Trail Running program

Mountain running experiences in the summer of 2024

Trail running in the Alps and the Mediterranean

Welcome to the summer 2024 Trail Running mountain hikes to the wonderful mountain landscapes of the Alps and the Mediterranean.

I offer guided and guided mountain runs for three different target groups:

• Long and demanding 7 – 10 day mountain runs for endurance athletes,
• Premium level 5 – 7 day mountain runs,
• Nice 1-day downhill mountain runs for new Trail Running experimenters.

Trail Running mountain running experiences in the summer of 2024

If you are a sporty woman or man, welcome to our mountain running group. There are unique mountain running experiences with a professional and experienced mountain running guide who will take care of you and help you cross the mountains. My purpose is to gather a good-natured big group and offer my mountain expertise to my customers. There are various mountain runs to choose from for every sporty woman and man interested in mountain sports.

7 – 10 day Trail Running mountain running program

What is trail running, trail running and mountain running?

Trail running is running on trails, Trail Running is running and hiking on trails, and mountain running is running and hiking on mountain trails. Mountain running is at its best a trail running downhill, hiking uphill and sleeping in a mountain hut at night.

How do I choose the right mountain run for me?

For mountain running, you should definitely choose a route that is too easy rather than too demanding. The initial distance may be the body’s getting used to the fact that a person is really made to run, the middle phase is the best when the run goes comfortably, and the load accumulated in the last third may surprise you.

Kilometers in Switzerland are long, 1 vertical kilometer = 10 km horizontally

In the mountains, every vertical kilometer climbed corresponds to a distance of 10 km horizontally. Tour du Mont Blanc 170 km/11 weekly km therefore corresponds to a distance of 170 + 110 = 280 km. Similarly, it is worth remembering that at an altitude of 2000 m in the air with less oxygen on the mountain, each portable kilogram corresponds to an increase of about 4 – 5% of the load and a slowing down of the performance time.

If you can run a total of 140 km in two weeks, and 20 km in two hours, then you can go on the Tour du Mont Blanc. In Trail Running, you shouldn’t think that you only run 13 km a day. A better way is to estimate how much you can run on a regular basis in two weeks and multiply it by two, taking into account that in the mountains 1 weekkm = 10 km, which must also be taken into account in energy consumption. (By name: I forgot to calculate how much energy Unsupported TMB consumes in the 11 vkm climb, i.e. I left 110 km energy unaccounted for.)

If your ankles or knees hurt, it’s definitely worth stopping rather than continuing with painkillers. Anti-inflammatory drugs mask the body’s signal that all is not well.

My recommendation is to choose a Trail Running mountain run based on the fact that it is more about enjoyment than performance. Running fast on mountain trails is tougher than hiking.

If you want to run in a larger group, I recommend to see which mountain run has the most participants and sign up for it. Then just put on running sneakers, train and shop for running clothes.

Guidance in Finnish and English

I guide Trail Running trail runs in Finnish and English, depending on how many people speak Finnish and English. Everyone is welcome on the running tours.

Preparing for a mountain run

After registration, you have access to the WhatsApp group of your own mountain running trip, where grouping and discussion takes place. For mountain running, it is possible to set up your own running group in, for example, Helsinki. You can ask me for equipment and running coaching tips every week, which I will answer when I have time from other work tasks. The actual mountain running training takes place in the mountains.

The Alps can be reached quickly from Geneva airport

You can reach the Alps in no time from Finland, it takes about 8 hours from Helsinki to Chamonix, of which Finnair’s direct flight on Saturdays takes 3 hours and the Alpy-bus from Geneva to Chamonix takes one hour.

Reception at the airport

I am receiving Trail Running mountain runners with glasses of champagne at the Geneva airport in Switzerland on Finnair’s direct flight from Finland on Saturdays. Other refreshments are also available. After squealing, I lead the mountain runners with their suitcases to my Jeep waiting outside.

