Our band of merry trail runners coalesced nicely in Chamonix, and from there on it was all trail running, cafes, and – yes – even some Sound of Music. Here’s our story!

Immaculate trails, towering peaks, quaint villages and glorious wildflowers. Plus cake. Lots and lots of cake.

Running through Switzerland’s Jungfrau region, we encountered stunning views of the Eiger, flower-filled meadows, gorgeous flowing trails, glacial lakes in which to cool off… and even a life-size cut-out of James Bond!

“And is seeing and hearing not part of the reason we came?”

Trip over, Guide Mark Brightwell ponders the experience of his “tribe” of trail runners, contemplating what has changed– and what hasn’t– over the course of a trail run around Mont Blanc.

Running the classic Tour du Mont Blanc circuit out of Chamonix was a wonderful experience – for all the senses. Varied trails, incredible views, fresh tarts and coffee – and even singing – made for an incredibly fun tour and a group of very contented runners.

Running through Italy, Switzerland and France around the northern side of Mont Blanc we encountered a heatwave, snow and river crossings, as well as bright flowers and incredible views. After our journey, we enjoyed taking part in the Mont Blanc Marathon series of races.

Sunshine and a cool breeze gave us ideal conditions to explore the French and Swiss Alps. Our team of seven took in the best of Chamonix before hopping a train over to Champéry, Switzerland, where several of us ran the historic Trail des Dent-du-Midi trail race, the oldest race in the Alps.

Run the Alps’ first trip of the season ventured into Italy’s Dolomites – and found sweet single-track, stupendous views, and great food. In other words, we found the Dolomites in the Dolomites. (And we became experts in dumplings, too!)

WARNING: The following account contains an obscene number of superlatives, ridiculous strings of adjectives and a recurring theme of trails, mountains and great food!

We ran up to 33,500 feet (Well, sort of.) We ate cheese (All of us.) We crossed high passes (Lots of them.) And then we ate yet more cheese (Some of us.)