Mountain Adventure Holidays
The tour around the mighty Mont Blanc is one of the most iconic trails in the world. Join us on this 6-day trail running trip of a lifetime around the crown of the Western Alps.
Passing through some truly spectacular mountain scenery, it is a route steeped in history, culture and folklore. You will run on ancient pathways used by hunters, herdsmen and traders on a route taking you through France, Italy and Switzerland. Smooth, runnable trails are interspersed with technical, rocky sections over the high mountain passes. Breathtaking alpine landscapes await, flanked by colourful meadows tumbling down into picturesque hamlets and villages. Both a nature lover's and a trail runner’s paradise.
This is one of the world's most famous long distant hiking trails, or to use the French term a 'Grand Randonée' or 'long walk'. It has become even more famous in recent years, in the trail running world, as the route of the mythical Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc® (UTMB®). This is an ultra marathon taking place each year in August. Covering 106 miles (171kms) with over 10,000m (32,800ft) of elevation it offers a formidable challenge to experienced trail runners.
On this trip you are on holiday, it is not the race, and therefore we spend one week running the route and taking time to enjoy the mountains. Each day we will run/hike about 30 kilometres (18 miles), with at least one high mountain pass. We’re likely to be on our feet for 6-8 hours per day with lots of ascent and descent on a variety of mountain trails. This trip is suitable for experienced mountain trail runners.
Your trip starts in the world famous mountain town of Chamonix, in France. Chamonix has a rich history as a climbing and hiking destination having attracted mountain lovers for many centuries. It is perhaps most famous for its incredible mountain views of glaciers and summits which are dominated by the highest mountain in Western Europe, Mont Blanc which today sits at 4810m (15,777ft). Ever since Mont Blanc was first climbed in August 1786 it has inspired the climbers who come to Chamonix throughout the summer months with their dreams of ascending the 'mighty Blanc'.
Your running guide will meet you this evening, at approximately 1800hrs, at your hotel in the world famous Chamonix Valley in France to answer any last minute questions and to brief you on the days ahead.
Today we set off from the world famous alpine town of Chamonix, in France, home to Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe at 4810m (15,776ft). We warm up running through the town when you have the chance to visualise the start line for the Ultra Trail and how it must feel to be with thousands of others running through the streets of Chamonix at the start of this immense challenge? We soon leave the tarmac behind as we head down the valley on a gentle trail following the Arve River towards the village of Les Houches. Then we begin to work as we climb up through the forest heading for the Voza pass to gain excellent views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding glaciated peaks. We will then descend towards the historic spa town of St Gervais-les-Bains, passing quaint chalets and rustic farms, before following the valley trail to Les Contamines village at 1170m (3837ft) and our first overnight. In times past Les Contamines was strategically important as the crossroads of a Roman road linking Genève in Switzerland to Aosta in Italy.
Ascent: 1554m (5097ft) Descent: 1368m (4487ft) Distance: 29.9 km (18.7 miles) Duration: Run/Walk 7h00-8h00
We start our day with a great warm up running along the riverside on a wide flat trail. We are heading straight into history this morning as we take the Roman road constructed many centuries ago by soldiers to secure the trading route to the Beaufortain area. On the way we will pass the beautiful baroque church of Notre Dame de la Gorge. The route then climbs steeply for a short section as we head for the refuge at Le Balme, a great first goal where we can have a snack and a drink, re-fill our water bottles, and use the 'facilities'. At Le Balme we can contemplate the steady climb to the Col de Bonhomme, our first major pass, which sits at 2439m (7999ft). Early in the season the Col will often have snow patches left over from the winter. A little higher is our second col the Croix de Bonhomme where coffee and cake awaits. Then it is all downhill as we take a sweeping trail through meadows down to Les Chapieux. Tonight we will most likely stay by the beautiful Lac de Roselend. Accommodation is in very short supply in this remote valley. We will take a taxi transfer off the trail, but return to rejoin the route the following day. The transfer will take approximately 30 minutes.
Ascent: 1725m (5658km) Descent: 1070m (3509ft) Distance: 24km (15 miles) Duration: Run/Walk 7h30-8h30
Today is fabulous and challenging! We leave our accommodation by taking a private taxi transfer to regain our trail from yesterday. This involves a run along the valley and then a steady climb to the Col de la Seigne and the Italian frontier. The trail is wide and at an easy angle, and climbs very efficiently. Once we reach the Italian frontier there are stunning views as we descend into Val Veny with its sparking glaciers and Mont Blanc towering above. We then climb steeply up to the ridge on Mont Favre, and then down to the Col Checrouit to the fantastic Rifugio Maison Vieille, offering excellent Italian hospitality. Then it’s downhill all the way to the ancient town of Courmayeur followed by a steep challenging climb to the idyllically situated Rifugio Bertone. We then traverse a beautiful trail around the mountain which in our mind offers the most incredible views of the Mont Blanc mountain range, a truly amazing trail run. Eventually, we reach the famous Rifugio Bonatti, a gorgeous refuge dedicated to the mountaineer and photographer, Walter Bonatti. This is a challenging day offering stunning vistas.
