Epic Adventure: Running Around Mont Blanc in 6 Amazing Days

After seeing so many photos and videos about trail running in the Alps in and around Chamonix, France, for the past several years, we decided to plan an epic multi-day running trip of our own in the summer of 2016. The gallery of images below shows some of the scenes that tell the story of our amazing six-day odyssey.

RELATED: Tips on Planning an Epic Multi-Day Run Around Mt. Blanc

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We took trains from Geneva to Chamonix and arrived at the train station to find breathtaking views. Photo: Chris Smith

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Here we go! This was taken at the Chalet Hotel Les Campanules in Les Houches on our first morning out on the trails. Photo: Marianne Martin

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A typical lunch spot along the trail, Auberge du Truc, on the first day near the town of Les Contamines.

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On our first day, we caught this view of Domes de Miage in the background near Les Contamines. Photo: Marianne Martin

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Enjoying post run beers at our first night’s accommodation, Refuge de Nant Borrant. Photo: Chris Smith

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Here on the second morning, we're approaching Elisabetta. Photo: Marianne Martin

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This is near one the top of one of the highest points on the trail, the Col des Fours at 2,665 meters or 8,743 feet. Photo: Chris Smith

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On the top of the the Col des Fours on Day 2. Photo: Marianne Martin

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Glissading down the snow bank from the Col des Fours. Photo: Chris Smith

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The decent from the Col des Fours toward Ville des Glacier on Day 2. Photo: Marianne Martin

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Lots of glaciers on the peaks meant lots of stream crossings. Photo: Chris Smith

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The trail is very well marked! The distances are given in time, not distance, which was a bit weird. We quickly figured out the times were conservative estimates for hikers. Photo: Chris Smith

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Another fine lunch spot on the second day of our adventure, Refuge des Mottets. Photo: Chris Smith

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Amy, Marianne, and Michelle enjoying the view from Col de la Seigne, on the border between France and Italy. Photo: Chris Smith

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On the second day, we crossed the Col de la Seigne, leaving France and heading into in Italy. Photo: Marianne Martin

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The incredible trail on the way to Courmayeur on the hillsides above the Val Veni. Photo: Chris Smith

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Starting the third day after a great night’s stay at Rifugio Elisabetta in Italy.

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Above the ski resorts outside of Courmayeur, Italy on Day 3. Photo: Marianne Martin

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The incredible views as the trail snakes along the Mont de la Saxe on our way to Rifugio Bonatti. Photo: Chris Smith

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Approaching Bonatti, running along the Mont de la Saxe. Photo: Marianne Martin

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Well-earned beers on the deck of Rigugio Bonatti. Photo: Chris Smith

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This is the Italian refuge hut at Bonatti, where we stayed after our third day of running. Photo: Marianne Martin

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Celebrating our third day of running at the at the Bonatti lodge. Photo: Marianne Martin

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We started our fourth day from Bonatti in Italy and were stoked with this view of Monte Bianco (as the Italians call it) across the Val Feret. Photo: Marianne Martin

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Climbing the Grand Col Ferret, the pass where we cross from Italy into Switzerland. At 2,490 meters or 8,169 feet, it's one of the highest points on the TMB route. Photo: Chris Smith

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On the Grand Col Ferret, some tour groups offer pack donkeys to lighten the load. Photo: Chris Smith

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After coming off the Grand col Ferret, we entered Switzerland, our third country in our tour. Photo: Marianne Martin

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Running down the gentle but relentless slopes of the Grand Col Ferret into Switzerland. Photo: Chris Smith

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The trails were in great shape in Switzerland, but chains along the cliff face were available for use if the drop offs scared you. Photo: Chris Smith

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Comparing notes with one of the friendly TMB hikers in Orsières, Switzerland. Photo: Chris Smith

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The intimidating climb up to the Fenetre d’Arpette heading to the Switzerland-France border at 2,665 meters or 8,743 feet. Photo: Chris Smith

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Still in Switzerland, we begin the steep descent from the Fenetre d’Arpette. Photo: Chris Smith

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Back in France, we encountered many sets of secure, steel ladders at the base of the Aiguillette d’Argentiere on the way to the scenic Lac Blanc. Photo; Chris Smith

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Near Argentiere, France, we saw this chamois goat with Mont Blanc in the background. Photo: Chris Smith

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This is the first course of an incredible lakeside dinner at Refuge du Lac Blanc at the end of our fifth day. Photo: Chris Smith

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Morning at Lac Blanc, a photographers paradise! Photo: Chris Smith

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On our final day, we were tired and ready to be done. But the views of Mt. Blanc heading into the Chamonix Valley kept us inspired. Photo: Marianne Martin

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Another amazing view of Mont Blanc from across the Chamonix valley. Photo: Chris Smith

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We followed the trails to the Le Brevent ski area high above the Chamonix valley. Photo: Marianne Martin

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A final meal on a sun deck at Le Brevent ski area high above Chamonix. Photo: Marianne Martin

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Aside from being a trail running playground, Chamonix is also a mecca for paragliders. Photo: Marianne Martin

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Before we completed the loop, we tackled another technical section of trail on the ridgeline above Chamonix. Photo: Chris Smith

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Here we're starting the long decent to Les Houches to complete our epic oddyssey. Photo: Marianne Martin

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Finished! Celebrating an incredible journey with beers back where we started, Chalet Hotel Les Campanules in Les Houches. Photo: Chris Smith

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