Advanced trail running in Beaufortain

Borrowing sections of the UTB, this 3-day trail running program in Beaufortain is a challenge for experienced runners, in a spectacular setting. Join Caroline, UIMLA certified mountain leader, and Sébastien Gérard, professional athlete.

Group

Alps

3 Days

Jun, Jul

Very high

Advanced

Description

Join me for a 3-day trail running Beaufortain Tour. We will discover a wild and well preserved massif, where traditions are still present. The Beaufortain massif is in Savoie, in the French Alps.

This is a program for experienced runners, with a high technical level and very demanding. But it is even more rewarding! The paths are varied and challenging, and the landscapes are a feast for the eyes.

We will follow the paths of the UTB, Ultra Tour du Beaufortain. It is one of the most majestic trail routes in Savoie. Sébastien Gerard will join us during the trip, and we will get his invaluable advice. He is a true specialist of the UTB, as he won the race 5 times.

More than a trail running program, this is an immersion in the authentic mountain, nature awaits you!

The highlights of this trip are: – A route off the beaten track, technical and wild, facing Mont Blanc – Training for the UTB with Sévastien Gerard – Professional advice to improve your trail running skills – Logistics: transfers, luggage transfer, accommodation, meals.

In the ‘extra’ section below, you’ll find information about the required trail running level you need to have. You will also see the equipment that you need to bring with you.

During these 4 days we will run on average 35km a day and go up from 1500 to 2500 meters. We will mainly be on single tracks and technical trails (stone, névé…). We will partially run off trails and be on aerial paths.

Did you find this program tempting? Then don’t hesitate, book the trip and come running in this exceptional setting! And please note that I also offer a trail running program in Beaufortain for beginners, check it out if you are not up for this one yet!

Price includes

Accommodation included
Guiding fee
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Luggage transfer

Price details

Price per person to join a group of 12 clients.

Itinerary

Day 1: Queige - Saint Guerin Lake

We set off for a beautiful climb to the Col de la Roche Pourrie (1500m D+), then Combe de Savoie, Le Massif des Bauges and La Lauzière. Bauges or La Lauzière. After a superb balcony traverse, we reach the Col des Lacs, then the Col de la Bâthie, to return to the heart of the Beaufortain. You'll discover an exceptional environment as you pass Les Combettes and Lac Tournant, nestling at the foot of Grand Mont.

Km : 31km Min. altitude : 536m Max. altitude : 2632m Total ascent + : 2614m Total ascent - : 1333m

Day 2: Saint Guerin Lake - Gitte Refuge

We begin the climb to Cormet d'Arêches, La Vanoise and the Aravis mountains. We reach Lac d'Amour at the foot of the famous Pierra Menta. Then we have a technical descent to the Presset refuge and the Combe de la Neuvaz. We cross the mountain pastures among the clarines to discover the local product: Beaufort. Then we go through a passage shared with the UTMB after the Bonhomme refuge and discovery of the passage du Curé, and cut into the rock to reach the refuge.

Km : 33 km Min. altitude : 1570m Max. altitude : 2654m Total ascent + : 1920m Total ascent - : 2066m

Day 3: Gitte refuge - Queige (42km, 1450m D+)

In the heart of the Beaufortain, we climb Col de la Gîtte, and after a rolling section, we discover the Col de la Fenêtre and Lac de la Girotte, with a breathtaking view of the Mt Blanc Massif. A long descent takes us to the village of Hauteluce, before climbing up to Les Saisies amidst Saisies among marmots and chamois. We have a final ascent to Mt. Bisanne and Queige.

Details

More info

A minimum number of participants (defined in advance) is required for the departure to take place. If the number of participants is insufficient and the departure is cancelled, clients will be informed via a phone call at least a week prior to the scheduled departure date and will receive a complete refund.

Clients are required to have a multi-risk insurance, covering cancellation fees, rescue and accident, repatriation and baggage loss or theft.

(Trail tour du Beaufortain)

Group size: 7 to 12 people.

Level:

Regular practice of running and other activities: 4-5 times / week for at least 1:15h
Regular running in varied terrains
Regular mountain hiking
Experience in mountain trails at least 40km long and 2000m D+, and being able to run at least at 800mD+/h during 1h.
Knowledge of the mountain environment

Equipment:

During the day: a light backpack with a waterproof jacket, a long sleeve warm fleece type, a survival blanket, a whistle, an individual pharmacy kit*, a cap or headband, a hat and thin gloves, sunglasses suitable for running, long tights if you are wearing shorts to run, cereal bars and energy drinks, a plastic bag for waste, biodegradable toilet paper, a headlamp, a minimum reserve water of 1.5L, an elastic strapping strip and some cash
To wear: running short, a short-sleeved t-shirt, running socks and already worn trail shoes
For the whole stay: spare clothes for 3 days, a personal hygiene kit, spare shoes, a spare water socket, spare batteries for the headlamp, a pair of spare laces, a pocketknife and earplugs
Recommended additional equipment: poles, leggings and camera
Individual pharmacy kit: anti-friction cream, sunscreen, double skin dressings, elastic band, paracetamol, anti-diarrheal, antiseptic and personal drugs

