Trail running in Savoie: races, routes and tips

Savoie is a limitless playground for runners, a call to adventure between the technical trails of the Vanoise National Park and world-famous events. Every running race here is a unique experience. To fully enjoy this passion for trail running in Savoie, a good base camp is essential. Our Eden de la Vanoise campsite in Savoie, in the heart of the Tarentaise, is your ideal starting point.

Why is Savoie a land of trail running?

Savoie has established itself as an epicentre of trail running in France thanks to its unique topography: fast-rolling routes, slopes ideal for working on ascent and technical high-mountain trails.

The appeal of trail running in Savoie also lies in its striking contrasts. During a single stay, a runner can go from the peaceful shores of Lac du Bourget to the steep trails of the Vanoise massif. This diversity makes every outing a new discovery.

Beyond the landscapes, a real trail running culture has taken root, with world-class events such as the UTMB Mont-Blanc, which brings together more than 10,000 participants. Every race, whether a short format or an ultra-trail, is a moment of sharing where the mountain spirit unites hundreds of enthusiasts.

Where to run? The best trail routes in Savoie

Whether you are looking for a race bib or a simple training session, Savoie delivers.

Legendary races for competitors

The Savoie trail calendar is full of iconic races, real sporting and human challenges. Registration for Savoie trail races often opens several months in advance for these major events.

• The 6000D: nicknamed “the race of giants”, its 69 km route and 3,400 m of ascent are famous for the climb up to the Bellecôte glacier. The start is in Aime, just 6 km from the campsite.
• High Trail Vanoise: the meeting point for high-altitude experts, with 72 km and more than 5,000 m of ascent. One of the most demanding trail races in Savoie.
• Tour des Glaciers de la Vanoise (TGV): described as “the most beautiful trail in France”, this 73 km route goes around the largest ice cap in Europe. This long-distance trail attracts the most enduring runners. Among these flagship races, the Ultra Tour du Beaufortain is a true monument, a loop of more than 100 km that requires flawless preparation to tackle its colossal ascent. The Trail du Galibier Thabor, meanwhile, offers an immersion in lunar landscapes across two departments; a unique adventure for runners who love wild, technical routes.
• EDF Trail des Vallées d’Aigueblanche: ideal at the end of the season, this event offers several formats, including a 66 km ultra, in the heart of the beautiful Aigueblanche valleys.

Other events not to be missed

The list of the best trail races in Savoie is long. Also consider the Millet XTrail Courchevel, the Trail Combe Bénite and the EDF Cenis Tour for varied experiences full of Alpine emotion.

“Espaces Trail” for training all year round

For those who prefer running outside competitions, the Espaces Trail are real networks of waymarked, maintained routes, accessible all year round.

• Espace Trail du Lac d’Aiguebelette (about 125 km from the campsite, near Chambéry): opened in 2023, it offers 15 varied routes. You can choose “Circuit 8 – Le Trail du Pic Noir” (18 km, 1,260 m ascent) for a demanding outing, or “La Foulée de l’Alouette” (4.5 km, 180 m ascent) for a shorter session. It is an ideal place to prepare for a lakeside trail, such as the Grand Trail du Lac du Bourget.
• Espace Trail Pays des Aiguilles d’Arves (in the Maurienne, about 115 km from the campsite): with nearly 550 km of trails, this huge network offers loops for all levels, from “Route no. 1 – Malcrozet” (3.5 km), ideal for families, to the formidable “Route no. 9 – Les Crêtes” (37.8 km, 2,280 m ascent) for seasoned runners.

Adventures in the heart of the Vanoise Park

Our Eden de la Vanoise campsite is a stone's throw from the Vanoise National Park; an exceptional location for lovers of nature and trail running.
For a day, you can run sections of the famous GR5 or the trails of the Tour des Glaciers de la Vanoise.

It is the ideal opportunity to discover the local wildlife while running on an iconic Savoie trail route, with the freedom to return to your base camp in the evening.

Our tips on trail running in Savoie for your next race

Good preparation is the key to a successful trail race in Savoie.

• Equipment: in the mountains, a waterproof jacket, warm clothing and poles are often essential.
• Physical preparation: altitude is a challenge. Staying at the Eden de la Vanoise campsite a few days beforehand allows good acclimatisation.
• Mental preparation: for an ultra-trail or a long-distance race, the mind is as important as the body. Visualise your route, study the elevation profile and prepare to alternate running and fast walking on the steepest climbs. Managing your effort over time is essential to cross the finish line.
• Nutrition: test your food strategy in training to avoid unpleasant surprises during the race.

Savoie awaits you with its demanding trails and unique panoramas. Every trail route promises effort and wonder. After the effort on the paths of the Vanoise massif, relax in the heated pool at our Eden de la Vanoise campsite. Your next trail running adventure in Savoie starts here.