Complete guide to multi-day trail running in the Alps

Everything you need to plan, book and navigate your epic running adventure

The Alps offer a plethora of breathtaking trails that are ideal for trail running enthusiasts. Some of the best multi-day trails include iconic routes like the Tour du Mont Blanc, Alta Via 1, and the Walker's Haute Route. These trails traverse stunning alpine landscapes, including rugged mountain passes, lush valleys, and picturesque villages. Each route has something that makes the experience unique and special, for example, the Tour du Mont Blanc offers a multi-day journey around the Mont Blanc massif which has the highest peak in Western Europe, while the Alta Via 1 showcases the dramatic scenery of the Italian Dolomites. The Walker's Haute Route traverses the French and Swiss Alps, providing panoramic views of iconic peaks like the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc. All of these trails cater to both trail runners and fastpackers, offering diverse terrain and unforgettable experiences amidst the stunning beauty of the Alps.

What is multi-day trail running in the Alps like?

Trail running enthusiasts flock to the Alps for a multi-day adventure, drawn not only by its rugged terrain and breathtaking landscapes but also by its status as a mecca for internationally renowned trail running events. The region hosts iconic races like the UTMB (Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc), Eiger Ultra Trail, the Golden Triangle Series, and the Tour of Giants, which attract runners from around the globe seeking the ultimate challenges amidst the alpine splendor.

The Walker’s Haute Route and Tour du Mont Blanc stand out as crown jewel routes for multi-day trail running, offering participants exhilarating experiences across the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps. These routes showcase the full spectrum of alpine beauty, from high mountain passes to lush valleys, and provide runners with the opportunity to test their limits against some of the most formidable natural obstacles on earth.

How is fastpacking different from multi-day trail running?

Fastpacking is a form of multi-day trail running that is characterized chiefly by its gear and goals. While both usually entail traversing rugged terrain on foot over multiple back-to-back days, fastpacking integrates backpacking elements to be self-reliant, requiring participants to carry lightweight camping gear for overnight stays. In contrast, with multi-day trail running trips you would stay in comfortable mountain huts or hotels, therefore significantly reducing your pack weight and size, potentially allowing you to travel longer daily distances.

These multi-day fastpacking journeys give the opportunity to use your self-reliance and sense of adventure even more, by bivouacing in permitted locations or at campgrounds. For those interested, our trip planning app lists these camping locations for fastpackers, as well as mountain huts or hotels for multi-day trail runners.

Why are the Alps a popular place to go on a multi-day trail running adventure?

The Alps are the perfect destination for multi-day trail running adventures due to their stunning scenery, diverse terrain, well-established trail networks, and vast accommodation options. With towering peaks, verdant valleys, and crystal-clear lakes, the landscape offers endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. The Bernese Oberland Traverse and the Alta Via 1 exemplify this allure. The Bernese Oberland Traverse winds through the Swiss Alps, revealing breathtaking vistas of iconic peaks like the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Meanwhile, the Alta Via 1 in the Dolomites presents dramatic limestone cliffs and panoramic views. These routes epitomize the Alps' appeal for designing your own unforgettable multi-day trail running experience. Mountain accommodations provide runners with comfortable lodging amidst breathtaking surroundings. Additionally, efficient transportation options facilitate easy access to trailheads and allow runners to seamlessly navigate between stages or different routes, enhancing the overall experience of exploring the Alps on foot.

What are the weather and seasonal considerations for multi-day trail running in the Alps?

Do you need expensive gear for multi-day trail running or fastpacking in the Alps?

For multi-day trail running, expensive gear isn't always necessary. Basic running attire and sturdy trail shoes are often sufficient. However, investing in quality shoes with proper traction and support can enhance comfort and prevent injuries on rugged terrain. Additionally, you will need a trail running bag, opt for a pack that balances capacity and comfort. A 20-30 liter pack should accommodate essential items without weighing you down excessively.

Fastpacking typically requires a bit more specialized gear compared to trail running due to the need for overnight camping equipment. While high-end ultralight gear can be costly, there are budget-friendly options available at for example Decathlon or Snowleader. Lightweight backpacks, compact sleeping bags, and minimalist shelters are essential for fastpacking, but they don't necessarily need to break the bank. Investing in versatile, durable gear that suits your specific needs and preferences can make fastpacking more enjoyable and manageable without overspending.

What accommodations are there for multi-day trail runners in the Alps? 

What food options are there for multi-day trail runners in the Alps?

Food options for multi-day trail runners vary depending on the chosen accommodation, the route's proximity to towns and villages, and of course the country you are in. Mountain huts along both routes typically offer meals, ranging from simple, hearty fare to more elaborate dishes. These meals often include local specialties and provide hikers with nourishment after a long day on the trail. In addition to mountain huts, there are also villages and towns along both routes where hikers can find restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores. This allows hikers to stock up on supplies or enjoy a meal in a local eatery, experiencing the culinary delights of the region. For more insights into nutrition while hiking, check out our webinar: Complete Guide to Nutrition While Hiking.

While trail running, for example, the Tour du Mont Blanc you will pass through three countries. This means that you can get an Italian espresso in the morning and Swiss fondue or raclette in the evening. If you are fastpacking, you are best served to bring along dehydrated meals and a burner like the Jetboil, but make sure to stop in at the mountain huts for a fresh piece of fruit pie along the way!

Where do trail runners find water in the Alps?

