Tour du Mont-Blanc Trail Running Holiday A division of Explorateur voyages Québec Licensee
Tour du Mont-Blanc Trail Running Holiday There is no doubt that UTMB is the most popular trail running race. But this mythical circuit is not the privilege of elite runners. For more than a century, hikers have walked the paths that surround Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Europe. In this tour, we give you the opportunity to run these trails although we might walk on a few long climbs and technical sections. As we move from France to Italy, and from Italy to Switzerland, you will discover the culture and gastronomy of each area, while experiencing what brings them together : a true love for the mountains.
Your holiday at a glance Duration: 7 days, 5 nights What to expect: Rigorous physical challenge in an alpine environment; a unique opportunity to explore a classic route in the Alps and take in the spectacular scenery of three countries; local cuisine and authentic rural accommodation. Effort level: Endurance (over 20 km and +1000 m per day, distinctive alpine climate, added challenge of high altitude) Accommodation: Two nights in 3-person or 4-person rooms, three nights in dormitories. Guides: A guide from our team and an IFMGA-certified local mountain guide, both specialized in adventure travel and trail running. Group : 6 to 10 runners Price : See our website Dates : July 21 to 27, 2019
Highlights The UTMB circuit with a few variations and at a holiday pace. The exhilaration of crossing from France into Italy and Switzerland while enjoying mountain passes and valleys. A challenge suitable for runners who like long distances and difficult elevation and have experience with multiday hikes. A perfect combination of taking on a physical challenge and basking in awe-inspiring scenery. Nomade Actif s special touch Professional guides who specialize in adventure travel and trail running. The additional expertise of a local guide who is certified by the IFMGA for high mountain activities and has years of experience working on this terrain. The hospitality of charming lodges and inns, where it will feel good to recover after your athletic efforts. Expertly organized support: you can hop in our private shuttle if you need a break.
A few things to keep in mind Six consecutive days of running and walking in the Alps, over long distances, sometimes under the effects of altitude (up to 3000 m). Daily distance of 18 36 km with 1400 2300 m of elevation gain. Climate variation depending on the altitude and potential for challenging weather conditions specific to the Alps. Participants must have experience in trail running with a light backpack. They must also have completed a multiday hike in the mountains. Some unmarked trails where participants must stay with the group. Accommodation in 3-person and 4-person rooms and in dormitories.
Our local guide James Kaler James lives and breathes mountains. IFMGA-certified, with over 20 years of experience as a mountain guide, he's also an instructor for the French Ski Federation, coach, trainer, and lecturer. Founder of a mountain activity service in Chamonix, he has climbed numerous summits in France, Switzerland, Italy, Ecuador, and the African continent. James has several ultramarathons under his belt, including Tor des Géants, which he completed in 132 hours. He draws from experience and his academic background in mental preparation and performance coaching to offer a good physical and mental preparation to runners who are interested in long distances. His philosophy of running: full consciousness, letting go, and above all, having fun.
The price includes: - A guide from our team and an IFMGA-certified local mountain guide, both specialized in adventure travel and trail running - 6 guided trail running outings - 5 nights: two in 3-person or 4-person rooms, three in dormitories - 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners - An assortment of Xact Nutrition bars (one per day) - Private shuttle to transport luggage and runners - First aid and telecommunication equipment carried by our guides - Pre-trip meeting - Taxes and service fees The price doesn t include: - Airfare and related costs (airport tax, luggage, etc.) - Airport transfer to and from Chamonix - Accommodation in Chamonix - Meals other than those mentionned in the inclusions - Gratuities - Drinks - Contribution to FICAV (compensation fund for customers of travel agents: $1 per $1,000) - Insurance - Vaccines
Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in Chamonix Meet at 5 p.m. for a briefing on the entire trip and an overview of the following day s stage. Equipment inspection, preparation of bags for transport, welcome reception. Day 2: Chamonix Contamines Depart Chamonix at 8:30 a.m. Warm-up day. We follow the bottom of the valley to Les Houches (18 km). Option to take a shuttle to point B. Runners continuing on foot will cross two magnificent passes to arrive in Contamines. Overnight in a gîte (dormitory). 36 km, +1700 m, -1410 m, 7 8 hrs. of hiking-running Day 3: Contamines Courmayeur Things start to get intense as we climb the Col du Bonhomme and cross to the Croix du Bonhomme and Col des Fours. We descend to the hamlet of Glaciers and then climb Col de la Seigne. Welcome to Italy! We take the Col de Chavannes to the hut. Overnight in quadruple room. 35 km, +2300 m, -1770 m, 9 10 hrs. of hiking-running Day 4: Courmayeur Arnuva Descent to Courmayeur, where we will take some time per un gelato o un cappuccino. From there we climb toward the Bertone hut and then take a fantastic overhanging path that offers a stunning view of the Italian side of Grandes Jorrasses and Mont Dolent. Our hotel awaits us in Arnuva. Overnight in triple room. 32.5 km, +2120 m, -2000 m, 8 9 hrs. of hiking-running Day 5: Arnuva Champex We start the day off strong, ascending the Grand Col Ferret. From there we cross into Switzerland. We then cross the Alpages, pass La Fouly, and continue on to Champex and its exquisite lake. Overnight in a gîte (dormitory). 28 km, +1400 m, -1700 m, 5 6 hrs. of hiking-running Day 6: Champex Tré-le-Champ After getting off to a gentle start in the forest, we climb the Col de Bovine and the Col de la Forclaz and pass through the village of Trient, which is home to an unusual church. We then ascend the Col de Balme, which takes us back to France. We will have a gorgeous view of the Chamonix Valley, the Aiguilles Rouges, and the French side of Mont Blanc. Descent to the charming hamlet of Tré-le-Champ for a well-deserved rest. Overnight in a gîte (dormitory). 25 km, +1600 m, -1800 m, 5 6 hrs. of hiking-running Day 7: Tré-le-Champ Chamonix Although we are close to Chamonix, we still have some magnificent landscapes to run through and bask in. We cross the Aiguilles Rouges Natural Reserve and reach Tête aux Vents. The glaciers of Mont Blanc, which are still snowy this time of year, remain with us all the way to Flégère. After a breathtaking descent to the bottom of the valley, a flat trail takes us to Chamonix, where our adventure ends. 18 km, +1000 m, -1170 m, 3 4 hrs. of hiking-running N.B. This itinerary is provided for information only. The guides and staff reserve the right to modify it at any time for safety purposes or to ensure that the trip runs smoothly.
Useful information Group supervision Groups of 6 to 10 runners. This tour is entirely supervised by a guide from our team and a local guide who is certified for high mountain activities. They make sure that everything runs smoothly, oversee the technical and logistical aspects of the excursions, ensure that the quality of the services is high, and above all, share their knowledge of the country. Our guides are adventure travel professionals who are experienced in trail running and certified in wilderness first aid. Other local staff: shuttle driver. There will be a group information meeting before departure. Daypack Our guides look after the well-being of the entire group and carry first aid, navigation, and communication equipment for this purpose. However, the group s safety also depends on well-equipped runners. Make sure to wear a running daypack that fits you well and that you have tested before your holiday. Each runner must carry: Water: Minimum 2 litres in a hydration bag or water bottles. Trail food: The price includes one lunch and one Xact Nutrition bar per day. Participants must bring other snacks or energy products they would like to use. Our local guide can recommend businesses in Chamonix where you can receive a discount if you would like to stock up for the week. Protective gear: Rainproof jacket with hood, light down jacket, long-sleeved midlayer, long leggings if you wear shorts, ski cap, gloves, cap or headband, sunglasses, sunscreen, whistle. Personal first aid kit: Survival blanket, base dressings and dressings for blisters, bandages, antiseptic wipes, acetaminophen, personal medication, etc. Other accessories: Small trash bag, toilet paper (to place in the trash bag after use), headlamp and fresh batteries, 15 in cash. Optional: Walking poles, cell phone or camera in a watertight case.