Ascent: 2133m (7400ft) Descent: 2000m (6900ft) Distance: 34km (21 miles) Duration: Run/Walk 6h30-7h30
Note: the distance today will depend on accommodation as the Refuge Les Mottets is fully booked. We can begin at Les Chapeiux where we ending last night, or 'lose' a few km's by asking our transfer to drop you off as near to Les Mottets as possible. There is some flexility if you feel this day is too long.
Today we get the chance to 'recover' with a shorter day. Leaving the Rifugio Bonatti in the morning is definitely a moment to be savoured. If you are lucky with the weather, the morning light is stunning and the mountains on the other side of the valley provide what must surely be one of the world's most spectacular mountain views. You can almost 'touch' the glaciers and granite peaks of the Mont Blanc range. The trail from the Rifugio Bonatti takes the balcony path along Val Ferret before descending to Arnuva, and then there is a long, but steady climb to the Swiss frontier at the Grand Col Ferret. The wide, runnable trail descends and then traverses along the hillside before dropping down to the lovely Swiss village of La Fouly at 1600m where we will spend the night.
Ascent: 857m (2810ft) Descent: 1279m (4195ft) Distance: 18.2 km (11.4 miles) Duration: Run/Walk 3h30 - 4h00
Note: Currently accommodation is in short supply and we may stay at Le Ferret as it may offer the only option. This is a few km's short of La Fouly.
Leaving Val Ferret and the small village of La Fouly we have a gentle start to our day as we take a valley trail that runs alongside the river. Everything is very 'Swiss' today, immaculate ancient chalets, perfectly manicured lawns, and orderly geraniums in window-boxes. We make our way down the valley on great trails until we reach the village of Praz de Fort which has wonderful examples of traditional, and very old, wooden chalets and farms. There is a convenient little cafe by the roadside which is sometimes hard to run past! It may be time for a drink? At this point we begin our ascent for the day as we climb steadily uphill to the lakeside Swiss village of Champex with its jade green waters. As we leave the village behind, we once again enter the larch forests, gorges and the pastures, home in the summer months to the famous Swiss fighting cows. After taking in stunning views to the Rhone Valley, we run a steady descent to the Col de la Forclaz at 1527m (5008ft) where we will take our private transfer to the gorgeous quaint Gite where our hostess Jacqueline will welcome us.
Ascent: 1310m (4296ft) Descent: 1385m (4542ft) Distance: 30.9km (19.3 miles) Duration: Run/Walk 6h30-7h30
We begin with a transfer back to our finishing point yesterday, and it is here that we begin our grand finale as we climb out of the Trient valley and back into France. We leave our Col, which used to be the frontier between Switzerland and France, and begin with a steady decent through the forests down to Trient. Passing through this tiny village we then take the trail towards France, and Chamonix Valley. Our first goal is Vallorcine village, famous as the 'valley of the bears', where in the Middle Ages the locals used to pay their taxes in bear meat, so numerous were the bears! Sadly, and perhaps not unsurprisingly there are no bears left today. After Vallorcine, we have a short uphill to the Col des Montets before facing the steep zig-zags to the Tetes aux Vents at 2127m (6976ft). The views en route of the Mont Blanc massif reward our efforts, and we make our final descent towards the Flegere cable car station, before dropping down steeply to where we began our journey six days ago in Chamonix! Time to celebrate, rest the body and mind and recover with an optional massage.
Ascent: 1750m (5740ft) Descent: 2215m (7265ft) Distance: 30.5km (19 miles) Duration: Run/Walk 7h30-8h30
Today is departure day and your trip ends after breakfast.
It is always our aim to complete the proposed itinerary outlined above, however, it may be necessary for our guides/instructors to adjust the daily itinerary based on the weather conditions, group safety and enjoyment.
The Heliopic Hotel and Spa is located in the centre of Chamonix at the foot of the Aiguille du Midi cable car. We love the look and feel of the 4-star Heliopic hotel for it's modern but traditional design. Wooden architecture, luxury rooms, in house restaurant and a NUXE spa make this a fabulous all year round retreat.
