Women's Only - Trail Run the Tour du Mont Blanc
with Audrée Lafreniere
Dates: August 16 - August 23, 2024
Price: 3300 EUR
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A 25% deposit is due to secure your reservation. The remaining balance is due 60 days before the start of the expedition.
(View the cancelation policy below in the section "Price and Details")
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A dream for many trail runners around the world. Explore the French, Italian and Swiss Alps by foot
Audrée is an experienced trail runner with a particular affection for long distances. In recent years she successfully completed some very hard mountain races (TDS, Tot Dret and UTMB, just to name a few).
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When she's not tackling big races, she loves going on multi-day adventures in the mountains. She has been fastpacking a lot near her home in BC, far away in Patagonia and Slovenia, and of course around the TMB.
The Tour du Mont Blanc is by far her favourite fastpack route because of how stunning it is. Even after completing it twice, she's eager to go back and hopes to share it with a group of rad ladies
Audrée Lafreniere is teaming up with Vagabond Trails to explore and trail run the incredible route of the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB). This route is a dream for trail runners worldwide, and we've curated this special trip exclusively for female runners.
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Running a race is one thing, but experiencing these trails is an entirely different adventure that we can guarantee you'll never forget. Along the way, Audrée will share her tips and expertise as an ultra runner.
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Describing the beauty of this route in words is a challenge. You truly grasp its magnificence when you live and breathe the TMB – one of the world's most beautiful routes. You'll enjoy amazing trail running trails, while you traverse three countries on foot Imagine high alpine meadows, glaciers, snow-capped peaks, serene lakes, the Mont Blanc itself, and, of course, the physical and mental challenges.
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This is a 100-mile/160 km journey with its fair share of ups and downs, specifically almost 32,000 feet/10,000 meters of elevation gain. The route takes us from Chamonix, France, through Italy, Switzerland, and back to Chamonix.
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Our trip is all-inclusive, covering shared transfers to and from Geneva airport, accommodations, bag transfers, and meals*. We've handpicked hotels and mountain huts for your comfort, boasting great views, fantastic food, and friendly service.
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We promise you this will be an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Alps. Read what some of our guests say about us!
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*See details below​
Is this tour suitable for me?
If you are a road runner or a trail runner who enjoys hitting the trails, this tour is for you. Our trips are not just trips; they are journeys of self-discovery where you will feel challenged, alive, and reconnected. If you crave adventure and personal growth, you've found the right experience.
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What is the pace in our trail running tours?
Imagine a long weekend day out with your friends. You'll be hiking in the uphills, easy running in the downhills, and jogging on the flats. You don't need to be a fast runner or possess technical climbing skills to join this tour, but you should be fit enough to cover the daily distances and elevation gains. This is not a race; our trips are about having fun, enjoying the experience, and feeling alive.
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We've planned the trip so that when you reach the next overnight accommodation, you'll have time to unwind, enjoy a glass of wine, read a book, and savor the breathtaking views. On certain days, you can reduce the distance by using a cable car or public transportation.
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Bags Transfer
To ensure your comfort during your runs, your primary luggage will be transported from hut to hut daily, allowing you to carry only a light running vest with your essentials.
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Guiding​
We are proud to say that we have the best guides in our team. Throughout the entire tour, you will be guided by a certified International Mountain Leader. Your safety and well-being are our top priorities.
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Please ensure that your physical condition aligns with the itinerary below. If you have any questions, don't hesitate contact us.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Chamonix
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Arrival at Geneva Airport and Transfer to Chamonix. Depending on your arrival time, you'll have the opportunity to explore Chamonix or simply unwind at our selected hotel in Chamonix. In the evening, we will conduct a group safety briefing. Dinner is not included tonight
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Day 2 | Les Houches – Les Contamines - Refuge Nant Borrant
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Today is the official start of our epic journey. We leave Chamonix towards Les Houches by bus. Once in Les Houches, we climb up heading to Bellevue where we can already admire the beautiful views of the valley. We continue toward the Tricot pass on a path that offers constant and beautiful views of the Bionassay Glacier. Once at the pass we descend towards the Miage valley on one of the prettiest corners of the Tour du Mont Blanc. We continue toward our overnight destination close to the village of Les Contamines.
