France: Introduction to the Alps

Background

The Chamonix valley sits at the foot of Mt Blanc which provides a stunning backdrop to this introduction to mountain trails in the Alps. On this holiday we provide a 2 half-days running adventure break aimed at those looking to discover trail running in the mountains for the first time, as well as more experienced runners looking for a spot of comfort whilst pursuing their passion. There are many route options around the area which will take us to both sides of the valley. The trails vary from pine woods to rocky exposed routes, something for everyone. We pick some really beautiful 13-15km trails which show off the valley at its best, so you get a good flavour of what to expect on our longer adventures. We will also look at some of the trail techniques that will make you a more proficient trail runner. You will get some breath taking views of Mt Blanc as well as the Aiguilles (needles). Since this holiday is focused on comfort and running, the trail runs will last around 3 hours a day leaving you plenty of time to relax and explore Chamonix and possibly even take a trip up to the Aiguille du Midi. You will be staying in a 4* spa hotel with access to a pool and other amenities so you can unwind and enjoy the views. On the Friday evening we will meet up for dinner with your guide as well as some of the Run the Wild Team. As with all Run the Wild holidays, all you have to do is book your flights, turn up and run - we will take care of the rest!

A deposit of £150 will be taken at the time of sign-up with the balance taken 6 weeks before the trip is due to start. It is also possible to schedule payments following your deposit to make paying for the trip easier.

Accommodation & Transport

2 nights in a 4* spa hotel at Les Aiglons (or similar alternative) including breakfast each morning and an evening meal at one of Chamonix's highly rated restaurants. This is on a twin sharing basis, unless you have requested a single room (which if available, there is a supplement). Amenities include the spa which has a heated outdoor pool, hot tub, steam room and sauna, the hotel also has an outdoor space to relax in and free WiFi. It’s located in the centre of Chamonix. Transport to/from Chamonix via Geneva can be booked via one of the many minibus operators (e.g. Chamexpress, Mountain Drop-Offs, Alpybus or Easybus) that provide a regular shuttle service, if you are a group we can arrange this and can be added to your invoice. 

Ability

This holiday is aimed at runners looking for an introduction to running trails in the Alps and we have an exciting itinerary for all abilities. The trails wind along the side of the valleys as well as climb up above the tree line and so we can adjust the route according to the ability of the group. Be prepared to walk uphills to get the great views! Our experienced and qualified Lead Runners will offer many tips along the way so whether you are relatively new to running trails, just looking to explore the valley or a speedier runner looking for a short luxury break then this is an excellent holiday for you! The Lead Runner will route find and as with all our running adventures you will be running as part of a team. This adventure can also be easily booked for a private group, or as a bespoke 1:1 guided tour.

Timing & Location

Arrival will be on Friday afternoon / evening at the accommodation. Departure will be on the Sunday afternoon in time for Sunday evening flights (full details in your booking pack).

What's Included

• Overnight accommodation for 2 nights in 4* spa hotel (based on twin room sharing, supplement for single room)
• Evening meal on the first night at a restaurant in Chamonix (from set menu) and breakfast both days
• Refreshment point midway where possible including our legendary cheese and wine tasting!
• A qualified Lead Runner for the team, with you every step of the way
• Trail Running Technique Instruction
• Run the Wild tech t-shirt
• Stunning Alps scenery!

What's Not Included

• Transport to/from Geneva and Chamonix
• Travel (such as flights) to/from Geneva
• Drinks at the accommodation or additional main meals
• Evening meal on second night
• Snacks to sustain you on route
• Personal insurance (required)
• Lift passes for you and the Lead Runner (if required)

Kit

You can see a list of all required kit for UK and Europe. If you have any questions regarding kit requirements please contact us.

Booking

Please ensure that you have read our Terms and Conditions and Rules of Participation, as by making payment you confirm that you agree and understand the conditions as well as risks involved with trail running.

Payment

You can make payment above, using any form of payment (PayPal, Debit / Credit Card) on a laptop. If you are browsing from a mobile or tablet you will need to make payment by a PayPal account. The deposit is taken in GBP, but if you prefer to pay EUR please get in touch here.

You cannot purchase multiple tickets in a single transaction, so please enter seperate transactions. If you would like to buy multiple or group tickets or indeed prefer to make payment by bank transfer, please get in touch here.

For this particular trip, the payment taken is a deposit of £150 with the balance due 6 weeks before the start of the trip. We use the current GBP/EUR foreign exchange rate at the time of payment to work out your balance.

We aim to respond to every booking within 24hrs. Our email will include your joining instructions and any other relevant details. Please check your spam folder for our email and if you haven't heard anything from us within 48hrs please get in touch!

