The Inside Guide to Epic Trail Running in the Chamonix Valley

You may have heard that Chamonix, France is widely considered the trail running capital of the world and the finish of the iconic Ultra Tour du Mont Blanc. But did you know this iconic French valley is just as accessible for recreational trail runners as it is for the pros?

If you're interested in experiencing world class trail running with Chamonix as your basecamp, don't miss this virtual presentation by Mountaineers members Edward Monrad and Amelie Mabbutt. While the core concept of "one foot in front of the other" applies equally to hiking/trailing in the Alps as it does in the Cascades, there are some key differences that actually make the Alps even more accessible. For example, abundant hotel and hut options and ski lifts that run year-round, make high alpine destinations easy to reach and enjoy. Broad cell phone coverage and wide availability of professional guides can make your trip even more convenient, fun, and safer. 

Living in Europe and spending much of their summer free time in Chamonix, Ed and Amelie will share insider beta to help plan an adventure of the lifetime. Here's a bit more about Ed and Amelie:

Edward Monrad learned endurance young, on epic Boy Scout trips in the Cascade and Olympic ranges. Today, his happy flow place is running pell-mell down single-track, wherever he can find it. In 2024, he will finish a three-year International Mountain Leader certification and start professionally guiding folks who like running the European steep and rocky as much as he does. Ed lives and works in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.  

Amelie Mabbutt also learned endurance young, running the dirt and gravel roads of the Palouse.  In 2024, she will finish a three-year International Mountain Leader certification and start guiding folks who dig running, scrambling, backpacking, and snowshoeing in high places. When not bouncing around the mountains, Amelie tinkers professionally at an all-women furniture maker’s collective in Amsterdam.

Most people approach a trail running week out of Chamonix in one of two ways: (1) doing day trips, using Chamonix as a trail camp and (2) hut-to-hut, for example the Tour du Mont Blanc and the Haute Route. This presentation will help you better understand which type of adventure would be best for you and important details such as route options, how to plan your trip, the merits of guided vs. independent trips, tips on where to stay, and local planning resources you might not otherwise know. You will also learn about trail races hosted in Chamonix, how to link up segments using local transportation, and important details such as baggage logistics and managing safety and health on your trip. 

Join us for this fun and informative presentation, followed by Q&A, on May 4^th at 7pm via Zoom. Login details will be emailed to all registered attendees on the day of the event.