Head to the European mountain range less traveled on our new Pyrenees Val d'Aran Runcation. This Runcation is for runners that LOVE the adventure of mountain trails and the beauty they offer, from technical singletrack trails with jaw-dropping views of forests, granite, and waterfalls, to runnable rolling green valleys bursting with wildflowers. We combine our favorite trails and corners of the French and Spanish Pyrenees, combining sections of Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park in the Catalan Pyrenees, views of Aneto, and other gems of the Val d'Aran. The beauty of the natural landscape pairs nicely with charming villages, including one voted as one of the most beautiful in Spain. On this special Runcation we run point to point each day and stay in comfortable 3/4-star hotels throughout the trip as well as one night at a curated mountain huts where you can fall asleep next to an alpine lake, drink local wine, and learn more about the mountain culture in this special region. We like to think this trip is perfect for those that want to challenge themselves on long back to back days in the mountains while also having the luxury of sleeping in a nice hotel room and indulging in a spa or two.
On this guided trail running tour of the Pyrenees, you'll discover uncrowded trails and Occitan/Catalan/French/Spanish culture with runs and views not often found in just one week-long tour of the region. With food so delicious and people so friendly paired with views so beautiful and trails that feel so remarkably wild, you might find yourself scratching your head and wondering, "Where is everyone?" Discover the gems of the Val d'Aran Pyrenees for yourself on our guided and self-guided Pyrenees running vacations.
Trip Difficulty: Level 2-3
https://runcation.org/which-trip-is-right-for-me
While this trip gets a level 3 for the amount of elevation gain and technicality of trails, the mileage and the comfortable hotel accommodation also gives it a level 2 rating. This retreat adventure is open to ages 15 and up of any pace. Must be able to complete the itinerary for the week, including running the downhills and flats and a mixture of hiking/running on the uphills. Optional 12-week training package available from an experienced running coach to ensure you're trained and ready to go for this adventure of a lifetime!
This trip requires a minimum of 8 to run. Please do not purchase flights until confirming with retreat organizer.
This trip is also offered as self-guided! To learn more, visit: https://www.wetravel.com/trips/self-guided-pyrenees-val-d-aran-trail-running-runcation-travel-lleida-47321761
Roundtrip transportation starting from Vielha, Spain on Day 1 and ending in Vielha, Spain on Day 7
Trip logistics of route planning, lodging, and transportation reservations
A 8:1 ratio of guide to participants
Half board (breakfast and dinner) included for 7 days, 6 nights
Baggage transport from accommodations (all you carry is a hydration pack!) all days
Knowledgable guide and running coach along the entire route
Communal accommodation in dorms for one night in Pyrenees mountain refugi and double accommodation in private 3/4-star hotel rooms for five nights (some with spa access)
Special bonus adventures, including cascade pool swims and thermal hot springs
SPA in Hotel Vielha and entrance in Arties Hot springs
Taxi transfers of the program
A technical route t-shirt
Trip packet with detailed itinerary including packing lists, weather resources, and how to reach the start by public and private transportation
Access to a personal trip WhatsApp group and community
International airfare
Alcoholic beverages and lunch/snacks during the day
Travel Insurance
Extra expenses due to a change in itinerary or in case of you having to shorten the day or trip as a whole (including personal return trips to the airport/next destination/etc.)
Tourist tax to be paid in cash at accommodations (usually ~1 euro per person)
Passport:
Must have a valid passport valid through 6 months upon date of travel.
Travel Insurance:
Must have travel insurance prior to start of trip.
Fitness/Pacing:
While there are guides to accommodate a variety of paces for attending runners, this trip requires participants to be able to run for 7-15 miles on trails at a time in mountainous/high altitude climates with an elevation gain of 1,000-5,500 feet per day. It is suggested that you be able to maintain an average pace of 15-20 minutes/mile and must be prepared to run/jog the downhill and flat sections. Training for this trip is highly recommended, and you can participate in the 12-week group training program designed specifically for this trip as a package add-on to ensure you're able to tackle the trails and get maximum enjoyment of this running retreat!
Weather:
Although the weather in late summer is often ideal, weather in the mountains is variable and trail conditions are subject to change on an hourly basis! Route subjective to change based on the safety of conditions and climate of the trail.
Trip Difficulty: Level 2-3
https://runcation.org/which-trip-is-right-for-me
Mountain Hut Experience:
This trip includes staying in mountain huts/refugi. To learn more about the mountain hut experience, click below:
https://runcation.org/mountain-hut-experience
How to Arrive: Vielha, Spain is accessed by the international airports Barcelona, Spain and Toulouse, France. You can arrive from Barcelona by ALSA bus line, by renting a car, or hiring private transportation. More information on how to arrive can be found here:
https://www.visitvaldaran.com/en/discover-val-daran/how-to-arrive/
Our trip will start in the late afternoon/evening in the charming village of Vielha, Spain in the Val d’ Aran with a meet-and-greet and orientation meeting to meet the guides and go over the logistics and itinerary of the upcoming week! Enjoy an optional shakeout run, unpack, and explore the many cafes, restaurants, shops, and views from town.
Double accommodation in 4-star hotel with breakfast and dinner included
Spa access included