Trail Running Skills with the Mirnavator
Dates | Duration |
|---|---|
| Sep 7 - 14, 2026 | 8 days - 7 nights |
Join The Mirnavator to learn trail running skills in Chamonix in the French Alps – the world’s trail running capital. Gain the knowledge and experience you need to become a competent mountain trail runner!
If you enjoy running, and are now psyched to get out on the trails, this trip will give you the skills and confidence you need to run in the mountains. In a light-hearted and non-judgmental setting, Mirna Valerio and experienced Run the Alps guides will spend time covering a range of trail running topics, with individual feedback to best help you on your trail running journey.
As well as being an experienced sponsored trail runner, an advocate for inclusion in the trail running community, and successful writer and speaker, Mirna is one of the most fun and positive people we’ve ever met. Her passion for trail running in the Alps is contagious, and Mirna will be there to support you as you share in this trail running experience.
On this level 1 tour, we’ll be running at a slower pace, with plenty of stops. We’ll cover 6–13km (4–8 miles) with 300–915m (1000–3000ft) of climbing and descending each day, with some options to shorten or lengthen the running route.
Learn more about level 1 tours:
On this trip, we’ll cover essential skills for trail running:
- warm-up sessions before each run and stretching sessions afterwards
- strength, mobility and injury prevention workshop
- ascending and descending slopes
- effective use of poles
- moving on technical terrain
- what gear to bring
Throughout the week you’ll also learn how to plan your own trail running routes safely and navigate as you go. Our trip will culminate with the group planning the last big run of the week, taking into account the weather, the terrain and the group’s trail running goals.
We won’t be running all day, every day, though! There will be time to enjoy relaxing and recuperating in your hotel spa, checking out Chamonix, and indulging in local culinary delights. We’ll visit our favorite restaurants in town, some specializing in traditional cuisine like fondue or tartiflette, and others with more modern fusion. One afternoon, we’ll taste local wines, juices and cheeses – another way to learn more about the local culture!
Lead photos: Sam Hill
Please note: Day-to-day itinerary is subject to change based on weather conditions. All route distances and vertical are approximate. Most days you’ll have the option to shorten or extend the runs.
Book this tour
$6280 per person
$750 single supplement
Itinerary
Chamonix selfie. (Photo: Kim Strom)
Day 1 - Chamonix
You’ll arrive at the Geneva, Switzerland airport and take a 1.5 hour shared shuttle to Chamonix, France where you can settle into your spa hotel.
Poles are handy in the Alps. (Photo: Sam Hill)
Day 2 - Chamonix
After a hearty buffet breakfast, we’ll start our route straight from the hotel, running on beautiful trails along the Arve river. We’ll consider how to warm up for trail running and introduce the use of poles for walking and running.
Stopping to enjoy the view above Chamonix on the 2023 Mirnavator in the Alps trip. (Photo: Sam Hill)
Day 3 - Chamonix
Today we’ll take the train to the village of Montroc, where the varied trails give us the opportunity to develop and adapt our pole technique for ascending and descending. After enjoying ice creams and stopping by the bakery in Argentière, we’ll return to Chamonix for a strength and mobility session.
Wine tasting. (Photo: Sam Hill)
Day 4 - Chamonix
Today we’ll take the train to Le Buet to run on trails in the beautiful Berard valley. Throughout the day we’ll continue to develop our trail running skills and also look at navigating using maps and phone apps. This afternoon we’ll enjoy a wine tasting. Dinner will be on your own.
(Photo: Sam Hill)
Day 5 - Chamonix
Today is a rest day! You can explore Chamonix, relax at the spa, or enjoy a ride in the Aiguille du Midi cable car up to 3842m (12,600ft). We’ll regroup for dinner together.
Building skills on technical trails. (Photo: Sam Hill)
Day 6 - Chamonix
Today we’ll run on the Grand Balcon Sud, a balcony traverse above the treeline in the Aiguilles Rouges mountains. There are various lift options available at both ends of the run. On the trail we’ll look at navigating using maps and phone apps, then in the afternoon you’ll work with our guides to plan your own trail run for tomorrow!
Mirna in the Alps on our 2024 trip. (Photo: Sam Hill)
Day 7 - Chamonix
Today you take the lead! Bringing together the skills you’ve learned during the week, we’ll break up into smaller groups and you’ll lead the trail run you planned yesterday with input from our guides.
Chamonix train station.(Photo: Kim Strom)
Day 8 - Depart from Chamonix
Today we say au revoir to Chamonix, Mirna and our new friends. Your tour ends after breakfast at your hotel with a shared, 90-minute shuttle back to the Geneva Airport.
Regional map
- Daily guided trail runs with a licensed International Mountain Leader and special guest Mirna Valerio
- Accommodation for six nights a 4 star hotel with a spa
- Buffet breakfasts, food and premium nutrition on the trail, five multi-course dinners
- Wine and cheese tasting
- Skills workshops with athletes, physical therapists, and coaches
- Geneva Airport-Chamonix transfers at the start and end of the tour
- All transfers to and from trailheads that are included on our planned itinerary
- A copy of our Guide to Trail Running in the Alps, which contains 80+ pages of information and tips from Run the Alps staff and guides
- A day of professional photography on the trails, with images provided to you, license-free
- Personalized support before and during your tour
- 20% discount in the Run the Alps store
- Contribution to our Net Positive initiatives
- 20% discount code at The Hub Chamonix for pre- or post- tour accommodation
- Flights
- Transport to and from trailheads if you shorten a run
- Drinks with dinners
- One dinner in Chamonix; recommendations provided
- Extra charges made at accommodations such as room service or laundry
- Optional rest day activities, such as the QC Terme Spa or the Aiguille du Midi cable car.
- Tips for guides
- Trip Insurance
Plan to arrive the day your tour starts, at the latest. Note that flights from the US usually arrive on the following day, so schedule accordingly. The closest airport is Geneva, Switzerland. This tour includes a shared shuttle pickup at the Geneva Airport. If you’d like to arrive a day or more before the tour starts, the shuttle is still included.
Plan your departure for the day the tour ends at the earliest. Since the Geneva airport is only ninety 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? Learn how Run the Alps compares to other trail running companies and what sets us apart.
- Want to extend your trip with more running? We can help provide self-guided run descriptions for nearby regions of the Alps, and/or trail race options.
- Concerned about being ready? We’re here to help. Check out our Alps Training Resources or get in touch if you’d like to be put in touch with a coach.
- 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!
- Alumni Discount: We love welcoming our alumni back to the Alps and offer a 10% discount on all standard Run the Alps trips. Simply check the alumni box on the registration form and we’ll apply the discount when we invoice you.
- Tour Balance: Your tour balance is due 90 days before your tour starts. We will send you an invoice about a month before that due date. However, you can pay your balance at any time. If you’d like the simplicity of paying in full sooner, or would like to pay in installments, please contact us.
- 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.
Guides for this Tour
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