The Aiguilles Rouges is where the adventure starts
This itinerary is designed both for runners who are new to running in the mountains, and anyone looking to explore the very best that the wild side of Chamonix has to offer. This trip is led by a fully qualified International Mountain Leader, with routes planned through beautiful alpine pastures and along rocky trails, offering incredible views across the Mont Blanc, Fiz and Aravis massifs. It also covers a variant of the Trail des Aiguilles Rouges race route.
Itinerary
- Day one: Welcome to Chamonix! Arrive at your hotel, put your feet up, or wander through the historic, vibrant mountain town of Chamonix. On the first evening you’ll meet up with your fellow runners and guides for the weekend. Our team will brief everyone on the routes, weather conditions and requirements for the following days, and answer any questions.
- Day two: After breakfast and a final kit check we will head off to hit the trails. Taking the train to the far end of the valley towards Switzerland, we'll enter the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve. If we're lucky, we may see some local ibex and chamois. Passing waterfalls, we'll run through alpine dairy pastures, ascend high up into the hills and then take a glorious long, open descent to the mountain refuge, our base for the night. Relax and rest your feet, or choose to head off with your guide to further explore your surroundings before a traditional local dinner. Expected time on trails: 5-6 hours. Breakfast and dinner included.
- Day three: Wake up to spectacular views of the Fiz and Aravis mountain ranges. After a hearty mountain breakfast, get ready to take on the trails for a second day. We’ll run past an alpine lake, through grazing pastures, down a fun descent on a forest trail and back up the other side of the Chamonix valley to our second mountain refuge. If the skies are clear we will have great views of Mont Blanc and exceptional star gazing. Expected time on trails: 5-6 hours. Breakfast and dinner included.
- Day four: Depending on your mojo, you can descend back to Chamonix (ski-lift optional!) and spend a leisurely day in town, or are free to depart. If you feel like you still want more, we'll head across to another summit, taking in more great views and trails, before descending. Soak in the hotel spa before we refuel over dinner in one of Chamonix's many buzzing restaurants. Exhale, enjoy and reflect upon your time in the hills with your new found friends. Expected time on trails: 5-6 hours. Breakfast and dinner included.
- Day five: Depart Chamonix. Breakfast included.
Travel & Accommodation
The closest airport to Chamonix is Geneva, Switzerland. Flights are frequent and can be booked out of several UK airports with airlines that include, EasyJet, British Airways and Swiss Air.
Transfers from Geneva to Chamonix take just over one hour. For your convenience, we’ve teamed up with Chamonix Valley Transfers to offer you a well-priced and seamless service from Geneva to Chamonix. For rates and availability, click here.
We have chosen a centrally-located hotel for your stay in Chamonix Mont-Blanc which offers great facilities and is renowned for a cracking breakfast. Just what you need before you head off into the hills and for relaxing afterwards! You will also spend 2 nights in fabulous, traditional, mountain refuges - a unique experience with potential for epic sunset and sunrise views!
Transfers from Geneva to Chamonix take just over one hour. For your convenience, we’ve teamed up with Chamonix Valley Transfers to offer you a well-priced and seamless service from Geneva to Chamonix. For rates and availability, click here.
We have chosen a centrally-located hotel for your stay in Chamonix Mont-Blanc which offers great facilities and is renowned for a cracking breakfast. Just what you need before you head off into the hills and for relaxing afterwards! You will also spend 2 nights in fabulous, traditional, mountain refuges - a unique experience with potential for epic sunset and sunrise views!
What to bring
If you’re scratching your head and wondering what kit you’ll need to bring, please request our Chamonix Aiguille Rouges kit list.
Feel free to get in touch if you need any advice or have any questions.
Feel free to get in touch if you need any advice or have any questions.
Timing & location
Arrival: Thursday early afternoon arrival in Chamonix. Meet & greet will be in the hotel lobby bar at 7pm
Departure: Sunday or Monday, as preferred
Departure: Sunday or Monday, as preferred
What is included
- Welcome reception & introductory briefing
- 3 days guided trail running in Chamonix, with qualified International Mountain leaders
- Tips on running techniques and nutrition in the mountains
- Three night accommodation in the Chamonix valley, on a twin share basis; fourth night option available
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- New friends & amazing memories
What is not included
- Flights & transfers to/from Chamonix
- Snacks and lunch during your running days
- Drinks with meals
- Personal insurance (required)
Booking
What our fellow runners say about us
"The Adventure Running Company provided an exceptional experience for me as a 'newbie' to mountain trails. Offering a perfect balance of well-priced, quality accommodation, excellent running routes and variable weather (yes, they even laid on one sunny day and one wet day!), Chamonix Essential Trails was a fantastic experience. I'm looking forward to my next trip already...”
James Dunne - Chamonix
James Dunne - Chamonix