Useful information Accommodation We will be staying in some of the welcoming mountain huts and small inns that dot the Tour du Mont Blanc circuit. We will spend three nights in huts that have dormitories and two nights in triple and quadruple occupancy rooms. Single occupancy is not available on this trip. All breakfasts and dinners are served on-site. Accommodation for the day of arrival (day 1) and the day we end the circuit (day 7) is not included in the price. You are free to choose whatever type of accommodation you like in Chamonix. Food All the meals during the guided portion are included: 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners. Breakfasts and dinners are served in the inns and huts where we will be staying. Box lunches are handed out every morning before we depart. They are nourishing, complete, and prepared with our needs in mind. Traveling through France, Italy, and Switzerland means that we will get a diverse culinary experience. Cheese is a staple of the cuisine of all three countries. The gruyère, comté, tomme de Savoie, or reblochon you will taste every evening will remind you of the cowbells that rang out as you ran through the countryside during the day. When you go shopping, please consider buying artisanal cheeses instead of industrially manufactured products. You will also encounter these cheeses in fondue, raclette, tartiflette, and rösti. Do not pass up the chance to sample the regional wines and brandies. A glass of chartreuse or génépi will be sure to lift your spirits at the end of the day. Climate Although July daytime temperatures can reach 30 C in the Chamonix-Mont Blanc Valley, they drop sharply at night and at high altitudes. Keep in mind that weather conditions in the Alps can change suddenly and drastically. Make sure to bring clothing that can protect you from all the elements: sun, wind, rain, cold. Although it is generally sunny during the day, average monthly rainfall in the area is 200 mm. It might rain during the trip, and there could be violent storms. As long as we are dressed appropriately, we will be able to do all our runs, rain or shine. In case of extreme weather conditions, our guides will decide what to do.
Useful information Money and currencies The euro is accepted in all three countries even though the Swiss franc is used in Switzerland. The best way to withdraw money in Chamonix before we start our journey is with a debit card. Before the trip, check your bank s transaction fees and make a note of the telephone number to call if your card is lost or stolen. Large businesses and chain stores accept credit cards, especially Visa and MasterCard. Even if you plan to use cash most of the time, we recommend that you bring two cards in case one is lost, stolen, or defective. Traveler s cheques are less and less common, but may be useful in the event of total loss. If you choose this option, be sure to ask for cheques in euros. Tipping Tipping is of course at your discretion, but as an indicator of the standards in the travel industry, adventure travel guides (from your travel agency and from the local team) usually receive about Can$10/day, per person. A 5% 10% tip is customary in restaurants. In cafés, fast food restaurants, and taxis, it is common to round the bill. Travel insurance It is vital to take out medical insurance to cover expenses in case of hospitalization abroad or repatriation, and cancellation insurance to cover the nonrefundable portion of the cost of your trip. Explorateur voyages, the travel agency with which we are associated, offers full travel coverage, with or without cancellation insurance. Please contact us to request a quote. If you choose to purchase cancellation insurance from Explorateur voyages, you will be able to do so when you make your final payment. However, if you choose to buy cancellation insurance from another provider, please note that you may have to do so when you make your initial deposit. Finally, if your credit card provides insurance, you must make your initial deposit with that card. Visa and passport requirements For holders of a Canadian passport, no visa is required for stays of 90 days or less. Your passport must be valid for at least three months following the date you plan to leave the country.
Useful information Health, vaccines, and safety We recommend that you contact your local travel clinic or community health department to find out what vaccines are needed and what precautions to take. Electricity France: Type F power socket. Voltage 230 V. Frequency 50 Hz. Italy: Type F/L power socket. Voltage 230 V. Fréquence 50 Hz. Switzerland: Type J power socket. Voltage 230 V. Fréquence 50 Hz. Visit this website to see socket types: http://www.power-plugs-sockets.com Internet and telecommunications For the most part, cell phone coverage is good in the valleys but variable in the mountains. Some towns have free Internet access, as do a number of cafés and restaurants. Most hotels have WiFi, but few huts do. Equipment and luggage Your main luggage can be a backpack or a duffel bag. Some are equipped with handles or wheels. We do not recommend using a hard suitcase, especially if it is bulky, because it will limit the available space when the group is travelling together. Remember to label all your bags with your name and address. A complete list of the required equipment will be sent to you when you sign up for the tour. Feel free to contact us with any equipment-related questions; our guides are here to help. Information and registration For any questions about this tour or to sign up, please contact us. This tour is organized in collaboration with Terra Ultima / Explorateur voyages, Québec licensee.