French Alps Run Weekends Running Holiday Retreat

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Itinerary

Welcome to mountain running in the French Alps. We think this is one of the best mountain running trips in The Alps - it's all about the location. Spend 3 nights with us in the famous Les 3 Vallees. You'll stay in the quaint mountain village of St Martin de Belleville located in the Savoie region of the French Alps. Famous as the largest connected skiable area in the world during the winter months, this part of the alps offers exceptional trail running in the summer.

During your time with us we'll stay in the LODJI Hotel. This grand lodge style hotel is an exceptional blend of modern comfort and alpine charm. With breathtaking views of surrounding peaks, this stylish hotel is the perfect base for our time in the mountains. All accommodation is on a shared room basis. The rooms do not disappoint - although you won't spent much time in them, because when you're not running, the spa, sauna and outdoor hot tub are available.

We'll start and end each day at the hotel so don't stress about carrying too much in your day backpack. We'll talk you through the daily essentials each morning. You must bring a bag that can hold at least 2 litres of water along with necessary clothes because the mountains have their own weather system. Carry your gear, pack your lunch, and prepare your drinks as you venture from one peak to the next. Some days are more challenging than others. Due to the elevation, expect a blend of running and hiking, particularly on steeper sections. Whether you're new to trail running or a seasoned runner, this retreat offers a chance to challenge yourself while being immersed in the natural beauty of the French Alps. We run together as a group. We allow plenty of time and so we'll run, chat, take photos and soak in the mountains.

Day 1 - Thursday - 7th August

Welcome to the French Alps

Today is your arrival day, there's no running scheduled, although we might try to sneak a few kms in before bed. Your Run Weekend will officially kick off at 17:00 with your initial welcome briefing being held shortly afterwards. Our first night is about gathering the troops, settling in, and prepping for the days ahead. If you are partial to your home comforts - aka snacks - we recommend you pack some extras for long mountain days. Dinner will be from 19:00 in a nearby restaurant. There's probably enough time to have some drinks and grab some time in the sauna or hot tub before bed. You have 75km of gorgeous mountain trails ahead of you over the next few days.

Day 2 - Friday - 8th August

The Lac du Lou Loop - 25km + 800m

Wakey wakey! Set your alarms for 06:30 because it's breakfast for 07:00 and out the door with our running packs ready by 08:00. We leave the village bright and early to follow a smooth riverside path up through the trees in the valley of Manures. If it's a hot day feel free to cool off in the river beside us. By now we're in the shadow of the La Gratte peak to our west. Passing through hamlets, and over small wooden bridges of the Doron River we reach Les Bruyeres Lake before begging a tougher section to a brilliant view point and finally to Lac Du Lou. Depending on time and hunger we'll either have lunch at the lake, or head back to the village via a series of switch back paths along the east side of the river.

Dinner will likely be outside, together with a fire pit to watch the sunset.

Day 3 - Saturday - 9th August

The Day of 2 Valleys - 25km + 1400m

Today is hilly, but we'll take our time. Unlike yesterday, we'll be attacking the mountains head on. Our route takes us up and over the mountain that's been looming above you since you arrived. The peak, which is just North of the Col de Tougnete, makes for breathtaking views. Having descended down into the Meribel valley and stopped for lunch in a classic mountain lodge, we'll twist and turn our back back to the peak of Roc de Fee and begin the slow final few kilometres down to base. There's a lot of up and down, so it will be a gentle plod with plenty of time to take photos. The views are worth the effort. Dinner is back at the hotel. You'll have plenty of time to rest the legs and have a few drinks in the hot tub. Remember, keep you electrolytes in check. It could be a hot day.

Day 4 - Sunday - 10th August

The Col de la Loze Loop - 25km + 900m

This morning we're up early. We travel for about 50 minutes to a neighbouring valley as the sun is rising. We'll have breakfast as takeout from the hotel. We're starting early so there's time to enjoy the views. It's a special place and we hope another beautiful day to be in the mountains. Today is hilly, but less so than yesterday. We'll jog our way between the resorts of Méribel and Courchevel via the Col de la Loze mountain pass, which peaks at an altitude of 2,304m. Along the way we'll pass chalets, refuge huts, lakes and frequent stunning viewpoints. (Note - depending on the group ability and the weather we may adapt this route to suit the group). We aim to be back at the hotel for a farewell lunch at 13:30. If you need to dash to the airport early, or you're heading elsewhere please book any onward travel from no earlier than 14:00.

