Rawk the Alps with Jen Hansard
Without a doubt, Chamonix, France is the world’s trail running epicenter. This alpine town at the base of Mont Blanc hosts a series of internationally acclaimed trail races and has one of the largest trail running clubs in the world. Even Mayor Eric Fournier is a trail runner! If you’re a longtime trail runner, at some point, you really should make a pilgrimage to Chamonix.
We’ve teamed up with Jen Hansard to offer this level 2 trail running experience which would suit those who have some experience trail running and are comfortable with 11 – 19km (7-12 miles) running each day, often on rocky trails, with up to 5000ft vert. There will also be time to enjoy the cultural and culinary delights of this French Alpine region. Vegetarian and vegan options are available at most restaurants in Chamonix and Courmayeur.
We’re excited to welcome Jen to the Alps! Her story is one many of us can relate to: the stress of raising a family combined with too much caffeine and processed foods were pointing her in the wrong direction. Then she discovered green smoothies, her gateway to a healthier life. She embraced this daily healthy habit to fuel her body so she could chase her passion: the great outdoors.
“Rawkstars” is the unique name for Jen’s community, who get excited to blend raw fruits and vegetables into smoothies. Here, “Raw” means close to nature, minimally processed and nutrient dense.
Learn more about Jen on her website, and join more than 350,000 followers on her instagram account.
Jen loves to run across the Grand Canyon, tackle ambitious hikes in National Parks with her family and backpack in the Rocky Mountains.
In Chamonix and Courmayeur, Italy, Jen and her guests will run some of the hundreds of miles of world-class trails. The region is a magnet for trail runners from around the world, many of whom now call these mountains home. Here, you can run past glaciers, take a break at a mountain cafe, and ride some of the world’s most impressive cable cars and mountain trains—sometimes all in the same day!
Our itinerary highlights many of these classic high trails, the best of the Tour du Mont-Blanc route, and takes you through three countries: France, Italy, and Switzerland. We’ll stop at mountain huts to enjoy a café au lait, freshly baked tarts, and other delicious local delicacies. There will be time throughout the week to stroll through the pedestrian-friendly towns and check out the local shops. Your hotels feature excellent spas in which to relax and recover after an epic day on the trails. Dinners are multi-course meals that feature local French, Italian and Swiss specialties, and are hearty and delicious. We will leave one evening in Chamonix free, giving each guest an opportunity to explore the wide range of local dinner options and pick a favorite.
In this video Run the Alps staff and friends show you around our home of Chamonix, France.
Header photos: Sam Hill
Please note: Day-to-day itinerary is subject to change based on weather conditions. All route distances and vertical are approximate. Most days you’ll have the option to shorten the runs.
