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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!.
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Dates & Spaces

Only 20% deposit to secure your booking.

Pay the rest any time up to 60 day before trip.

Chamonix Trail Running Holiday Trip Retreat UTMB Training
Chamonix Trail Running Holiday Trip Retreat UTMB Training

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 up the valley to Argentiere, home of the best boulangerie in the valley where we’ll pick up lunch for the day and start our running. We’ll quickly head up into the mountains and leave the trees behind as we climb to the mouth of the Glacier du tour. From here we will run in single track heaven along balcony trails to the Swiss border where we’ll be treated to with sweeping views of the Mont Blanc massif. Later we’ll run past turquoise lakes like Lac des Cheserys and Lac blanc before descending back to Chamonix. 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 where we’ll share hearty alpine dinners.

 

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

Arrive in the home of trail running. Although famous for the UTMB and Marathon du Mont Blanc, Chamonix is a year-round hub for trail running and mountain sports, and you’ll soak it up from the minute you arrive. Meet from 14:00 at our hotel and spa, in the shadow of Mont Blanc. After check-in, we’ll head out to stretch out legs post-travel with a flat* shakeout run through the wooded hillside. Don’t worry, we won’t work you too hard, and there’ll be to make use of the spa before heading into town to sample some Savoie cuisine.

*it’s all relative…

Chamonix Village Chamonix Trail Running Holiday Trip Retreat UTMB Training
Day 2

Chamonix to Glacier du Tour - 10km + 1600m elevation

Pack your bags! 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 with unparalleled views as it sits right next to a monster glacier. We’ll run through the valley (via a bakery to pick up baguettes, true alpinist style), up through sloping pine forests along some runnable smooth trail before we emerge out to take in panoramic views. We’ll head up the side of the mountain as we ascend above the tree line and onto the glacial morraine and to our destination of the refuge at the mouth of the Glacier where we’ll spend the night in a warm bed. Dinner will be a traditional mountain hut affair - often pretty lively occasions and fingers crossed for a clear sky night to stargaze over the Mountainous skyline.

Snowy Refuge hut near Chamonix Trail Running Holiday Trip Retreat UTMB Training
Day 3

Col de Balme & Aiguillette des Posettes - 15km + 830m

Having got the bulk of the height gain out of the way yesterday, today we traverse along the mountainside across to the Swiss border where there is opportunity for a coffee and snack before we descend back down some cruisey trails down into the french valley. We then begin winding our way back up to our home for night 2 up to 2,200m. Another refuge and more incredible views this time looking back the other way across to the Mont blanc massif and back towards where we left in the morning.

Lac Blanc Chamonix Trail Running Holiday Trip Retreat UTMB Training
Day 4

Grand Balcon Sud to Chamonix - 23km + 1100m

Time for our biggest and most rewarding day. We descend back to the valley, pick up some supplies for lunch and then make our way up and along the Balcon Sud with Mont blanc ever present on our left. We’re heading for lac blanc, a crystal clear lake that refelcts the mountains on a clear day. We’ll stop for the obligatory photos before its all downhill towards Chamonix. There is an option to cut the descent short with the ski lift or alternatively run the extra final 5km of the UTMB course ending at the famous finish line. Its time to hit the spa relax the legs and get ready for our final night in Chamonix.

Trail Runners Chamonix Trail Running Holiday Trip Retreat UTMB Training
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.

Chamonix Grand Balcon Sud Chamonix Trail Running Holiday Trip Retreat UTMB Training

Highlights

- Bring a Friend and Save - 

Save up to £200 each

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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

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 liner & mountains clothes essential please.

Book Early Bird Spaces

Save up to £200 each

Dates & Spaces

Only 20% deposit to secure your booking.

Pay the rest any time up to 60 day before trip.

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:

  • Trail running shoes with good grip.

  • Running socks (2–3 pairs)

  • Running T-shirt or long sleeve.

  • Running shorts or leggings.

  • Lightweight waterproof jacket.

  • Lightweight mid-layer or thermal top

  • Running vest or pack (min 10 litres)

  • Soft flasks or hydration bladder (Must have carry capacity of 2 litres of water)

  • Whistle (usually built into your pack)

  • Head torch (emergencies)

  • Small personal first-aid kit 

  • Personal ID / Emergency contact details

  • Fully charged mobile phone and charger

  • Hat or buff (for warmth or sun protection)

  • Sunglasses with UV protection

  • Sunscreen (SPF 30 minimum)

  • Lightweight gloves

Optional:

  • Extra technical layers for variable weather

  • Emergency Cash (€50-€100)

  • Spare set of dry clothes for post-run recovery

  • Spare shoes or sandals

  • Compression socks or calf sleeves

  • Lightweight towel & swimwear (for river)

  • Energy gels, bars, or on-the-run snacks

  • Electrolyte tablets or powder

  • Small waterproof dry bag for valuables

  • Running poles

  • Painkillers and or Anti Inflammatories

  • Waterproof phone case or backup phone

  • Watch or GPS device

  • Lightweight running cap or visor

  • Waterproof phone pouch or small zip bag

  • Casual clothing for evenings

  • Power bank & charging cables

  • Travel adaptor

  • Ear plugs & eye mask

  • Toiletries & travel-sized essentials

  • Small notebook or journal

Are you coming?

FAQs

Visit our FAQ'S for more info.

Email Us

Got a questions?

contact@runweekends.com

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