6 Unforgettable Trail Running Routes Around Chamonix, France

In terms of scenery per mile, it’s hard to beat Chamonix as a trail running destination. The iconic French mountain town boasts everything from mellow footpaths and lift-accessed terrain to technical, lung-searing ascents that deliver you straight into the clouds. Its world-class scenery makes it one of the planet’s top adventure running destinations—not to mention the stage for Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB), a trail running race that functions as a de facto ultra-distance world championship.

But with so many trails latticing this corner of the Alps, how do you even begin to choose? Earlier this year, Chamonix running duo Doug Mayer and Charlie Edwards, along with several guides and staff from the tour company Run the Alps, set out to answer that question by cataloging a few of the zone’s world-class routes in their latest book, Trail Running Chamonix Mont Blanc: 30 Must-Do Trail Runs in France, Switzerland, and Italy.

This travel-size volume, which hit shelves in June 2024, is brimming with detail—including intricate maps, smart local tips—on where to refuel, add-on mileage, or bail out—and stunning photography. While the book contains dozens of runs, we’ve zeroed in on some of our favorite loops around the Chamonix area. Here’s a sneak peek of what Trail Running Chamonix Mont Blanc has to offer.

1. L’Aiguillette des Posettes and Croix de Fer (8.7 miles)

This is one of the absolute classic trail runs in the region. You’ll quickly gain expansive views as you climb the Aiguillette des Posettes—and they only get better. Add the optional loop to Croix de Fer to see a wide swath of the Swiss and French Alps. There’s great food en route, too—so bring a few euros and save time for a culinary stop.

Pro tip: Both the Alpage de Balme and the Refuge du Col de Balme have great food, much of it locally sourced. At the Alpage, owners Michel and Cathy recommend their croûte au fromage made with local cheese and the homemade tarte aux myrtilles (blueberry tarts). The refuge in particular can get busy during Tour du Mont-Blanc season, so if you want to stop in, plan to arrive before 11 a.m. or after 3 p.m.

2. Refuge Albert Premier (6.8 miles)

This run features a vertical kilometer that sees you climb to the top of a glacial moraine and a famous alpine refuge. As you run, you’ll be treated to epic views of the Le Tour glacier.

Pro tip: When you reach the hut, grab a table on the patio for impressive views. If it’s crowded, you can skip the bustle and enjoy a break 100 meters or so past the hut, where you can watch climbers cross the expansive Le Tour glacier as they set off to access routes in both France and Switzerland.

3. Petits Balcons (13 miles)

The Petits Balcons are cruisy balcony trails that traverse both sides of the Chamonix valley. Sitting roughly 200 meters above the valley floor, the balconies provide excellent vantage points from which to see the Mont Blanc massif and the Aiguilles Rouges. The north-facing balcony is in shade for most of the morning, making for a cooler run if you like to head out before midday.

Pro tip: Spoil yourself with an ice cream at Givré in Argentière. The milk is sourced from Montroc cows, and the shop features a unique list of flavors, including “hay” and “balsam.” We also recommend stopping at L’Al’Pain bakery at the bottom of Argentière for a buttery, flaky croissant or a crusty baguette.

4. Aiguillette des Houches (10.6 miles)

Aiguillette des Houches is a 6,560-foot peak that sits directly opposite the north face of Mont Blanc. Running along the ridgeline, you’ll get the classic view of this local giant, followed by vistas of the tumbling Les Bossons glacier and the dark, rocky Aiguilles de Chamonix. The trails on this route are technical without being too remote.

Pro tip: There are no fountains on this route, so make sure to bring enough water with you.

5. Bionnassay and Suspension Bridge (5.6 miles)

This run starts with a tram ride up to the Bellevue summit at 5,908 feet, where the air is cooler, and the views are bigger. It’s called Bellevue—“beautiful view”—for a reason. From there, it follows the famous Tour du Mont-Blanc route, which crosses a long suspension bridge, or “passerelle,” beneath the Bionnassay glacier. This is a gentle run that makes the most of being up high.

Pro tip: The Bellevue cable car is open every day from mid-June until mid-September (check online for the exact dates). If it isn’t open, you can go up on foot. Follow the signed Tour du Mont-Blanc route up to the Col de Voza and continue the run from there. 

6. Pormenaz (9.3 miles)

Pormenaz is one of the wilder areas of the Chamonix valley. You’ll see fewer people than on the lift-accessible mountains. Lac de Pormenaz is a beautiful Alpine lake set against the backdrop of the towering Chaîne des Fiz.

Pro tip: There are usually large, fluffy “Patou” dogs guarding the flocks of sheep on the Pormenaz. If you see them, keep your distance, avoid getting between the dogs and the sheep, and slow to a walk.

For more information on each route, including transportation tips, maps, elevation profiles, and turn-by-turn directions, check out Trail Running Chamonix Mont Blanc: 30 Must-Do Trail Runs in France, Switzerland, and Italy by Run the Alps founder Doug Mayer, along with Charlie Edwards.