For most trips we book the bright and comfortable 'Standard' rooms. These accommodate up to two people in either a twin or double bed. Each room has a cosy feel with wood panelling and a balcony, storage space as well as cosy bedding with soft pillows and duvets. The facilities include: a bath, hair dryer, Nespresso coffee maker, kettle and teas, high speed wifi and bathrobe and slippers for the spa. Single rooms are available.
Enjoy free access to the Nuxe Spa. Go for a relaxing dip in the indoor lap pool, experience the ice cave, bubble bath, cold-water baths, hammams, sauna and tea room! Treatments and massages can be booked via the hotel reception.
We have worked with this family run hotel for a number of years. The 4**** Chemenaz is a modern hotel in Les Hameaux du Lay on the outskirts of Les Contamines. The Hotel, which has a swimming pool, offers 36 bedrooms and 4 suites. The bedrooms have en suite facilities, and are non-smoking. The hotel is in a great location for the start of our most challenging day, in that it gains us some km's first thing in the morning as we have less distance to walk to join the first climb of the day.
Chalet de Roseland is a hidden gem situated at 1605m (5264ft) close to the Tour du Mont Blanc trail on the road to Beaufort. It's a small family run hotel with just 12 rooms offering fabulous panoramic views of the Roseland Lake, Roc du Vent and Mont Blanc. Enjoy an authentic warm welcome from Nicolas & Isabelle who pride themselves in offering quality home cooked local produce inspired by the specialities of our mountains.
A 20 minute transfer up from Les Chapieux to the Col de Méraillet gains wonderful views for this nights stay - often said to be one of the best nights stay on the Tour du Mont Blanc. The hotel has a range of rooms, and singles are available with early booking.
This wonderful mountain hut was built in memory of the world renowned Italian mountaineer and photographer, Walter Bonatti. The Rifugio Bonatti is run by Mara who always gives us a warm welcome. It is positioned above the picturesque Italian Val Ferret with stunning views of the Mont Blanc massif. There are hot showers and the food is very good!
When possible we aim to book either twin bedrooms, or small dormitories just for our group. A private room depends on early booking and is not always possible.
In the heart of the Swiss Valais, Maurice & Mauricette, have been welcoming guests to the friendly Auberge des Glaciers for over 10 years. Upon arrival enjoy an ice cream or cold beer on the veranda with fabulous views of the le Fouly valley and this quiet corner of the Mont Blanc massif.
Gîte La Casita is a traditional, rural 'Gite' situated in Giétroz, a small village in the Trient Valley (Switzerland) just a few minutes transfer from the Tour du Mont Blanc trail. La Casita is an old family home, built in 19th century and renovated in 2006 - it simply oozes with character!
It's quiet location offers stunning views of the mountains and our host, Jacqueline, will ensure that you experience traditional mountain hospitality.
La Casita is a simple 'gite' meaning it offers a simple over night stay with meal. it has 3 twin rooms with a shared bathroom-WC, 1 room with a private bathroom-WC and a comfortable dormitory for 4 people which we usually book as twin. We usually have the whole accommodation to ourselves. Please note: hot water at this accommodation is limited so please shower sparingly.
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. 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.
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.
Activity, Injury and Mountain Rescue
It is a condition of booking that you are insured against medical expenses, injury, illness, death, cost of repatriation and personal accident risks. For all of our trips your insurance must also cover mountain rescue. The exception to this is if the trip is being held in the United Kingdom or Norway where mountain rescue is free of charge. Please ensure that your insurance covers you to the maximum altitude given on your trip itinerary. The maximum altitude for any trip can be checked on the 'At A Glance' box on each trip page.
Trip Cancellation/Curtailment Insurance
You should also have insurance to cover trip cancellation and curtailment. Insurance should be booked as soon as we have confirmed that your trip is going ahead. Note that your deposit and balance payments are non-refundable unless it is Tracks and Trails who cancel the trip due to a failure to reach the required minimum numbers. In this case we will offer you a refund or the option of transferring to another trip if one is available. We also advise that you should have insurance which covers baggage loss/equipment damage as Tracks and Trails will not be held responsible for loss/damage to baggage/equipment.
All of the above insurances are detailed in our Terms and Conditions. For further details, please read the Insurance section on our website.
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.
However, in the summer months it is generally good in the Alps, but it can deliver 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 can 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 especially when we have spent the night in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut at higher altitude.
On many of our trips there will be an element of 'group kit' which will be shared amongst our guests. As mountain people you will be used to team work and working together to the mutual benefit and safety of the group.
The 'group kit' will be minimal and usually just a case of sharing a few lightweight 'survival shelters'. For example on a week-long trip you may carry a small shelter for just one day before passing it on to the next person.
