In partnership with an independent local specialist Adventure Base are running trail running weeks for runners of all abilities to train alongside like-minded people in a focused yet relaxed setting.

Whether you’re a recreational runner, or a serious athlete, the benefits of a concentrated week’s training, especially at altitude, is immeasurable. Experienced and knowledgeable personal trainers will be with you daily to monitor your fitness and advise you on ways of improving efficiency and strength. You will learn about efficient nutrition and hydration for runners, discuss stamina and how to push further for longer. They will provide a carefully balanced itinerary of running, coaching advice, and relaxation.

At a glance

• 7 nights 4* catered chalet accommodation, with sauna and hot tub
• 6-day trail running programme with qualified trainers
• Fitness testing, body composition analysis, video biomechanical analysis, 1-1 consultation, and a full report to take home.
• Extras: 1 sports massage per person, 1 uplift/downlift per person, and poles rental are also included.
• Price of £1,095pp, includes accommodation, catering and itinerary.
• Courses run 24 June - 1 July | 23rd - 30th September
• Course can run at other times with a minimum group number of 5 - just contact us with your preferred dates



Itinerary

Please note that this is an example itinerary, which is subject to change at short notice according to factors such as weather conditions, group choices and safety / time considerations.

Day 1 Arrival in Chamonix Valley: You will meet your coaches at the chalet in the evening for a briefing on the week ahead.

Day 2 Chamonix Valley run & Core Class
Morning: A gentle starting run with beautiful alpine views of the Mont Blanc range. This isn't a day to worry about speed and to ensure we get the most out of the week we will have two coaches available so that we can have two running groups if needed.
Afternoon:We look at ways of improving strength and stability with a gym-based Core Stability work out. back at the chalet we will discuss what to carry/wear for our mountain day.

Day 3 Mountain Highs - getting off the beaten track - Full Day: Our chalet is ideally located in the heart of the valley providing easy access to the mountains. We plan for a full day, taking a light lunch and snacks, to explore some of the many trails the valley has to offer both walking and running. We will look at the different running techniques to tackle different types of terrain and route choice. As we progress we will use maps and introduce navigation tips and aids.

Day 4 Learn to Love Hills!
Morning: A morning run covering running 'drills' and training methods specifically to strengthen your legs for both on and off road. We will also have a session trying out running poles - very useful on steeper climbs. 
Afternoon: Injury prevention, nutrition and hydration advice for before, during & after racing and training. Stretching and flexibility class. 

Day 5 Vallorcine Valley - Full Day: We take the Mont Blanc Express - one of the world's most picturesque train journeys - to the neighbouring valley of Vallorcine. We will run along some of the famous 'Tour du Mont Blanc' hiking route following the trails of the Chamonix Marathon. On our way we will build our navigation skills further and introduce the use of GPS. We'll discuss 'night-running' and mountain hazards such as weather and terrain, and how to avoid and handle emergencies.

Day 6 Setting goals, HRM's, Fitness Tests & Sports massage
Morning: We start the day with a series of useful fitness tests and user friendly ways that you can assess and monitor improvements in your own fitness. We also look at the most efficient ways to use heart rate monitors as part of your training. 
Afternoon: Discussion on how to prepare the mind, body and feet for longer distances. Planning your next adventures. We will then alternate individual goal setting with sports massages.

Day 7 Peak Performance! - Full Day: Today is all about putting everything into practice. Looking at the weather, setting a route, having the right equipment and the 'know how' to plan a full day out on the trails. We plan to run/hike to a 'summit' to ensure that you finish your week on a real high! We'll cover some distance and height for some unforgettable views and memories. By this time you'll have built the confidence and motivation to hit the trails when you return home. 
Evening: Final meal and farewells.

On the 30th June 2012 Chamonix runs two trail races - the 10km and the half marathon, known as the Cross. The atmosphere is always exceptional and as a runner you just want to be involved. If you wish to take part or to watch this event then please us know and we can accommodate this into your week.

Day 8 Departure Day For those interested the Chamonix Marathon is the 1st July 2012. If you wish to stay on any extra nights to watch this event we are happy to advise on the options available.



Accommodation

The base camp for the week is the luxurious Adventure Base Chalet Maverick, located in a peaceful spot in the heart of the Chamonix valley with fantastic views of Mont Blanc. The chalet has 4 twin/double rooms, a spacious open plan living and dining area, games room with flat screen SKY TV, DVD player and Wii console, sauna, Wifi throughout, and a hot tub and outdoor fire in the garden. Certainly a place you'll look forward to getting back to you after hitting the trails all day!

Food

Breakfast and evening meal are included, with a menu designed and prepared by our specially selected chef and nutritionist, to provide balanced and nutritious meals for hungry runners. 

Trainers/Guides

Steph is a qualified and experienced personal trainer and sports therapist, as well as a passionate trail runner. Steph has been competing in high level trail races for over 5 years and can help you focus your training programme, understand your own fitness, and become a better runner.

Julia is a qualified IML (international mountain leader) and accomplished trail runner. Jules will help you stay on the right track and specialises in route finding, mountain safety and kit.

A little more about trail running in Chamonix....

Chamonix is well known as the epicenter of mountaineering and winter activities but a growing community in this beautiful valley are finding passion and satisfaction in a less marketed sport - that of trail running. The wild yet accessible terrain around the town of Chamonix offers countless options for high altitude training. The simplicity of trail running around this stunning mountain range brings a feeling of independence, freedom and balance. The paths etched into the mountains around Chamonix are numerous and well maintained all the way up to the snow line.

Running in Chamonix can be anything from gentle jogging on flat trails through to some of the steepest climbs imaginable – great training! The trails wind through forests and fields, gently undulating on a mixture of rocky and earthy ground. The stunning panorama does wonders for your soul, as well as your body and mind! The exceptional light captured by these forceful mountains in the early morning or late afternoon creates a truly magical feeling. Popular routes circle the valley providing lower altitude warm up runs to get acclimatised. You have the choice of accessing the dramatic terrain via the lifts, or, for the more courageous, a series of switch back paths network up and down the valley from town.

We couldn’t talk about trail running in Chamonix without mentioning the incredible Ultra Trail which takes place at the end of August. Approximately 166 km and 9 400 m of + altitude change, covering three countries and taking contestants a maximum of 46 hrs, this is the daddy of all runs! Chamonix comes alive during this weekend, and even if the idea of it makes you weak at the knees, it is an experience in itself watching the athletes arrive back into Chamonix after their unbelievable journey. In addition, Chamonix is home to the famous Marathon and half marathon (cross) de Mont Blanc – taking place in late June.