A guidebook describing 40 trail running routes in the Chamonix Valley and around the Mont Blanc massif, visiting France, Switzerland and Italy. The routes, which range from 3.8km (21/2 miles) to 168km (104 miles), are graded from 1 to 5 and categorised as trail running, fell running or skyrunning. Starting from Chamonix, Les Houches, Servoz, Champex, Courmayeur, Orsieres and Vallorcine among others, and covering classic ultra trail routes as well as shorter day runs, there is something for every runner. Step-by-step route descriptions are accompanied by 1:100,000 mapping and route profiles, with notes on safety and useful tips for runners. Also included is a comprehensive equipment checklist plus information on running at altitude, adapting to the Alps, navigation, maps and mountain safety. Renowned as a mecca for trail runners, the Chamonix Valley and Mont Blanc region is home to some of the greatest trail running races in the world, including the Tour des Geants and Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc. The landscape, with its dramatic mountain scenery and ethereal vistas, offers diverse trail options and true adventure - the perfect playground for this exhilarating sport.
Map key Location of routes Introduction The Chamonix Mont Blanc region Bases for a trail running holiday Travelling to the Alps Travelling around the Chamonix valley and region Weather and forecasts Maps Safety and mountain rescue Insurance Mountain running in the Alps What's different about running in the Alps? Trail kit Adapting to the Alps Mountain skills Navigation Using this guide France Chamonix start Route 1 Mer de Glace Route 2 River track to Argentiere Route 3 Merlet Route 4 La Flegere Route 5 Refuge Moede Anterne Route 6 La Jonction Route 7 Chamonix Vertical KM Route 8 Marathon du Mont Blanc Route 9km du Mont Blanc Vallorcine valley start Route 10 Lac d'Emosson Route 11 Col de la Terrasse Route 12 Albert Premier Route 13 Aiguilles Rouges Route 14 Mont Buet Les Houches/Servoz start Route 15 Le Brevent Route 16 Le Prarion Route 17 Col de Tricot Route 18 Lac Vert Route 19 Charousse Outside Chamonix valley Route 20 Nid d'Aigle Route 21 Refuge de Doran Route 22 Mont Truc Route 23 Mont Joly Route 24 Refuge de Tre-le-Tete Route 25 Tete Nord des Fours Switzerland Route 26 Mont de l'Arpille Route 27 Croix de Fer Route 28 Fenetre d'Arpette Route 29 Cabane d'Orny Route 30 Mont Fourchon Route 31 Cols Fenetre and Chevaux Italy Route 32 Mont de la Saxe Route 33 Tete Entre Deux Sauts Route 34 Italian Val Ferret Route 35 Col d'Arp Route 36 Punta della Croce International race recces Route 37 Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) Route 38 Orsieres, Champex, Chamonix (OCC) Route 39 Courmayeur, Champex, Chamonix (CCC) Route 40 Traces des Ducs de Savoie (TDS) Appendix A Route summary table Appendix B Useful contacts
