September in the Alps
This fall trail running trip is a unique partnership with our longtime friends at the Broken Arrow Skyrace and Trail des Dents du Midi, the oldest trail race in the Alps. But you don’t need to be part of the Broken Arrow scene, or want to trail race, to take part and enjoy the trails. This trip is open to everyone!
Now, here’s a secret: September is our favorite month in the Alps. Temperatures are cooler, trails are quieter, and there’s a relaxed vibe that settles throughout the region. September is a rejuvenating time in the Alps.
Our trip starts in Chamonix, France, the world’s epicenter of trail running that’s been nicknamed the “Vallée du Trail.” We’ll run the high-elevation Balcon Sud, in full view of the impressive Mont Blanc massif and the towering Aiguilles, or needles, that dot the range. After, we’ll wander through town, taking in the sights in this village where modern-day alpinism began. Climbers still fill the streets, testing themselves against the demanding rock and ice climbs in the region.
Our second day will feature a ridge run to the Aiguilles des Houches, and we’ll descend past mountain huts, through pastures and forests back to Chamonix.
Next, we’ll take a journey over the high border and into the Swiss wine-growing Rhône valley. From there, it’s up a side valley to tranquil Champéry, a small village nestled under the seven craggy peaks of the Dents-du-Midi range. The next morning, we’ll head off for a trail run in this relaxed corner of the Alps.
Trip participants will have a special opportunity to take part in, or cheer on, the Alps’ oldest trail race, DDM Trail, with its beautiful course around the wild Dents-du-Midi range. Until two weeks before race day, we’ll have entries available to the race’s challenging 57-km race, the two-person relay of 25 km and 32 km, and a 32 km solo race over the second half of the full course. DDM Trail is an authentic Alps trail race, with a history dating back to 1963!
For those who prefer not to race, we’ll provide trail run options for the day, and there’s always the chance to cheer on runners and watch the race unfold from a number of beautiful mountain huts and cafes.
Our September in the Alps trip has a number of unique components that only Run the Alps and Broken Arrow can offer. During our stay in Chamonix, one evening will feature a visit from one of the valley’s internationally-known elite trail runners. Guests will receive copies of two trail running books filled with rich details about the trail running in Chamonix: Trail Running Chamonix Mont Blanc, developed by the Run the Alps team, and The Race that Changed Running, by Run the Alps founder Doug Mayer. Before one dinner in Chamonix, Doug will also offer a brief walking tour of Chamonix, covering a few of the many historic moments in trail running that have taken place in town. In Champéry, the Trail des Dents du Midi race organization will host a private pre-dinner apero at our hotel, just for Run the Alps guests and close friends of the race. Broken Arrow Co-Race Director Brendan Madigan is scheduled to join us for the entire 2025 trip.
September is our favorite time of year in the Alps. The trails are quieter, and cooler temperatures prevail. It’s a great time to be in this dramatic setting!
Top photos: PatitucciPhoto, SkinnyLegsPhoto, Sam Hill, Kim Strom