Everything is already thought out

My car driver at the airport will take your suitcase for transport and the mountain runners will take the Alpy Bus I ordered to Chamonix. On the first night after staying, we will spend an evening together at a restaurant I recommend in connection with a restaurant dinner in Chamonix. All mountain runs have the same start and first night in Chamonix to guarantee quality. The mountain running trip becomes just as much fun as the group spirit becomes during the mountain running trip.

Shopping in Chamonix

If necessary, I can organize a one-hour Sight Seeing city walk and give the best tips for shopping, cafes and restaurants. Chamonix is the capital of the world of mountain climbing and mountain running, and the trends that originate from there are delayed on the streets of New York and London. Here you can find the latest equipment and the best brand stores for free time. The best running shoes and running poles are also on sale in my online store.

Swiss mountain runs

Those who come to Zermatt, Interlaken and Montreux in Switzerland for a sports trip will continue their journey with my guidance on the mountain train. Meanwhile, my personal driver drives the Jeep over the mountain to the destination. Once there, we stay in hotels and prepare for the first day of mountain running.

Trail Running is run in daily stages from one mountain hut to the next

Everyone stays in the hotel of their choice and the next day, after any evening outings and/or going to church, we set off together in the afternoon at 2 p.m. The departure time is deliberately late so that you can spend Saturday evening in Chamonix. You should take it easy on the first day of mountain running and get your body used to running instead of sitting. The first day is practically a four-hour and a half day, and we go uphill by leisurely walking. The second day also goes by getting used to the mountain paths and usually only after that you start walking.

Matching running pace

In good weather, I give more freedom to hold my own pace, in bad weather, I gather the runners together more often, and in rainy weather, we move briskly with me wearing rain gear to the next lodge.

In the mornings, we set off together, after which we go in pairs or in suitable running teams to the agreed lunch break place and have a joint picnic in the Alpine meadow. During the lunch break, we eat the included snacks and, if necessary, take a nap in the sunshine. After a day break of about 1 to 2 hours, we continue our mountain run with a running couple at the same pace to the next mountain lodge, where we will stay.

The running group makes it an experience

Mountain running is more fun together. When everyone is cheering for the other, they can handle the mountain crossings better. Along the way, we get to know each other and get to know each other. The pleasant togetherness and new acquaintances will make you return to the Alps next year as well.

Turnout

In all mountain runs, the number of participants is 2 to 20 people. If the number of participants increases to more than 20, I will consider taking another mountain running guide with me. The purpose is to assemble a good sporty mountain running team with an equal number of women and men.

Running lightly is faster and more fun – the goods are transported by Jeep

I ran the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) in 2019 in unsupported style. I slept in the grass, I ran away from wild boars at night, and I had all the food for the trip in my backpack. I drank water in the valleys. I saw how some of the TMB trekkers with a heavy bike, tent and sleeping bag slowly climbed the steep mountain slopes of Switzerland. I decided that next time I will enjoy running with a running backpack under 3 kg. I’d rather have the charm of running than a heavy pack. The same is now offered as a service – suitcases are transported by Jeep and canopy trailer from one mountain hut to the next.

Running and fitness training on mountain slopes

During the running hike, there is an opportunity to talk with me about running, fitness and nutritional coaching, equipment tips, survival in mountain conditions and running technique on mountain trails downhill. Since mountain runners progress in a controlled manner, each at their own pace, it is worth starting running coaching discussions by asking about an interesting coaching topic. On a longer trip of 7 to 10 days, you get a lot of sports training.

Networked during a mountain run – runners from Brazil and Japan

On my own TMB trip, one of the most memorable things was meeting new people and international networking. The conversations with the Brazilian boy and the group photos and backpack exchanges with the Japanese runners still warm the mind. Being active pays off, and you might be surprised how popular mountain hiking is in the Alps.

