Over 5 days and 4 nights, you’ll experience the soul of mountain running in Chamonix the world’s trail running capital beneath the mighty Mont Blanc. We’ll explore alpine meadows, turquoise lakes, and balcony trails with sweeping views, spending two nights in traditional mountain refuges and two in a luxury spa hotel. Share alpine meals, a few drinks and watch the sunset over Europe's tallest mountain. This is trail running!.
Early Bird Deposits Available
Book now with 20% Deposit
Itinerary
Join us for the ultimate mountain trail running trip in the legendary home of trail running, Chamonix, France. Nestled beneath the mighty Mont Blanc, this is a truly special place. The Mecca of European trail running where the world-famous UTMB takes boasts its epic race. We however are not racing. We're here for chilled vibes, great food and views, and to enjoy 4 nights exploring this wonderful place together. We'll run the trails that wind through alpine meadows, glaciers, and forests, staying high in the mountains at traditional refuges and finally returning to spa luxury in the valley below.
This retreat blends adventure and camaraderie. You’ll begin with a relaxed shakeout run through Chamonix’s wooded hillsides before we head into the high Alps. From there, our route takes us along balcony trails with sweeping views of the Mont Blanc massif, past turquoise lakes like Lac des Cheserys, and over scenic ridgelines. Keep an eye out for marmots and wildflowers. We’ll traverse the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve, summit the Aiguillette des Houches, and share hearty alpine dinners. A hotel on your first, and last night, with 2 very special nights stay in the world famous refuge huts for the middle two nights.
Each day brings a new trail, a new view, and a deeper connection to the mountains. Your main luggage will remain in chamonix town, and we'll head into the mountain with just enough supplies and clothing for 2 nights leaving you to run light. Expect delicious Savoie cuisine, good coffee stops, cold drinks at the huts, and the camaraderie of like-minded runners discovering why Chamonix truly is the world capital of trail running.
All abilities are welcome. Join us for 4 nights and 5 days of pure alpine magic. Run Weekends brings you a mountain running retreat that captures the essence of adventure, comfort, and community in one long weekend.
Day 1
Welcome to Run Weekends in Chamonix + 6km Shakeout Run
Meet from 16:00 at our hotel in the shadow of Mont Blanc. After check-in, you'll be briefed on the days ahead, along with kit checks and safety notices. Once settled in we'll head out to stretch our legs post-travel with a flat, (it's all relative), shakeout run through the wooded hillside. Don’t worry, we won’t work you too hard, and you’ll be to make use of the spa after. Dinner is from 20:00 where we'll head into town to sample some Savoie cuisine. Think cheese, bread and wine. The buzz of Chamonix is like no other
Day 2
Chamonix to Lac Blanc Refuge Hut - 14km + 1370m elevation
Pack your bags and off we go! Ok the spa hotel is a treat, but it’s not really what we’re here for. Today we head up into the mountains to reach our iconic mountain refuge This places has views of the highest mountain in western Europe. We’ll run through the valley via a bakery to pick up pasties and snacks for the day. We'll run up through sloping pine forests along some runable smooth trail before we emerge out above the trees to take in panoramic views across the valley. We’ll pass the idyllic Lacs des Cheserys, scramble up a short rocky section, and finally arrive at that famous view. The afternoon can be spent exploring lakes, watching for marmots, and lounging by the huts with a cold drink. Dinner will be a traditional mountain hut affair - often pretty lively occasions and fingers crossed for a clear sky night to stargaze over the Mont Blanc skyline.
Day 3
North Traverse & Lac du Brevent - 13km + 700m
Having got the bulk of the height gain out of the way yesterday, today we traverse across the Northern side of the valley to our next Refuge hut. Both huts are within the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve, so keep your eyes peeled for marmots and ibex as we go. Our route takes us over the top of the Brevent (a coffee opportunity!) and down to the Refuge for lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll head to the nearby Lac du Brevent to relax by the water and take in the views in the opposite direction before another mountain sunset and refuge style evening. If you haven't experienced a mountain refuge hut, they are wonderful communal affairs. Expect laughter, wine, and good food inside, and peace and the essence of nature on the outside. It's bliss.
Day 4
Summit Aiguillette des Houches & return to Chamonix - 12km + 200m
Time to head back to the valley! But first, we’ll bag our summit of the trip - our route takes us over the stunning peak of the Aiguillette des Houches before winding back down into the woods and towards the town. Remember all our running is casual and there's no need to worry about pace. We are here for the simple love of running, not speed. The Aiguillette des Houches sits at 2300m - it's the ridgeline directly opposite Mont Blanc. The views are exceptional. Bring your camera. A bakery pitstop later, we’ll be ready for a well deserved relax at the spa, before celebrating a safe and successful trip with a final dinner in town and a visit to the local brewery. We're back in the Spa Hotel so soak the legs and chill.
