Trail Running Holidays Europe
Tracks and Trails founder, Julia Tregaskiss-Allen has been running and racing in the Alps and beyond for decades. She has shaped our trail running holidays to take runners from the road to the trail and onwards to multi-day journeys.
We understand that our guests dream of running on famous trails. We do that considerately in small, well-timed groups. We also share our joy of getting off the beaten track by offering adventurous running in destinations you may never have heard of. Daily distances on our trail running vacations range from 10-20 kilometres a day on our leisurely mountain running holidays to 30 kilometres and above on our expert running adventures. Read the complete explanation of all trail running grades.
Guided Trail Running Holidays
Trail running camps
Tracks and Trails running camps are the perfect stepping stone to learn all important mountain trail technique in the home of endurance running in the French Alps, Chamonix. The valley has taken on mythical status in the trail running community. It means much more than that to our founders, it’s a place they call home. That’s why we believe that world’s great trail-running destinations are here to be enjoyed – how we experience them responsibly with our guests has always been, and will always be, important to us.
Our trail running camps and short breaks are based in the Chamonix valley. Easily accessible by rail from cities across Europe and the United Kingdom, our base for these trips are in hotels or chalets close to local train and bus lines. That gives us the freedom to move up and down the valley to access the trails.
UTMB® and CCC
Similarly, we time our annual circuit of Mont Blanc following the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc® (UTMB)® race route in early July and September. Our goal is for guests to appreciate the magnificent landscape of the Mont Blanc Massif without crowds. There is an option to run the complete circuit over six days or to join the shorter four day CCC, from Courmayeur in Italy, through Champex Lac before finishing in Chamonix.
Take the trail less travelled
Our guided trail running holidays also include a selection of point-to-point trips designed to highlight the variety the European Alps has to offer. In the spring we run the rugged spine of Mallorca, Spain. Following the GR221, this adventure traverses the Serra de Tramuntana with breathtaking views of the sea.
In July we move into Switzerland for the flower-filled high alpine pastures of the Bernese Oberland before shifting our focus in September to the unique rock formations and geology that distinguish the Italian Dolomites and the Alta Via 1.
Our guides, the keepers of the pace
Think of our trail running holidays as being like a club run. Our guides are all fully qualified International Mountain Leaders. More than that, they love to run. They will discuss pace preferences early in your trip and generally lead from the front, moving through the middle and back of the pack offering coaching as they go. The ratio is never more than ten guests to one guide.
They’ll keep the group cohesive using team tactics, setting clear meet points to accommodate runners moving at a faster pace and to keep everyone on the correct trail. Fuelling and photo stops also form part of the running day’s structure and act to balance the speed of the group. So does the terrain as everyone’s pace tends to vary depending on whether we are moving up hill or down.
We’re often asked about safety on guided trail running vacations. In addition to the guide setting meeting points to keep the group together, the trails are clearly marked. All our guides are trained in mountain first aid and will be on hand to help immediately in the event of an injury. They will also be carrying a location device for use in an emergency or in bad weather.
What to expect from a European trail running holiday
Departures timed so that you experience the trails, not the crowds.
Small groups for ease of travel in the mountains.
Itineraries that deliver on exhilaration.
Guides who coach on the go, supporting every runner.
Stunning views and sensational coffee stops.
The camaraderie of likeminded trail runners.
Get off the beaten track
Women only trail adventures for 2027
In Summer 2027 we are offering two women only trail running vacations. Choose from a centre-based, coached camp in Chamonix, France or a point to point trip through three countries from Courmayeur, through Champex and back to Chamonix.
If you would like to adventure with your running club or regular crew, ask the team about our Go Private service. You can choose any of the trail running holidays in our schedule departures or ask us to create an itinerary exclusively for your trail running vacation.
Tracks and Trails top tips for trail running vacations
Best shoes for a trail running holiday in Europe?
Shoe choice is all important. We recommend trail running shoes with good grip, support and sufficiently durable to cope with varied mountain terrain. They need to be tried and tested ahead of your trip – you know they will be comfortable over long distances.
Why bring poles on a guided trail running vacation?
We recommend running poles. They add both power and stability on steep sections of trail. We have a small supply of lightweight, extendable Black Diamond poles that guests are welcome to borrow.
Best safety kit for trail running?
So that everyone travels safely when mountain trail running, a small, compact foil personal survival bag is mandatory. The weather can change in an instance – a shift from sun to rain or even snow is not uncommon – it’s also important in case of injury. It will help keep you warm and dry. Our go to option is the Sol Emergency Blanket.
What’s the best method for staying hydrated while trail running?
Staying fuelled and hydrated is important too. Carry quick energy sources like gels or bars and top up supplies at overnight stops.
What’s the best way to keep phones charged on a multi-day trail running holiday?
Remote mountain refuges may limit access to electricity as they reserve it for essential use. A lightweight , compact power pack to keep devices charged is an option. Check too if you need an adapter.