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The route: 11.2 mi / 18km - High gain/loss +5020ft/1530m | -4790ft/1460m approx
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Highest point at 2110 m / 6922 ft
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Approximate time 5 - 6 hours​
Day 3 | Les Contamines– Refuge de Mottets/Les Chapieux
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Easy riverside trails take us to the church of Notre Dame de la Gorge. After the church, we have a long and steep ascent leading to Col du Bonhomme. Depending on weather conditions the pass might show snow patches. A little bit higher we reach the second col of the day the Croix de Bonhomme at 2440 meters of altitude, where we will enjoy amazing views of the valleys on both sides. A nice and runnable trail takes us downhill to Les Chapieux, from here we will have a mix of a flat trail to a steady easy uphill towards Refuge Les Mottets at 1864 meters, which will be our hut for the night.
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The route: 15mi / 24km - High gain/loss +5413ft/1650m | -3083ft/940m approx.
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Highest point at 2440 m / 8000 ft
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Approximate time 7 - 8 hours
Day 4 | Refuge de Mottets – Courmayeur
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The day starts with a steep trail, but the views will be our boost to continue and finally cross the border into Italy at Col de la Seigne. Once on the col (or shoulder), you will admire the views of the French and the Italian valleys. On the Italian side, we will have a long descent into Val Veny. If we are lucky, the valley will be covered in yellow flowers with sparking glaciers descending off Mont Blanc. A long flat path will take us to the start of the steep trail towards the ridge on Mont Favre. The views are amazing at the ridge and the trail will give you an incredible sense of gratitude and freedom. We'll run towards Col Checrouit and then a final steep descent to Courmayeur (here you can choose if you decide to take the cable car or continue the descent by foot). To give you the freedom to explore Courmayeur on your own terms, dinner is not included tonight.
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The route: 15.5mi / 25km - High gain/loss +4166ft/1270m | -6233ft/1900m approx
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Alternative route: 13.6mi / 22km - High gain/loss +4166ft/1270m | -3700ft/1130m approx (taking the cable car)
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Highest point at 2500 m / 8200 ft
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Approximate time 7 - 8 hours
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Day 5 | Courmayeur – La Fouly
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We start the day with a vertical climb towards Rifugio Bertone. After a quick Italian coffee, we follow an almost flat, beautiful, easy but high trail towards Rifugio Bonatti. The trail offers impressive views of the Mont Blanc that you'll stay in your memory forever. We start the descent to Arnouva and then towards the beautiful Rifugio Elena, where we can enjoy a coffee or a drink. We continue our way towards the high Gran Col Ferret. Once at the col you'll contemplate the spectacular views of the Swiss and the Italian valleys. A beautiful descent on a single trail will take us to our accommodation for the night at the end of Val Ferret. If you feel, you'll like to reduce the distance and elevation this day there is a couple of options by taking public transportation.
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The route: 18mi / 29km - High gain/loss +6430ft/1960m | -5734ft/1748m approx.
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Alternative route: 8.7mi / 14km - High gain/loss +2296ft/700m | -3280ft/1000m approx. (using public transport)
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Highest point at 2537 m / 8323 ft
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Approximate time 7 - 8 hours
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Day 6 | La Fouly – Col de Forclaz or Trient
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We start the day with an easy descent to the ancient village of Praz de Fort. We will get some water from the local fountains and continue our path to the start of the ascent towards Champex Lac. Leaving Champex Lac behind we head up through the forests on an easy-open path until Plan de l’Au where we start a steep ascent traversing around the mountain to La Giete. Once at the highest point, we run downhill towards Col de la Forclaz and continue our descent to the last Swiss village and its iconic pink church in Trient.