A three-course dinner in a mountain hut in good company

Italian food, a three- or four-course dinner, and that Italian chef in the mountain lodge. On the Italian side, the shared dinner of the entire mountain hut at seven in the evening is something that must be experienced. The sense of community, dining at tables, conversations with new acquaintances over a glass of wine and spending the evening in a mountain hut is something unique.

Mountain climbing stories every night

When asked and sometimes even without asking, I might tell mountaineering stories from the Himalayas, the Alps, Norway and the Rockies. The backpack is already full of stories and fun events from the center of Stockholm to the Alpine canyon, from fireworks on the TMB trip to mountain adventures in the Himalayas.

Enjoy the dreams of a mountain hut in the wonderful Alpine scenery

After dinner and sunset, you should go to bed in time to wake up to admire the sunrise in the mountains at 5:30 in midsummer. In the mountains, we go to bed early (even at eight) and wake up early, 21 – 05 is the normal rhythm in a mountain hut.

We start the next day’s mountain run together. You should listen to your own experiences and tell me about the situation first. Leading a mountain trip and taking care of everyone in mountain conditions requires that I know what condition everyone is in. In the event of a storm, I can assess everyone’s ability to cope and take care of everyone’s safety. In the mountains, monitoring and anticipating the situation is important.

The closing party of the mountain run

After the mountain run, it’s time to celebrate and spend the evening together at a restaurant dinner, some continue the celebration even longer. A mountain run in the Alps might be a once-in-a-lifetime experience worth celebrating with friends. During the evening, it’s a good opportunity to strengthen new friendships, recap the events of the mountain trip and look ahead to the next summer.

Finding a running partner?

Mountain runs are a good opportunity to go with your spouse or friend to strengthen friendship and gain shared life experiences. It also gives the opportunity to find new running partners both from Finland and from incidents along the way. Young and experienced, sporty women and men, bravely just join in, Tinder and Netflix for a two-week break.

How can I join the mountain run?

When I open the mountain running store, I publish the offer codes on my social media account, which the fastest people can take advantage of. The best running distances and offers are booked first. Follow social media and come running.

Registration takes place after opening the online store, selecting a suitable mountain run from the menu and paying the registration fee. You can see the number of registered users in the online store menu.

Luxury trip, affordable price

The price I offer is clearly cheaper than the average in the Alps. My purpose is to gather a lot of sporty women and men who like running in the same event. My mountain experience from mountain runs, my management experience in special forces and my cooperation network in the Alps enable high-quality management and customer service of mountain runs for 20 people. The affordable price requires registration in time so that I can make reservations for the mountain huts in time.

Entry requirements

18 years of age

Basic health

Knowledge of Finnish or English

Following my instructions in the mountains (increases everyone’s safety)

Last autumn, running at a flat 10 km/1 h, a month before the mountain hike 20 km/2 h, according to my own assessment

Cancellations and Upgrades

In all cases of cancellation, I pay 50% back. Cancellation can be made at any time before Chamonix.

An alternative to cancellation is to upgrade the mountain run to another mountain run of the same summer by paying the difference, which allows you to join the mountain running group’s WhatsApp group and join the adventures.

What does the price of the mountain run include?

Planning and testing the routes and day trips of Trail Running mountain tours in advance

Trail Running discussion forum after registration, where you can ask questions about preparing for a mountain run, the possibility of social grouping with your own running group

Reception at Geneva airport (Tour du Mont Blanc) and guide to Chamonix

A joint evening in Chamonix

Trail Running guidance and management of mountain running in mountain conditions

Running and fitness coaching, equipment tips and mountaineering stories during the mountain tour

Reservations for mountain huts, dinners and breakfasts

Joint evenings

Organization of rescue service and evacuation

Safety guarantee, in case of broken bones and serious accidents, I will pay the full price back

Satisfaction guarantee, if the customer is not satisfied, I will pay 20% back

Other expenses?