*Price quoted in Euros but payment also accepted in GBP

Availability

Availability Status Definitions:

• Available – the trip is available, please go ahead and book!
• Guaranteed – this trip is available but has also reached the minimum number to guarantee it running.
• Few remaining – limited space left on the trip, sign up quick! 
• Sold out - sorry you've just missed it, please get in touch to get on the reserve list or create a bespoke trip!
• Register Interest - let us know you are interested in booking.
• If there are are no dates listed - we will be looking to put up new dates soon, get in touch if you would like to register interest or book a private trip.

Reviews

"I absolutely loved it! It really is one of the best things I've done and I will definitely be back!" Chontelle - June 2019

"One of the best trips ever, on par with going skiing. From start to finish was just awesome. The run, the pit stop snacks, the passing of knowledge on old mans beard, the dogs etc was just brilliant. Thank you!!" Krisan - June 2019

"Amazing environment, great people and excellent local cheese facts. I couldn't have hoped for anyhting more." Matt - June 2019

"This was a great adventure. I was nervous on the day I showed up knowing that I was not be fastest or the strongest runner, but with Simon it didn't matter. It turned out everyone who signed up felt the same. The trail course had the right amount of endurance to push us beyond our comfort zone, but left us feeling like we accomplished something. Plus, the views are incredible. If you are unsure, sign up. You will love it." Michelle - June 2018

"Fantastic team that obviously love what they are doing and are keen to share it with others. The French alps was an amazing location, so thank you for taking us there! Your knowledge of the area, advise and trail running tips were great. I'd happily recommend Run The Wild for trail running adventures." Amy - June 2018

"Great organisation of the whole trip, plus of the runs themselves. It was both fun and challenging, and the scenery was great - and I feel I achieved something worthwhile. Thanks!" Susannah - June 2018

"Running the trails beneath the Aiguilles Rouges, with a cloudless sky above and views of the Mont Blanc massif that were to die for was the best running experience I've had in years" Stuart - September 2017

"This trip has been the best part of my year and it has given me the confidence to push myself harder and to try more running challenges." Carla - June 2016

"Great experience shared with like minded people. Cannot fault the organisation of Karin. Thoroughly recommend the trip." Terry - June 2016

"A perfect introduction to running in the Alps that left us all wanting to come back for more" Annie - September 2015

"The best weekend of my life." Charlotte - September 2015

"A fantastic adventure! I would highly recommend this holiday to any runner who wants to try something a bit different in a beautiful setting. Perfect for a group of friends to enjoy together. Planning next year' trip already!" Anon - September 2015

"Had a wonderful weekend, loved every minute, already booking for next year" Louise - September 2015

"The Intro to the the Alps trail running adventure in Chamonix was a fantastic weekend away - a tough physical challenge in stunning surroundings. Run the Wild helped us every step of the way, got us running some technically challenging trails and made sure it was a fun weekend all round. Sign up!" Matt - August 2014

"The trip exceeded all my expectations, a fantastic introduction to trail running and a great way to spend a weekend away with friends." Katherine - August 2014

"This was a great experience and would definitely recommend this to everyone as an introduction to trail running. Something I will now do regularly." Chin - August 2014 

"I went on the introduction to the Alps trip at the beginning of August with three friends and we had a spectacular time. The Spa hotel is lovely and the Jacuzzi and Sauna were massively appeciated as the running is obviously hard on your body even if you are quite fit. I was nervous about how I would handle the altitude and to be honest I did struggle on the first day but Emily was an excellent guide and she kept me going – thank goodness as it was one of the most satisfying runs I’ve ever had. By day two we had all acclimatised and we had a really good solid run over all sorts of terrain with a couple pitstops to eat wild strawberries and take in the scenery while we stretched. The scenery is exquisite! Another nice touch is that Simon brings you delicious snacks for lunch and everything tastes a hundred times better because you deserve it – especially the Nutella filled crepes.

"I highly recommend going on this run as Emily and Simon are fantastic guides and hosts and they are both totally passionate about exercising outdoors. Best of all it was a really special bonding experience for all of us as friends. I can’t wait to go on another trip." Victoria - August 2014

Advice from previous runners

"Book it now!" Chontelle

"Don't worry about your fitness level. You don't need to be a pro athelete. If you can run, you can do this." Michelle

"Build up a decent training base beforehand, but no need to go overboard!" Stuart

"Make sure you train on hills before you go." Terry

"Just do it!" Charlotte

"Practice running with a backpack and in trail shoes first. Make sure the bladder in your rucksack works properly first!!" Anon

"Book it!" Louise