France

Chamonix Pilgrimage

Dates

Anytime from June 15 - Sept 20

7 days - 6 nights

Dates	Duration
Anytime from June 15 - Sept 20	7 days - 6 nights

Difficulty

Type

Self-Guided

If you’re a longtime runner, at some point, you really should make a pilgrimage to Chamonix.

Without a doubt Chamonix is the world’s trail running epicenter. It’s also the year round home for Run the Alps! This alpine town at the base of Mont Blanc hosts a series of major trail races and has one of the most active trail running clubs anywhere. Even the Mayor is a renowned trail runner!

It’s not by chance, either. Chamonix valley has hundreds of miles of world-class trail running. It’s a magnet for trail runners around the world, many of whom now call the valley home. You can run past glaciers, take a break at a mountain cafe, and ride some of the world’s most impressive cable cars and mountain trains—all in the same day.

chamonix tours grand balcon nord — Chamonix’s Grand Balcon Nord. (Photo: Kim Strom)

If you’re considering a trip to Chamonix and want to take part in one of the region’s many trail races, Run the Alps can help secure race entries and support you in submitting the required medical certification. For some races, Run the Alps has already reserved a limited number of entries.

Exploring trails near Loriaz above Chamonix. (Photo: Kim Strom)

Many clients also add in a few days on the other side of Mont Blanc, in the quiet Italian village of Courmayeur, where the pastures and huts of the bucolic Val Ferret have been a focal point for Italian trail runners for years.

Once in their life, every trail runner should visit the Chamonix valley, run through the pastures to an alpine hut, and feel right at home in what locals call the “ Vallée du Trail.”

In this video Run the Alps staff and friends show you around our home of Chamonix, France.

Book this tour

Cost

$2750 per person

$650 single supplement

Looking for a customized itinerary?

Please get in touch. We’d love to discuss your options with you.

Prefer to go with a guide?

Explore our group guided trips or inquire about our privately guided trips.

Accommodation in 3 or 4 star hotels and/or mountain huts
Buffet breakfasts each morning
Detailed daily run descriptions, GPX files and all the resources you need along the way are provided via our app (see a sample here). We’ll also send you a printed copy of the route and other key information, in case you’d like to take these with you as a back-up
Transport from Geneva Airport to Courmayeur at the start of the tour, and from Chamonix to Geneva Airport at the end of the tour
A copy of our Guide to Trail Running in the Alps, which contains thorough travel instructions, regional information and tips from the staff and guide team at Run the Alps
In-tour support through our WhatsApp Helpline

Flights
Trips in September have an extra $650 charge to cover the shuttle from the Geneva Airport to Courmayeur at the start of the trip because of the Mont-Blanc tunnel closure.
Transport to and from trailheads if you choose to shorten a run
Dinners and drinks
Extra charges made at accommodations such as room service or laundry
Trail snacks and lunches – our materials include info of where to stop along the way or if bringing trail snacks is a better option based on the day

The closest airport is Geneva, Switzerland. Run the Alps will arrange for a shuttle from Geneva Airport to Courmayeur, Italy. If you arrive a day or more before the tour starts, the shuttle is still included.

*Please note that trips in September have an extra $650 charge to cover the shuttle from the Geneva Airport to Courmayeur at the start of the trip because of the Mont-Blanc tunnel closure.

You’ll return from Chamonix, France to Geneva Airport by shared shuttle. Since Geneva Airport is only 90 minutes away by shuttle, it is possible to leave the day the tour ends. If your flight departure time is before 10am, a private shuttle is required at an added cost of $240.

Why Run the Alps? See how Run the Alps compares to other trail running companies and what sets us apart here.
Group Discounts: When we create tours for a group of five or more self-guided guests, there is an opportunity for some savings. We’re pleased to pass them on to you – please get in touch to explore your options.
Alumni Discount: We love welcoming our alumni back to the Alps and offer a 10% discount on all standard guided and self-guided trips. Simply check the Alumni box on the registration form and we’ll apply the discount when we invoice you.
Want to shorten or extend your trip or add an Alps Trail Race? Just let us know and we’d be happy to help.
Can a non-running partner join me on this tour? Yes–read how hiking and sightseeing companions can come too.
Celebrating a special occasion? Each year we get a number of guests who are celebrating a birthday, anniversary or retirement with a Run the Alps trip. If this is you, let us know!
Concerned about being ready? We’re here to help. You can check out our Training Resources or get in touch if you’d like to be put in touch with a coach.
Tour Grants Program: Run the Alps is committed to making our trips more inclusive. If you’d like to join this trip, but don’t think you can afford it, please check out our Tour Grants Program.
Trip Insurance: Life can sometimes throw us a curveball and wreak havoc upon the best laid plans, which is why Run the Alps requires trip insurance. Learn more here.
Terms and Conditions: You can read up on them here.