Introduction to trail running in the Aravis

3 days of introduction to trail in one of the best panoramas of the Alps, the Aravis, at the foot of Mont Blanc, with a guide expert in trail running.

Group

Alps

3 Days

May - Sep

Description

The ideal stay for a first approach of gradual and supervised trail in the Aravis. This course is for sports people who want to explore the trail in the mountains and have a first approach to this environment (various trails, elevation).

A stay in star with supervised day and half-day trips to enjoy the beautiful scenery offered by the Aravis and to benefit from professional advice to properly tackle the trail in mountains.

This is a region of the Alps with many geological curiosities and where nature expresses itself without limit: paying a little attention between two strides, ibex, chamois, marmots will await you.

We will stay in a comfortable and cozy lodge for a better recovery and a total moment of escape. Opportunity to bring the family, with a special companion price.

I try to make this course unique through the following:
– A route in wild and preserved nature, far away from common trails
– A route punctuated of geological curiosities
– A star route with a single accommodation for the whole stay
– 360 ° panoramas
– The logistic and qualified trail supervision

During the last day, a 4hs trail running outing allows us to enjoy one last time the contrasting landscapes of this part of the Haute Savoie. You will certainly remember the variety of trails and scenery. Because this trail is not just for running. It is also to admire, take time to enjoy the nature that surrounds us!

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 3 days we will run on average 10-15km a day and go up from 500 to 1000 meters. We will mainly be on large paths and non technical terrain.

I invite you to contact me if this trip sounds interesting. Currently, I only run this program for private groups, if you are at least 5 people. I also organize a trail running trip for beginners in the Beaufortain, that already has set dates for 2017. Check it out!

Price includes

Accommodation included
Guiding fee
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Price details

The price does not include the guide´s expenses (accommodation, meals, lift tickets, etc).
Price per person to join a group up to 13 clients.

Itinerary

Day 1: Hiking outing from the lodging, ½ day

* 12 – 14 km
* D + 950m
* D- approximately 950m

A beautiful ascent allows us to discover the stunning views of the nearby Mont Blanc. We enjoy marvelous trail in balcony, running while enjoying the view. Below us, we discover the villages of Megeve and Combloux. The walk ends with a beautiful descent on a small path through the forest.

Day 2: Day out at the foot of Aravis

* 15 – 19 km
* D + 1300m
* D- approximately 1300m

A nice day trip with picnic to enjoy the wild and mountainous Aravis atmosphere, admire chamois, ibex, eagles and vultures. The opportunity to progress on a varied terrain, alternating wide trails and single tracks. By late afternoon, possibility to visit Megève or relaxation in Saint Gervais Spa to enjoy the benefits of the Baths. (Optional, extra charge and booking needed).

Day 3: Outing ½ day

* 14 – 16 km
* D + 1000m
* D- approximately 1000m

During the last day, we will practice all the aspects covered during the weekend: know-how of walking to last, to save energy in downhill, be effective in uphill, use poles, pace yourself etc.

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.

Group size: 8 to 13 people.

The price ranges between 475-495€. There is a companion price upon request.

Level:

Practice running twice a week for about 1 hour
No specific practice required (e.g. trail or mountain hiking)

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 and camera

Individual pharmacy kit: anti-friction cream, sunscreen, double skin dressings, elastic band, paracetamol, anti-diarrheal, antiseptic and personal drugs

Meeting point

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

Request more information

What people are saying about -Caroline

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.

James

Great experience, but definitely favored toward elite runners. One of our guides, JC, was amazing. He cared about every runner. The other guide seemed only to care for the elites (and himself). On top of Col des Montets, I asked if we had time to put on warm layers. The guide said "of course," but then quickly proceeded to run off with the entire group while I stood bare and freezing with my gear unpacked. Total lack of consideration for the well-being of his runners. Otherwise a great tour.

Christopher

Well organized tour of the TDS course. Amazing views await even if you’re not planning to run the race