Trail running on the ridges of Beaufortain (Savoie)
Duration : 1 day
France, Northern Alps
Level : advanced
from 55 € / p. from 2 to 6 persons
Infos & Booking
Description
Join me for a wild trail loop in the heart of the Beaufortain region, on paths that partly follow the Ultra Tour du Beaufortain (UTB) route. The course combines varied terrain: a runnable section through the forest on singletrack, a gentle uphill traverse across alpine pastures, and a technical ridge climb.
You'll discover the Beaufortain in all its splendor. With its 30 kilometers, 2,200 meters of elevation gain, and three consecutive summits in the western part of the massif, this day will change your perspective on the mountains.
The route begins on the shores of Saint-Guérin lake. We climb, we run, we ascend, until we reach the Col de la Louze. The Lacs de la Tempête appear as a reward before the ascent into a magnificent valley to reach the Grand Mont (2,686m), the highest point of the course, offering a breathtaking panorama of the Vanoise, Mont Blanc, and Aravis mountain ranges. Then we descend towards beautiful glacial lakes before reaching the alpine pastures. A challenging section awaits us next: the ridges leading to the Pointe de la Grande Journée and finally the Mirantin ridge, a breathtakingly exposed traverse, to the summit that beautifully completes this triptych. This accessible skyrunning terrain offers a rare opportunity for technical progression, with unspoiled nature, far from crowds and marked trails.
This outing is ideal for preparing for a mountain race (UTB, Échappée Belle, high-mountain trail): it combines pacing over time, terrain reading, technical ridge sections, and alternating hiking and running on the alpine pasture sections. You'll leave with your legs and mind feeling refreshed.
Technical information:
- Distance: 32 km.
- Elevation gain: 2,200 meters, elevation loss: 2,700 meters.
- Varied and technical terrain: forest, alpine pastures, glacial cirque, ridge, scree. Skyrunning atmosphere: pristine mountain range, far from the crowds.
- Progression: ideal for preparing for a mountain race.
- Effort: alternating running sections and technical passages.
- Nutrition: bring a light picnic (sandwich, wrap) + snacks (energy bars, seeds, gels, dried fruit).
- Isotonic drink recommended. Bring at least 1 liter of water at the start (refilling is possible at streams and lakes throughout the day).
To experience other beautiful moments in the activity, I also offer:
- a day of introduction to trail running in the mountains in Beaufortain massif,
- a trail running route to discover the 5 Beaufortain lakes,
- a trail discovery course in the heart of Savoie,
- an introductory and advanced trail running course in Beaufortain,
- 4 days of trail to tour Beaufortain
- and a trail running trip on the wild islands of Brittany.
Program
- Meet at 7.30am in Beaufort.
- Free shuttle transfer to Saint-Guérin lake.
- Departure for the trail at 8.30am from Saint-Guérin lake.
- Saint-Guérin lake (1,530m): Start on a forest trail and gradual climb into the Combe de Louze.
- Col de la Louze (2,119m): First viewpoint overlooking the Grand Maison valley.
- Lacs de la Tempête (2,100m): Wild glacial cirque, crystal-clear waters, and a stark, mineral landscape. Panoramic break.
- Grand Mont (2,686m) - summit 1: Highest point of the route with a 360° view of the Vanoise, Mont Blanc, the Aravis range, and the heart of the Beaufortain region.
- Glacial lakes (Seston, Tournant, and Brassa, 2,100m): Descent onto rolling alpine pastures.
Lunch break by the lakes. Recovery before the ridge crossing. - Col de la Bâthie (1,900m): Technical climb along the ridge. The terrain becomes more demanding, the commitment increases.
- Pointe de la Grande Journée (2,460m) - summit 2: Ridge, precise stride, plunging view of Arêches and the central Beaufortain region.
- Crête du Mirantin → Mont Mirantin (2,460m) - summit 3: Vertiginous ridge traverse between the two summits. Off-trail section, real-time terrain analysis. Final summit facing Lac du Mirantin. Descent via pleasant singletrack trails back to Arêches. Expected return around 4pm.
The price includes
- Supervision by the mountain leader, specialist of trail running.
- Shuttle transfer from Beaufort to Saint-Guérin lake.
- Group safety equipment (first aid kit).
The price does not include
- Round-trip transportation to Beaufort, a 20-minute drive from Albertville.
- Meals.
- Drinks.
- Personal equipment (trail running shoes, backpack, technical clothing).
- Personal accident and repatriation insurance.
- Anything not mentioned in "The price includes".