Today you arrive in the world famous alpine town of Chamonix, in France. In recent years Chamonix has earned a place on the world trail running circuit through various events the most famous of which is the week-long Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc®. This evening your running guide will meet you at your hotel for dinner, to discuss the week ahead and answer any questions. You are here on holiday and it's our aim to show you the best of Chamonix Valley.

After breakfast we have a discussion on suitable trail running kit and clothing then enjoy a warm up run from the hotel door. We aim to run the Chamonix 10 km trail race course. This perfect first run is a favourite with the locals and offers a little bit of everything. Wide open trails which wind their way along the valley floor and through shady woodland by the River Arve. This perfect acclimitisation run orientates visitors to the valleys whilst offering panoramic views along the way. We will be back at the hotel for lunch, before a practical 'prehab' session in the afternoon with running drills and strength and mobility exercises to keep you injury free on the trails and in training. Our 'run specific' balance, core and strength session can be adapted to be done anywhere at anytime making it the perfect cross training for busy runners who can't access the mountain trails as often as they'd like. Return to the hotel to enjoy the pool and optional yoga session.

Our run today takes us to the neighbouring village of Argentiere exploring the lower balcony trails along the Petit Balcon Nord & Sud. Enjoy excellent views of the Mont Blanc Massif from the sleepy village of Les Lavancher as we make our way towards Chamonix town centre. You will soon feel the grandure of the surrounding peaks as you pass the mighty Aiguilles Verte, Drus and Aiguilles Rouge as they line either side of the valley. On route we tackle some short hill climbs either with a steady hike or at a steady run pace. With the help of some handy exercises, we explore climbing and descending over a variety of terrain; rolling, rocky, steep and steady. Try different techniques whilst developing confidence, overall 'form' and strength along the way. Lunch will be in Argentiere. We return to Chamonix by train or by trail! In the afternoon we have a practical session on planning routes and mapping runs, as well as an introduction to basic compass work. We then put it into practice with the opportunity to try a professional orienteering course in undulating woodland of Argentiere.

We begin today by heading towards the Swiss / French border on the delightful Mont Blanc Express - one of the world's most picturesque mountain train journeys. We alight at Montroc which is where our run begins. We pick up the 'Chemin des Diligences' an ancient stage coach route featured on the famous walk the 'Tour du Mont Blanc' - UTMB. Passing through ancient hamlets and alpine pastures strewn with cows ‘at work’ producing milk for locally produced cheese. We gain height with the use of light-weight running poles. We will practice a mix of 'fast uphill hiking' and running to reach the Col des Possettes at 1997m and an alpage coffee stop for wonderful views of the Le Tour glacier and across to Swiss frontier. A longer but steadier climb gains the summit of the Aiguillette des Possettes 2201m for 360 degree panoramic views where we stop for our picnic lunch high above the tree line. We now have a fun descent from the top! First it's rocky and then sweeping bends to reach the valley floor and the village of Le Tour. It's possible to either return to your accommodation by bus or train from here or on foot for those wanting a longer run. We return to our accommodation for a run specific stretch session. - There is also optional cable car descent to shorten the day which is not included in the trip price.

Running from our hotel door, first on good trails over rocks through the forest and up to high mountain meadows where the alpine flowers grow. Our focus today will be how to achieve a Vertical Kilometre! For many runners both local and visitors to the valley the 'Vertical K' has become something of a legend. Being sure to take it steady and enjoying breaks along the way, we aim to stop for lunch at the top of this famous Chamonix climb. Our trail then travels along a beautiful single track trail on what is known as the 'Grand Balcon Sud' and a section of the Mont Blanc Marathon route. The views of the Chamonix peaks and glaciers are simply awe-inspiring. We run on to reach La Flegere where we begin our descent on superb switch back trails first above the treeline and then back into the cool of the forest. On our way we have to stop for resfreshments at Chalet La Floria. This perfectly located 'buvette' is only open in the summer and offers coffee & crepes in the most idyllic setting - a must do for any hiker or runner! Then it's back down to the valley floor, along the river to our hotel and the hustle and bustle of Chamonix town centre. This day can be shortened at two points including two optional cable car descents. Please note these are not included in the trip price. We complete the day with a yoga class tailored to runners.

A more leisurely start as we begin today with a talk by Rebecca Dent on 'Nutrition for Runners'. Have a race to run? A new training programme? Want to be able to put in more effort in those training sessions? Or strive to reach your full fitness potential? Rebecca offers clear practical advice on how to fuel for races and training, dispel the myths and answer any questions. At mid morning we'll then head to the trails to explore Les Houches and it's panoramic mountain trails. Starting from Chamonix church square, where the famous Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc starts and finishes, we begin an easy 7km run following the race route to Les Houches village. Wide valley trails through the forest offer superb views of Mont Blanc and it's glaciers. Making use of the Bellevue cable car we gain 800m (497ft) of height now bringing us up to 1800m (1118ft). From here your guide will choose the best route to explore this new network trails but being sure to take in views of the Bionnassay Glacier, the 'alpage' of La Charme as you pass picture postcard wooden chalets with cattle grazing in meadows. The little goat farm sells freshly made cheese, which you can enjoy with a cold drink at the picnic table overlooking the neighbouring valley and down into Saint Gervais. There are few nicer spots anywhere in the world, let alone Chamonix, to sit and catch your breath. This is a great run is the perfect 'active rest day'! It's not as challenging as some the other trails as it’s a little kinder to the legs. But best of all, the top of 'Le Prarion' at 1969m (1223ft) is most enjoyable when you’ve got a feel for the local geography. Located at the end of the Chamonix valley, this summit will enchant the hiker with the splendor of the panorama unveiled on Mont Blanc, Aiguilles Rouges, Fiz, and Aravis Range. There’s something hugely satisfying about being able to spot other places you’ve explored during the week from the summit! We descend first on foot and then by cable car to save our knees (or if preferred all the way on foot) to reach the valley floor.

Today is about putting everything you have learned this week into practice. We plan to run/hike to a local peak to ensure that you finish your week on a true high! With so many wonderful routes and views to choose from we are literally spoilt for choice. We'll cover some distance and also aim to gain height for some unforgettable views of the Mont Blanc mountain range. We expect to cover between 15-25km and there will be a point where you can shorten the day if prefered. Full Day: Ascent: 1300m (4264ft) Descent: 1800m (5904ft) Distance: 23.5km (14.6 miles) Short Day: Ascent: 1200m (3936ft) Descent: 800m (2624ft) Distance: 15km (9.4 miles) If you would like an individual debrief then your coach will spend time at the end of the afternoon giving advice on how to continue your progression once you return home.

Today is departure day and the trip finishes after breakfast.