Meeting point

At Queige. Getting there: - By car: https://goo.gl/maps/0WUAK - By train: Albertville station

Equipment you will need to bring

Include: - Accommodation in mountain gîtes and refuges (dormitories) - ½ board (dinner + breakfast) - Packed lunch except on the first day - Luggage transport, step by step - Supervision by a qualified mountain professional Not include - Individual insurance - Picnic lunch on the first day - Food supplements (energy drink bars) - Personal expenses - Beverages during meals - Personal transfers in the event of interruption of the outing or stay Equipment: What to bring for the day : - A light rucksack including - A waterproof jacket - A warm long-sleeved fleece top - Survival blanket and whistle - An individual first-aid kit - Cap or headband - Hat and thin gloves - Sunglasses suitable for running - Long tights if running shorts - Cereal bars and energy drink - Plastic bag for garbage - Biodegradable toilet paper - Headlamp - Minimum 1.5l water supply - Elastic strapping - A small amount of cash What to bring : - Running shorts - Short-sleeved t-shirt - A pair of running socks - Previously worn trail shoes For the whole stay : - Spare clothing for 3 days - Personal toiletries - Spare shoes - Spare water bottle - Earplugs or ear plugs - Floor mat (not compulsory) - Heart rate monitor (not mandatory) - Swimsuit Individual pharmacy: - Anti-chafing cream - Sun cream - Double-skin bandages - Elastic bandage - Paracetamol - Anti-diarrheal - Antiseptic - Personal medication Recommended additional equipment : - A pair of walking sticks - Camera

About the guide

-Caroline

4.9

(11)

Mountain Leader

I hold the State Certificate of Mountain Leader (UIMLA), Athlete of Team Garmin Adventure. I won many trail competitions such as Oxygen Challenge, The Glaciers Tour of Vanoise, Albertville Trail, Drayes Blanches of Vercors, the Frison Roche Beaufort, Run and skate of Chamonix… I have also some racing podiums such as the Saintélyon, the Lyon Urban Trail, the Causses Marathon, the Allobroges. I am an ex-sportswoman of high level in rowing (World Championships, World Cups, France Championships). I have a mastery STAPS (Sport) and BEES First degree in rowing. I organise and supervise many trail courses in the Alps with a pro team, a friends group with whom we have a mission: Run and enjoy! I invite you to contact me if you want to train and/or discover these incredible massifs.

Languages

French | English

Certificates

UIMLA

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What people are saying about -Caroline

Andrew

J'ai eu l'opportunité de participer à deux stages, l'un dans le Cantal, l'autre à Chamonix. Un grand plaisir de partager une passion commune avec des participants très sympas de tous niveaux et de tous horizons. Caroline, une grande professionnelle de la montagne et du trail, n'a pas son pareil pour organiser ces rencontres, et tout cela dans une super ambiance et des paysages à couper le souffle.

J'ai fait deux stages avec Caro, c'est devenu une amie, et chacun de ces stages m'a laissé des souvenirs inoubliables. Le premier stage en 2014 en Haute Savoie à l'occasion du Trail du Gypaète. Le Deuxième stage en 2015, dans les Calanques de Marseille. Ces stages auront été parfaits à tous les niveaux: Paysages grandioses (on sent qu'ils ont été choisis avec soin), des échanges techniques avec des "pros" (un grand moment quand Caro inspecte les sacs à dos...), pleins de conseils nutrition - mode de vie etc... La découverte des autres stagiaires mais aussi des autres encadrants (très bon contact avec Guillaume Lenormand par ex.). Des conditions matérielles top (hébergement, repas, organisation etc...). Seule critique: le temps passe trop vite, c'est toujours trop court! Donc au final quand c'est fini, on n'a qu'une envie... c'est de repartir pour un autre stage! Et vu le nombre de personnes que l'on croise sur les stages qui en sont à leur n-ième participation, je peux affirmer que ce sentiment est partagé!

Pour moi le trail c'est avant tout la découverte de nouveaux territoires, les rencontres et les échanges avec d'autres passionnés, le respect de la nature. Mes 3 stages avec Caroline m'ont permis de retrouver ces fondamentaux dans un cadre toujours bon enfant, mais pas moins professionnel. Caroline est une passionnée de montagne et de tout ce qui y touche (sport, culture, gastronomie) et elle sait comme personne transmettre sa passion et ses bons conseils, toujours avec le sourire. Je garde un excellent souvenir des rencontres avec les autres stagiaires et mais aussi avec les autres encadrants, Guillaume, Seb, Cédric, Lydie et tant d'autres rencontrés au cours de ces stages.

Andrew