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Highlights

Mountain Running in the French alps. Run Weekends

Daily Guided Mountain Trail Running

Run Weekends in the French Alps. There's a lot of locations to choose from. The village of St Martin offers an ideal spot to access some of the best trails in the alps. Lakes, peaks, rivers, mountain passes, and all with exceptional views. It will be hilly. So prepare for a mix of hiking, walking and running. It's a casual event. Founder Nick Butter has spent a lot of time in these mountains. So you're in good hands.

Luxury Mountain Lodge Hotel & Spa

Stay with us in the LODJI Hotel nestled in the mountains. This gorgeous hotel prides itself on exceptional service, attentive staff, with rooms and spa facilities to rival many in the region. After long hilly runs it's the perfect base for our weekend together. Rooms will be shared for all guests. (Same genders). Each room can accommodate 4 across twin/single beds with plenty of space for bags and kit. Sauna, spa and hot tub.

Tasty & Traditional French Alps Food

We can assure you breakfasts at the hotel each morning will be exactly what you need for a long days running in the mountains. Lunches and dinners will be a mix of luxury hotel meals, packed lunches on the move, and small village restaurants.

Mountain Trail Running Holidays Trip Retreat

All Abilities Welcome - Casual Running

Run Weekends is all about inclusivity. We want all abilities to turn up and get stuck in. There's no time limits, pace, or expectation. We have allowed plenty of time to enjoy the mountains. Remember to pack your day bags with enough capacity to carry 2 litres of water, and some warm clothes for the evening.

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Included

Accommodation

3 Nights in the exceptional LODJI Hotel Lodge and Spa.

Running

Day 1 - 25km - 791m

Day 2 - 25km - 1460m

Day 3 - 25km - 892m

Meals

3 x Breakfast

4 x Lunch

3 x Dinner

Travel

We will either run or take a short transfer to our running locations.

Activities

3 x Mountain Running days

Lake Swimming

Star Gazing & Evening Fire

Unforgettable views

Photos

Nick and 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. St Martin de Bellville - Meeting Point = Lodji Hotel

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, warm mountain clothes, spare socks, swimwear and towel. Warm coat and layers. Any bags or bottles etc you may want for the runs. All luggage can stay at the hotel

Early Bird

Standard

Limited Availability

1 Person
(Sharing)

£1199pp

2 Persons
(Sharing)

£949pp

1 Person
(Sharing)

£1349pp

2 Persons
(Sharing)

£1099pp

All bookings (1 person or 2 persons) will be in a shared room

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Run Leader

Nick Butter

You'll be running with Nick.

Nick is very keen for every Run Weekend to be as inclusive as possible. Runners of all abilities, shapes and sizes, ages and genders, and from all walks of life are welcome. You're in good hands: Nick has travelled to every corner of the world, run over 1000 marathons, and has dreamt up Run Weekends because he want's to showcase the world through running, just as he has. We all run together, we look after each other, and enjoy the weekends as a group.

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Getting to us

Meeting Point

Your Run Weekend will commence with a welcome briefing at 17:00 in the LODJI Hotel situated in the small mountain resort of St Martin de Belleville. Feel free to arrive from 15:00 to settle in - the team will be waiting or you.

Arrival & Departure Times

Please arrive between 15:00 - 17:00 on 7th Aug.

Your Run Weekend will conclude at 12:00 on 10th August at the LODJI hotel (Where we stay for the duration of the trip). If you need to travel earlier, you'll be available from 12:00. You may just miss our final farewell lunch.

Getting to St Martin de Belleville

There are a number of options to reach the village of St Martin de Belleville (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)

London Heathrow to Geneva + Bus Service

London Heathrow to Geneva + Rental Car

Suggested: British Airways, Swiss Air, & Easy Jet

Top tip: Use the website 'Rome to Rio' to help plan your travel.

https://www.rome2rio.com/