Guidebook
The High Trail Runs of Chamonix
A selection of runs taking you high above Chamonix, next to glaciers, and into wild valleys.
Heading over the Col du Brévent towards the Rochers des Fiz Creative Commons: Attribution
Running into the Diosaz Valley Creative Commons: Attribution
Moving on from a stop at Refuge du Moëde Anterne Creative Commons: Attribution
The Aiguilles Rouges, with Mont Blanc in the background Creative Commons: Attribution
At the Col du Salenton - the summit of Mont Buet visible in the background to the right Creative Commons: Attribution
Running up above Parc Merlet Creative Commons: Attribution
Almost at the café stop Creative Commons: Attribution
Above Chalet de Chailloux, opposite the Mont Blanc massif Creative Commons: Attribution
Flowing traverse towards Brévent Creative Commons: Attribution
Climbing up towards Brévent Creative Commons: Attribution
Running up through forest from Les Bossons Creative Commons: Attribution
Near the Bec du Corbeau - the Taconnaz glacier in the background Creative Commons: Attribution
Close to the Bossons glacier Creative Commons: Attribution
The boulder field near La Jonction Creative Commons: Attribution
La Jonction Creative Commons: Attribution
A flowing section on the Grand Balcon Nord with the Gouter ridge of Mont Blanc making up the skyline Creative Commons: Attribution
The Granite-strewn Grand Balcon Nord Creative Commons: Attribution
Nearing Le Signal, with the Chamonix valley below Creative Commons: Attribution
Approaching Le Signal with Les Drus up ahead Creative Commons: Attribution
Looking across to Les Drus Creative Commons: Attribution
Running down to the Mer de Glace Creative Commons: Attribution
Coming out of the trees on the climb up from Montroc Creative Commons: Attribution
On the Posettes Ridgeline, the Aiguille Verte in the background Creative Commons: Attribution
Running towards the Col de Balme Creative Commons: Attribution
Approaching the Col de Balme Creative Commons: Attribution
Nearing the summit of the Aiguillette des Posettes Creative Commons: Attribution
On the Posettes Ridgeline Creative Commons: Attribution
Towards the top of the high traverse, opposite of the Argentière glacier.
Climbing up steeply opposite the Le Tour glacier Creative Commons: Attribution
Looking down to Chamonix, having left Lac Blanc Creative Commons: Attribution
At Lac Blanc Creative Commons: Attribution
Steps up to Lac Blanc Creative Commons: Attribution
Heading over the Col du Brévent towards the Rochers des Fiz Creative Commons: Attribution
Running into the Diosaz Valley Creative Commons: Attribution
Moving on from a stop at Refuge du Moëde Anterne Creative Commons: Attribution
The Aiguilles Rouges, with Mont Blanc in the background Creative Commons: Attribution
At the Col du Salenton - the summit of Mont Buet visible in the background to the right Creative Commons: Attribution
Running up above Parc Merlet Creative Commons: Attribution
Just above the tree line, traversing to Chalet de Chailloux Creative Commons: Attribution
Almost at the café stop Creative Commons: Attribution
Above Chalet de Chailloux, opposite the Mont Blanc massif Creative Commons: Attribution
Flowing traverse from Aiguillette des Houches towards Brévent Creative Commons: Attribution
Climbing up towards Brévent Creative Commons: Attribution
Running up through forest from Les Bossons Creative Commons: Attribution
Near the Bec du Corbeau - the Taconnaz glacier in the background Creative Commons: Attribution
Close to the Bossons glacier Creative Commons: Attribution
The boulder field near La Jonction Creative Commons: Attribution
La Jonction Creative Commons: Attribution
A flowing section on the Grand Balcon Nord with the Gouter ridge of Mont Blanc making up the skyline Creative Commons: Attribution
The Granite-strewn Grand Balcon Nord Creative Commons: Attribution
Nearing Le Signal, with the Chamonix valley below Creative Commons: Attribution
Approaching Le Signal with Les Drus up ahead Creative Commons: Attribution
ooking across to Les Drus Creative Commons: Attribution
Running down to the Mer de Glace Creative Commons: Attribution
Coming out of the trees on the climb up from Montroc Creative Commons: Attribution
On the Posettes ridgeline, the Aiguille Verte in the background Creative Commons: Attribution
Nearing the summit of the Aiguillette des Posettes
The Aiguillette des Posettes and the Le Tour glacier Creative Commons: Attribution
Running towards the Col de Balme Creative Commons: Attribution
Approaching the Col de Balme Creative Commons: Attribution
Climbing up steeply opposite the Le Tour glacier Creative Commons: Attribution
Starting the high traverse, opposite of the Argentière glacier. Creative Commons: Attribution
On the steps up to Lac Blanc Creative Commons: Attribution
At Lac Blanc Creative Commons: Attribution
Looking down to Chamonix, on the descent from Lac Blanc Creative Commons: Attribution
Description
Chamonix is the world’s trail running epicenter. With hundreds of miles of world-class trail running, it’s a magnet for trail runners from around the world.
In this guidebook, we've rounded up the best routes up high around the valley—where you'll find the best views. You can run past glaciers, take a break at a mountain cafe, and in some cases, use the impressive cable cars and mountain trains to help with the ascent or descent.
Full directions and extra info for all the routes are available at https://runthealps.com
Col de Salenton
Col de Salenton
Chamonix
24.8 km
1,470 m
2,149 m
From Chamonix to Le Buet through the Aiguilles Rouges
Difficult
Private
Aiguillette des Houches
Aiguillette des Houches
Chamonix
14.7 km
1,715 m
240 m
A stunning ridgeline run opposite Mont Blanc
Difficult
Private
La Jonction
La Jonction
Chamonix
16.1 km
1,684 m
1,683 m
A tough climb to the junction of two glaciers
Severe
Private
Grand Balcon Nord
Grand Balcon Nord
Chamonix
17.6 km
1,374 m
1,374 m
A high balcony run below the Chamonix Aiguilles
Difficult
Private
Aiguillette des Posettes
Aiguillette des Posettes
Chamonix
14.1 km
1,069 m
1,069 m
A summit at the head of the Chamonix Valley
Difficult
Private
Grand Balcon Sud
Grand Balcon Sud
Chamonix
15.7 km
1,369 m
719 m
The premier balcony trail of the region with sensational views of the Mont Blanc range.
Difficult
Private