du Mont Blanc.

We recommend that you consider a device such as an "AirTag" which allows you to track your luggage in the event of it being misplaced. 

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 fully qualified, insured, and hold the correct documentation. Your guide has our authority to make any route changes they believe are necessary in the interests of safety and enjoyment. Your trail running guide will be a qualified and experienced International Mountain Leader. IML's are trained to ensure the safe management of the group, but are also a source of knowledge about the local flora and fauna, culuture and traditions. Many of our trail running guides have competed in mountain marathons, and ultra marathons in the European Alps and further afield. You can learn more about our guides and instructors on the About Us page. 

We do not include lunches in your trip fee for various reasons, the most important of which is food waste. Most people have particular tastes and requirements for 'trail' or 'hill' food and it is better you purchase your own snacks rather than throw away items from the picnic lunch which we would supply. Lunches on our trips are 'picnic' style lunches, in other words you take a packed lunch with sufficient snacks, food and fluid to sustain you throughout the day. Buying snacks and trying local specialities is a great way to inter-act with local people and to practise your language skills.

If there is the possibility of lunch being taken at a restaurant/farm/cafe beside the trail, your guide/instructor will advise you of this. Each evening you can order a picnic/sandwich from your accommodation, or your guide/instructor will advise you of options such as a local shop or market. In all cases we would ask you to settle any 'bill' for lunch or drinks the evening before you depart, and not in the morning when there may be a queue.