If you are booking a trip in winter there will be a few additional safety items. These will be distributed in such a way that no one is over burdened.
Other group items necessary for safety and comfort will be carried by your guide/instructor.
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.
Your trail running guide will be a fully qualified and experienced International Mountain Leader. 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.
You can learn more about our guides and instructors on the About Us page.
Point to Point
The majority of our point-to-point trips have luggage support which means your bags are transferred each day to the next accommodation and you only need to wear a small/medium sized 'rucksack' for items you might need during the course of the day.
On this trip, if staying in a mountain hut, such as the Rifugio Bonatti, your main luggage will not be available that evening due to lack of vehicle access. Your rucksack should be of sufficient capacity to carry a few extra items required for this overnight. Your trip itinerary will indicate on which nights you do not have access to your main luggage. If in any doubt please contact us.
Size of Luggage
Please note that many hotels do not have elevators. This means you may need to carry your luggage to your bedroom.
On our point-to-point trips where your luggage is moved along the route by taxi we ask that you keep the weight to a maximum of 15kgs (33lbs), and ONE bag per person. Many of the taxi companies who move your bags impose a 15kg (33lbs) limit and restrict the number because they have to unload and reload the vehicle each day. If you take more than one bag you may be asked to pay a supplement.
On your itinerary you will find an indication of the amount of ascent and descent you can expect each day. This offers a guideline to how much effort might be expended each day and allows you to decide, based on previous experience, if your fitness and stamina are correct for the trip.
We make every attempt to ensure these statistics are as accurate as possible, but ask you to note that the most modern of technology used to record these details can show considerable variations in terms of ascent, descent, and in particular distance. In other words no two people using GPS devices on the same route will have exactly the same details recorded at the end of the day.
The statistics given should be used as a 'general' indication of the effort required.
It is useful to arrive at your destination with some cash in the local currency, however, on most occasions it is relatively easy to visit a 'cash machine' after arrival and withdraw money on a credit or debit card. Some of our locations are an exception to this in particular Norway, where the accommodation will often have no facilities for withdrawing cash, but they will take a credit card.
On many of our trips we will visit remote cafes/farms where it is wonderful to enjoy a drink and a cake, at places such as these they will often only accept payment in the local currency in cash.
Food
On all of 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 would ask that you make your needs clear on your booking form so we can discuss your requirements with the accommodation as soon as possible. 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
The countries we visit all have tap water which is drinkable. If for any reason a particular hotel or mountain hut is having a problem with a water supply they will normally post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water.
A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required. Please check 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 from mid 2025
If you are a guest travelling to one of our European holidays you may be impacted by a significant change to travel regulations expected to be in place from the middle of 2025. The new EITAS scheme will start operating this year and, whilst a start date is not yet confirmed, it is likely to affect our summer holidays in 2025 and any winter holiday thereafter. As your holiday approaches we recommend that you check for updates on the website HERE.
We ask that you carry a paper copy of your passport with you on your trip. We suggest keeping your passport in your rucksack, and a paper copy of your passport in any luggage you might have. If your trip is without luggage transfers then keep a paper copy somewhere in your rucksack, separate from your original document.
We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at:
Plug, Socket & Voltage by Country
Note that if your trip involves staying in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut that electric sockets may be in short supply and for that night you may not be able to charge any items. Although the accommodation will have electricity this will often be supplied by solar panels or a generator and limited to use by the staff. For this reason we advise that carrying a small slimline and lightweight 'battery pack' can be very useful for recharging phones which many of you will also use as your camera.
Tracks and Trails pays guides/instructors a fair and appropriate fee for their professional service. However, 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.
Tracks and Trails pays guides/instructors a fair and appropriate fee for their professional service. However, 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.
For UK residents travelling to an EU country you should obtain and bring with you a free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment in certain European countries, but is not a substitute for medical travel insurance.
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’ll need to apply for a GHIC to replace it. The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. Please check this before departing. We advise that you always carry your insurance documents with details of the Emergency Medical telephone number for your insurance provider, and your policy number.
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 would point out that we operate a ‘zero tolerance’ for rubbish, and would ask you to remove all your rubbish items from the mountain even those you consider to be bio-degradable. In particular we ask that you remove any toilet tissue.
You can read our full policy here.
Prices may vary depending on date.
| Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Tue 09 Sep - Tue 16 Sep Code: PV UTR 25 |
Price: £2372 | Limited availability | Book |
| From Price | £2372 |
| Holiday Type | Trail Running |
| Duration | 8 Days |
| Countries Visited | Italy, France, Switzerland |
