Traveling from Chamonix, France to Zermatt, Switzerland, trail running the legendary Haute Route combines some of the most epic mountain running that you can experience in the Alps. Starting with views of Mount Blanc and ending with views of the Matterhorn in Zermatt, this trail covers  ~105 miles with just under 35,000 feet of elevation gain in 6 days (5 days on the trail and one rest day). You'll relax in towns nightly and stay in comfortable hotels as you get ready for long and challenging days on the trail. Your professional and experienced mountain trail running guide will show you the highlights of this region and adjust to the level of the group. If you're looking for a step up from the Tour du Mont Blanc in terms of intensity, this trip is for you. This is one of our most adventurous trips for experienced runners and is truly an adventure of a lifetime! Learn more on the detailed itinerary page!

Trip Difficulty: Full Send

https://runcation.org/which-trip-is-right-for-me

This is for experienced runners or trail runners and includes an estimated time of 7-10 hours per day on trails. Must be able to complete the itinerary for the week, including running the downhills and flats and hiking the long and strenuous 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 4 to run. Please do not purchase flights until confirming with retreat organizer. This trip can also be requested on a custom basis with a group of 4 or more. 

Accommodation for 7 days, 6 nights (double accommodation in private hotel rooms)

Trip logistics of route planning, lodging, and transportation reservations

A 8:1 ratio of guide to participants with experienced mountain guide
Lodging in hotels nightly with breakfasts included daily

Baggage transport from accommodations (all you carry is a hydration pack!)

Transfers between trailheads

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 in mountainous/high altitude climates for 7-10 hours per day and cover 105 miles in 5 days on the trail. This trip is for experienced runners and training for this trip is highly recommended. 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 mountain running adventure! 

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: Full Send

https://runcation.org/which-trip-is-right-for-me

How to Arrive to Chamonix: Chamonix, France is accessed by the international airport Geneva, Switzerland. You can arrive by bus, train, or door to door shared shuttle service. This trip ends in Zermatt, Switzerland. We expect participants to spend some time in Zermatt, Switzerland at the end of the trip, but it is also easy to travel back to Chamonix, France. You can reach Chamonix by car in 2.5-3h or by train in ~4 hours.