When embarking on multi-day trail running or fastpacking adventures, knowing where to access water is essential for maintaining hydration throughout the journey. Carrying a bladder with a capacity of 2-3 liters or utilizing Salomon flasks provides a convenient means of carrying water, especially during long stretches between water sources. Fortunately, most trails traverse through a variety of landscapes, including streams, rivers, and alpine lakes, offering ample natural opportunities to replenish your water supply. However, it's crucial to ensure the safety of the water by using a reliable filter system or tablets before refilling from pastured areas or sources labeled as not being potable. Additionally, villages have public water fountains, and many mountain huts along the route have throughs or sell bottled water, allowing hikers to refill and stay hydrated while enjoying the breathtaking scenery of the Mont Blanc massif or the Dolomites. Our planning app has water sources listed on the map so you will know where they are along the way. Planning your hydration strategy and remaining vigilant about water sources will contribute to a safe and enjoyable experience on your multi-day running adventure.

Where do you leave your luggage when trail running in the Alps?

While running in the Alps, you can manage your luggage by either carrying everything yourself, arranging for luggage transfer between mountain huts, or storing your larger bag and arranging transportation from start to finish.

1. Carry everything yourself: Some runners opt to carry all of their gear and belongings throughout the trail running trek. This allows for maximum flexibility and independence but requires careful packing to ensure comfort and efficiency while running.

2. Luggage transfer from hut to hut: There are local taxi companies that provide a baggage transfer service along the famous trails in the Alps. Runners can arrange for their larger bags to be transported between accommodations, allowing them to run with a lighter daypack. This option provides convenience and alleviates the burden of carrying heavy loads during the trail running journey. It is important to note that some mountain huts cannot be accessed by vehicle, and therefore bags cannot reach them. For example, on the Tour du Mont Blanc, there are approximately 10 mountain huts along the main trail where bags cannot reach. If staying at these, you would just need to send your bag to the next accommodation location where your bag can reach.

3. Store your bigger bag somewhere or get transported from start to finish: Alternatively, some runners choose to store their larger bags at a designated location, such as a hotel or hostel, or arrange for transportation by private transfer companies, cross-border courier (Sendmybags on the Walker’s Haute Route) or the public transportation company (SBB in Switzerland on the Berner Oberland trail) from the starting point to the finishing point of a trail running thru-hike. This option allows for a more streamlined trail running experience without the need to carry extra weight.

Overall, the choice of luggage management depends on personal preferences, trail running style, and logistical considerations, but each option offers its advantages for exploring stunning landscapes.

How do I train for a multi-day trail running trip to the Alps?

Training for a week of trail running or fastpacking in the Alps requires a combination of endurance, cardio, strength, and agility. Incorporate long-distance trail runs or fastpacking sessions into your training regimen to build endurance and acclimate to sustained exertion in mountainous terrain. Include hill repeats and strength training exercises to improve leg strength and stability for navigating steep ascents and descents. Additionally, practice carrying a loaded backpack to simulate the weight of your fastpacking gear and enhance your endurance. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your training sessions to prepare your body for the challenges of a week-long adventure in the Alps. For more insights and training tips for the Alps, check out our 3 month hiking training program.

How do I find a multi-day trail running route in the Alps?

We have created a map-based itinerary builder that you can use to plan and navigate your multi-day trail running route in the Alps. Our planning app presents diverse trail routes based on distance, difficulty, and location, with interactive maps, photos, and descriptions for guidance.

Trust our trail statistics, including distance, elevation gain, adjusted time estimate for difficult terrain, to design a route that meets your multi-day trail running requirements.

Find appropriate accommodation options, including huts, hotels, campgrounds, and permitted bivouac locations, to plan your ultimate running adventure.

Explore fastpacking sample itineraries for popular multi-day trails in the Alps

If you aren’t sure where to start, why not use one of our sample itineraries. We’ll load it into your planning app, then you can personalise the itinerary to change the route, accommodation locations, start/end locations and hiking speed.

How do I navigate while trail running or fastpacking in the Alps?

Can I run the same course as the famous ultra running races such as UTMB and Eiger Ultra? 

You can generally run the same routes as famous ultra running races such as the UTMB (Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc) and Eiger Ultra. These races often follow well-established trails and paths in iconic mountainous regions like the Alps. While the races themselves may have specific rules and regulations that require some road running, the trails they use are usually accessible to the public outside of race events.

You can utilize The Hiking Club app, to design an itinerary that matches your speed and fitness to complete a route similar to these famous ultra running races. Even though you might not be running at the speed of Courtney Dauwalter or Kilian Jornet, you can still enjoy the challenge of completing a long-distance trail running route in the Alps.

Do I need to hire a guide to go trail running in the Alps? 

Whether you need to hire a guide for trail running in the Alps depends on your experience level, the complexity of the routes you plan to tackle, and the experience you want to have. 

There are many benefits to planning and navigating your own trip:

• Design a route that matches your requirements i.e days, distance, accommodation, highlights

• Freedom and flexibility to schedule your day and run at your pace

• Stop as frequently (or infrequently) as you require

• Change route on the go or use transport to skip ahead

However, for more challenging or remote routes, hiring a guide can enhance safety and provide valuable local knowledge about terrain, weather considerations, and potential hazards. 

Ultimately, the decision to hire a guide depends on your comfort level, and the specific nature of your trail running adventure.

Can I plan and navigate my own multi-day trail running trip in the Alps? 

Yes, you can easily plan and navigate your own multi-day trail running trip in the Alps.

Utilise resources from The Hiking Club to research and prepare, including studying trail maps, understanding the terrain, and considering factors like weather and accommodation options, you can design a personalized itinerary. Many well-marked trails and established routes offer diverse experiences, from challenging mountain passes to scenic valleys.

The Hiking Club can bring it all together for you, by allowing you to create your trail running plan, download detailed itinerary document, and gps map files, for a journey that is both inspiring and achievable! By carefully planning your route and being prepared for alpine conditions, you can embark on an unforgettable adventure exploring the stunning landscapes of the Alps on foot.