Day 5
Petite Balcon Sud to La Flora & Departure Day - 10km + 500m
By now your legs, lungs and heart will have got the mountain fix you were craving. We'll close out your long weekend with us with a final pre-breakfast jaunt to take in some last minute mountain air along the balcony trails of Chamonix. We’ll make our final descent back down into town and finish at the famous UTMB finishing line for one last group photo before saying our goodbyes. Your Run Weekends trip will close officially at 10:00 so please book onward travel after then. You're welcome to hang around in the spa or maybe even bag a few more kms.
Highlights
- Bring a Friend and Save -
Save up to £200 each
Included
Accommodation
2 x Nights - Chamonix Hotel and Spa.
2 x Nights - Mountain Refuge Huts.
Please note: All Run Weekends events are shared rooms.
Running
6km, 13km, 14km, 12km, 10km
99% Trails + Chamonix Roads.
Meals
4 x Breakfast
4 x Lunch
4 x Dinner
All group meals shared together
Travel
You'll be running to and from each accommodation. We will leave bags in the hotel and run lightweight.
Activities
5 x Trail Running days
Optional Lake Dips
Stargazing (weather permitting)
Mont Blanc Views & Balconies
Photos
The team will be taking photos throughout the weekend. You'll be sent these via a link post weekend.
Not Included
Travel
You must make your own way to and from your Run Weekend location.
Travel Insurance. You must come prepared with appropriate travel insurance.
Extras
All drinks.
Additional food.
Snacks on run route.
Accommodation upgrades
Extra meals
Kit
Run gear as mentioned. You'll carry your run pack yourself. Sleeping bag & mountains clothes essential please. Thank you.
Book Early Bird Spaces
Save up to £200 each
Getting to us
Meeting Point
Your Run Weekend will commence at 16:00. Meet in our Chamonix Hotel. (To be communicated in your welcome packs) There's various ways to reach Chamonix, a simple and affordable flight to Geneva followed by a bus is straight forward. Please email us your arrival time to contact@runweekends.com once you've booked your flights. If you intend to arrive after 19:00, please let us know.
Arrival & Departure Times
Please arrive into Chamonix by 16:00.
Your Run Weekend will conclude at 10:00 on your final day back in Chamonix. We suggest booking onward travel no earlier than 16:00 to be sure. Alternatively you're free to book an extra night in Chamonix and explore further (at your own cost).
Getting to Chamonix, France.
There are a number of options to reach Chamonix (Please note these are suggestions only, we cannot guarantee travel routes) It's your responsibility to get to us.
Suggested Flights: (Remember - we do not cover your travel to and from your Run Weekend)
Manchester and London offer many flights with from as little as £55. from Geneva it's a 90 minute bus. EasyJet and Swiss air are popular routes.
Important: Trip Confirmation
This trip operates with a maximum number of 16 guests and will be confirmed once a minimum number of 10 guests have booked. We will inform you once this number has been reached. If you wish to book travel in advance, please ensure your travel booking is fully refundable. We do not hold liability for loss of flights if this trip doesn't run. If the trip doesn't run your deposit along with any balance paid will be fully refunded.
Packing List
Mandatory:
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Trail running shoes with good grip.
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Running socks (2–3 pairs)
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Running T-shirt or long sleeve.
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Running shorts or leggings.
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Lightweight waterproof jacket.
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Lightweight mid-layer or thermal top
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Running vest or pack (min 6 litres)
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Soft flasks or hydration bladder (Must have carry capacity of 2 litres of water)
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Whistle (usually built into your pack)
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Head torch (emergencies)
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Small personal first-aid kit
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Personal ID / Emergency contact details
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Fully charged mobile phone and charger
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Hat or buff (for warmth or sun protection)
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Sunglasses with UV protection
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Sunscreen (SPF 30 minimum)
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Lightweight gloves
Optional:
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Extra technical layers for variable weather
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Emergency Cash (€50-€100)
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Spare set of dry clothes for post-run recovery
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Spare shoes or sandals
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Compression socks or calf sleeves
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Lightweight towel & swimwear (for river)
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Energy gels, bars, or on-the-run snacks
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Electrolyte tablets or powder
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Small waterproof dry bag for valuables
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Running poles
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Painkillers and or Anti Inflammatories
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Waterproof phone case or backup phone
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Watch or GPS device
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Lightweight running cap or visor
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Waterproof phone pouch or small zip bag
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Casual clothing for evenings
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Power bank & charging cables
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Travel adaptor
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Ear plugs & eye mask
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Toiletries & travel-sized essentials
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Small notebook or journal
Are you coming?
