Join The Mirnavator to learn trail running skills in the world's trail running capital!

If you’ve been running for a while, and are now psyched to get out on the trails, this trip will give you the skills and confidence you need. In a light-hearted and non-judgmental setting, Mirna Valerio and experienced Run the Alps guides will spend time covering a range of trail running topics, with individual feedback to best help you on your trail running journey.




As well as being an experienced sponsored trail runner, an advocate for inclusion in the trail running community, and successful writer and speaker, Mirna is one of the most fun and positive people we’ve ever met. Her passion for trail running and the mountains of the Alps is contagious, and Mirna will be there to support you as you share in this trail running experience.

On this level 1 tour, we’ll be running around 4-8 miles (6-13 km) with 1000–3000 feet (300–915m) of climbing and descending each day, with some options to shorten or lengthen the running route.

On this trip, we’ll cover essential skills for trail running:

• warm-up sessions before each run and stretching sessions afterwards
• strength, mobility and injury prevention workshop
• ascending and descending slopes
  
• effective use of poles
• moving on technical terrain
• what gear to use

Throughout the week you’ll also learn how to plan your own trail running routes safely and navigate along the way. This will culminate in the group having more of an active role in deciding the running route at the end of the week, taking into account the weather, the terrain and your trail running goals.

Itinerary

We won't be running all day! There'll be time to enjoy relaxing and recuperating in your hotel spa, checking out the famous town of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and indulging in local culinary delights. We’ll visit our favorite restaurants in town, some specializing in traditional cuisine like fondue or tartiflette, and others with more modern fusion. One afternoon, we’ll have a tasting of local wines, juices and cheeses – another way to learn more about the local culture!

Day 1 - Chamonix
You’ll arrive at the Geneva, Switzerland airport and take a 1.5 hour shared shuttle to Chamonix, France where you can settle into your spa hotel.

Day 2 - Chamonix
After a hearty buffet breakfast, we’ll start our route straight from the hotel, running on beautiful trails along the Arve river and part of the Petit Balcon Sud balcony trail. We’ll consider how to warm up for trail running and introduce the use of poles for walking and running.

Day 3 - Chamonix
Today we’ll take the train to the village of Montroc, where the varied trails give us the opportunity to develop and adapt our pole technique for ascending and descending. After enjoying ice creams and stopping by the bakery in Argentière, we’ll return to Chamonix for a strength and mobility session.

Day 4 - Chamonix
Today we’ll take the train to Le Buet to run on trails in the beautiful Berard valley. Throughout the day we’ll continue to develop our trail running skills and also look at navigating using maps and phone apps. This afternoon we’ll enjoy a wine tasting. Dinner will be on your own.

Day 5 - Chamonix
Today is a rest day! You can explore Chamonix, relax at the spa, or enjoy a ride in the Aiguille du Midi cable car up to 3842m (12,600ft). We’ll regroup for dinner together.

Day 6 - Chamonix
Today we’ll run on the Grand Balcon Sud, a balcony traverse above the treeline in the Aiguilles Rouges mountains. There are various lift options available at both ends of the run. On the trail we’ll look at navigating using maps and phone apps, then in the afternoon you’ll work with our guides to plan your own trail run for tomorrow!

Day 7 - Chamonix
Today you take the lead! Bringing together the skills you’ve learned during the week, we’ll break up into smaller groups and you’ll lead the trail run you planned yesterday with input from our guides..

Day 8 - Depart from Chamonix
Today we say au revoir to Chamonix, Mirna and our new friends. Your tour ends after breakfast at your hotel with a shared, 90-minute shuttle back to the Geneva Airport.

What's Included

• Accommodation for seven nights at a 4 star hotel with a spa
  
• Buffet breakfast, food and premium nutrition on the trail, and six multi-course dinners
• Skills workshops with athletes, physical therapists, and coaches
  
• Geneva Airport-Chamonix transfers at the start and end of the tour
  
• All transfers to and from trailheads that are included on our planned itinerary
  
• A day of professional photography on the trails, with images provided for you to use as you wish, license-free
  
• Personalized support before and during your tour
  
• 20% discount in the Run the Alps store
  
• Contribution to our Net Positive initiatives
  
• 20% discount code at The Hub Chamonix for pre- or post- tour accommodation
  
• A copy of our Guide to Trail Running in the Alps, which contains 80+ pages of information and tips from Run the Alps staff and guides

Photo credits: Sam Hill

Prefer to run on your own schedule, without a guide? Go self-guided and let us take care of all the logistics.

Event's current local time: 11:31 PM SAT