Zermatt and Chamonix with Marathon Training Academy

Arrive at Geneva or Zurich airport and travel to the car-free town of Zermatt via train. Relax and enjoy the mountain views before meeting with your guides for a tour orientation. After this, we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner together in our hotel.

We’ll take in some of Zermatt’s incredible trails, running straight from the hotel. One possibility is to run and fast-hike up to Berggasthaus Trift, where we can stop for refreshments, such as the famous homemade ice tea. There’s an option of an out-and-back to the Wisshorn summit, then we continue to the Alpine meadows of Höhbalmen, and run a stunning traverse on rolling terrain. The descent leads to the tiny village of Zmutt, with its centuries-old wooden chalets and another chance for a stop for something to eat and drink. 

Dinner is in our hotel again this evening.

Today is a free day before the race day tomorrow. It’s time to go and pick up your race bib, and put your feet up! But if you feel like it, an optional guided run is on offer, as well as suggestions for other local attractions, such as the Alpine Museum, Gornergrat, or Gorner Gorge. Today, you’ll choose your own venue for lunch and dinner – you might want to find somewhere for a traditional Swiss Rösti – fried grated potatoes, often served with an egg or cheese.

It’s race day! Enjoy the atmosphere as you run one of the Zermatt Marathon courses, or support your team mates in their race. The races finish at the stunning Riffelberg Hotel, with incredible views of the Matterhorn. This evening we’ll have a celebratory dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in Zermatt.

Our guides will choose a fitting run for our last morning in Zermatt. Then it’s time to leave Switzerland and head to France! It’s a three-hour journey via train and taxi down into the Rhône valley and over the Col de la Forclaz and Col des Montets mountain passes into the ‘Vallée du Trail’ – as Chamonix is known. 

This evening we’ll head into town to try some local Savoyard food, such as Fondue, Raclette or Tartiflette, all made with specific local cheeses, at one of our favorite restaurants.

Today we’ll run the iconic Balcon Sud trail – a high traverse with big views of the Mont Blanc massif, taking in the picturesque Lac Blanc. We’ll start by hopping on the valley train up to the hamlet of Montroc, then run to the Col des Montets, where we can check out the fascinating visitor center before entering the Aiguilles Rouges Natural Reserve. From here, we join a section of the Tour du Mont Blanc, starting with a steep climb, while keeping our eyes open for Ibex and chamois – the mountain goats living in this area. The run back into Chamonix is stunning, with the trail passing right by Café Floria for a final drink stop before hitting the valley floor.

This evening we’ll visit another excellent restaurant in Chamonix town.

Ready for more great food and trail running? Great! We’ll fast hike up to the Refuge du Plan de l’Aiguille, perched high above the Chamonix valley, where we’ll take a break. After trying the various fruit tarts baked daily by Claude and his team, we’ll run the Grand Balcon Nord – a high traverse to reach Le Signal, overlooking the Mer de Glace glacier – then descend to the historic Refuge du Montenvers, a high mountain hotel that’s internationally famous. Here, we’ll have dinner and spend the night at 2,000 meters, high above Chamonix. A small overnight bag will be transported up the mountain for you.

After a traditional French buffet breakfast at our high hotel, we’ll run down through the woods towards the Chamonix valley. We’ll head towards the ancient moraines of the Mer de Glace glacier, and climb through woods to the small rustic Buvette du Chapeau for lunch – specialities include their famous croûte au fromage – a baked bread and cheese dish flavored with wine, garlic and additions such as mushrooms, ham or egg. From here, we’ll take a riverside trail back to Chamonix. There are options to shorten or extend the run. Your overnight bag will be delivered back to the hotel. This evening we’ll enjoy a celebratory dinner at another great restaurant in town.

After breakfast at our hotel, we’ll say au revoir to the Alps and our tour friends. A shared shuttle transfer is provided to Geneva airport.