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The route: 19mi / 31km - High gain/loss +4855ft/1480m | -5577ft/1700m approx.
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Alternative route: 10.5 mi / 17km - High gain/loss +3477ft/1060m | -4265ft/1300m approx. (using public transport)
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Highest point at 1470 meters
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Approximate time 7 - 8 hours​​
Day 7 | Trient - Chamonix
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We have a couple of uphills and downhills more until our final destination. On the way, we will have fantastic views of the Mont Blanc, the Aiguilles Rouges mountains and the Chamonix valley. We traverse the mountain before we start our last descent towards La Flegere and Chamonix.
We will celebrate this epic journey with a final dinner together.
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The route: 17mi / 28km - High gain/loss +5741ft/1750m | -6430ft/1960m approx.
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Alternative route: 12.4 mi / 20km - High gain/loss +5741ft/1750m | -3805ft/1160m approx. (using cable car)
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Highest point at 2065 meters
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Approximate time 7 - 8 hours
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Day 8 | Chamonix
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We enjoy a last breakfast together and then time to pack all the memories back home.
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Fitness Note: This adventure typically involves approximately seven hours of physical activity per day. To fully enjoy the tour, a certain level of fitness is required. As a self-assessment, consider yourself to be in good shape, familiar with running or hiking, and capable of comfortably engaging in these activities for at least five hours per day. If you have concerns about meeting these fitness requirements, please contact us.
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The entire tour is done in English.
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*We reserve the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather conditions, National Parks regulations or notifications and unforeseeable circumstances.
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This tour is governed by the Terms and Conditions
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How Challenging ?
High effort. This is a challenging adventure where we can expect 6 - 8 hours of running/hiking per day, with up to 1500 m/4900ft of elevation gain. Previous trail running experience is highly recommended.
Price and Details
The tour includes:
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Everything described in the tour
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All of the scheduled activities
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Transport from Geneva Airport to Chamonix
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Transport from Chamonix to Geneva Airport
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All accommodation during the tour (7 nights)
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2 nights in a 4* hotel in Chamonix
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1 night in a 3* hotel in Courmayeur
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4 nights in gites or huts in shared rooms or dorms
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Luggage transfer between accommodations
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All main meals during the tour (7 breakfast, 7 packed lunches, 5 dinners)
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Guiding from a certified International Mountain Leader
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Amazing trails & beautiful landscapes
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The tour excludes:​
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Transport to Geneva (e.g. flights)
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First night dinner in Chamonix
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Dinner in Courmayeur
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Single room supplement available for an extra price, applicable only in Chamonix and Courmayeur (3 nights)
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Insurance. All participants are required to have their own insurance appropriate for outdoor sports; such as health, accident, mountain rescue, repatriation, cancellation, personal liability, etc.
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Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
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Expenses for extra activities, such as; massages, spas, saunas, hot tub
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Any accommodations for extra days in Chamonix
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Any lifts or cable cars
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Any private transfers
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Tips for the International Mountain Leader
Price: 3300 EUR
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A 25% deposit is required to secure your spot, with the remaining balance due 60 days before the trip's start. Once confirmed, the deposit is non-refundable but can be transferred to other trips.
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​Participants:
min 7 - max 13
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Start: Geneva (Cointrin Airport)
End: Geneva (Cointrin Airport)
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We reserve the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather conditions, and unforeseeable circumstances.
This tour is governed by the Terms and Conditions
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Cancellation policy:
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Trip pending: a 25% down payment is fully refundable
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Trip confirmed: a 25% down payment is non-refundable. You can transfer this down payment to any other of our trips within the next year
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60 days or less before the trip starts no refund available
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Travel insurance is required for all of our trips. Make sure that your insurance covers trip cancellation (in case of any unforeseen circumstances)
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