Mountain lodges with breakfast and dinner €50/night + breakfast

Finnair’s direct round-trip flights from Helsinki to Geneva and back €300

Car ferry with cabin from Helsinki to Travemund €460/way

Driving through Switzerland €40/year

Use of mobile data in Switzerland €5/day

Alpy bus from Geneva to Chamonix and back €30/way

Hotels and restaurants in Chamonix from €60/night and €15/dinner

Accident, travel and luggage insurance

Possible evacuation and rescue costs

Everyone pays their own costs, except for reservations for mountain huts, which I instruct on the running group’s discussion board on WhatsApp

Safety guarantee

If the mountain running trek ends in a serious injury that requires hospital treatment in the Alps, I will refund the full price, even if the injury is the participant’s own fault. Customer safety and customer satisfaction are important. I will make a decision about the refund at my own discretion.

Interruptions

Mountain running interruptions are part of the issue. Health and safety are more important than performance. It is not worth continuing with anti-inflammatory drugs and energy drinks. When the mountain run is interrupted, I do my best to help the runner back to Chamonix. The costs of running interruption and the responsibility for accommodation belong to the customer.

Rescue and evacuation

I am familiar with SAR (Search and Rescue) operations in the Alps. Rescue communications in the mountains are made by telephone or radio telephone. I will share the necessary phone numbers in Chamonix. In France and Italy, helicopter evacuation is free, in Switzerland there is a charge. The most important instruction for a mountain runner in a rescue situation is to keep warm and save the phone’s battery. Two phones or a power bank is a good solution. Moving, rescuing and evacuating in the mountains together with others is safer than adventuring alone in the dark. That’s why you have to get out of the mountains to shelter from the weather before dark.

In rescue situations, I organize the operation, the mountain rescuers rescue the runner and the other mountain runners continue to the next mountain hut. The authorities are responsible for the rescue and the runner is responsible for the rescue costs. I am happy to help and do my best in every situation.

In possible cases of injury and evacuation, I stop to help if possible, support the injured person in calling the rescue service to the scene, and later, if possible, deliver warm clothing, a tent, a sleeping pad and a sleeping bag to the injured person, if for some reason it takes too long for the rescue service to arrive in the Alps.

Liability matters

I work in mountain runs as a mountain running guide, which can be compared to a local tour guide. I do not work as a tour leader or tour guide. The first contact is at the destination country’s airport and the guidance ends when the mountain run ends. My skills are at their best when moving in the mountains.

Runner’s responsibility

• Costs arising from changes to the runner’s own trip (flights, hotels, etc.).
• Costs caused by changes to mountain running (route changes, interruptions, evacuations, mountain huts, etc.)
• Compliance with given safety instructions and route instructions
• Staying upright on a trail or rope
• Keeping oneself functional
• Keeping the mountain running guide aware of functional capacity and changes in functional capacity
• If necessary, informing about medications and health matters in advance
• Staying healthy
• Injury, fall or death due to your own activity or mountain conditions. If the path runs on a steeper slope, the mountain runner is obliged to notify the mountain running guide in advance of the need for help. The mountain running guide comes with a short 5 – 7.5 mm rope, which I use to help the mountain runner forward. The paths are on average a meter wide, and such more challenging narrow places are encountered about 1-2 times during a hundred kilometers. The trails we hike and run on are designed to be traversed without ropes and safety equipment. On glaciers and snow fields (only in some mountain runs) we move together with the necessary safety equipment (9 mm 60 m rope and other necessary safety equipment)
• Evacuation and all related direct and indirect costs, as well as evacuation flights to the hospital and home

Under the responsibility of the mountain running guide

• Staying on track in all weather conditions. If the mountain runner moves separately (more than 100 m) from the mountain guide, the mountain runner is responsible for staying on the route.
• Mountain lodge reservations. If the mountain hut is not reserved, we move to the next mountain hut, which are for example on the TMB route every 5 km and I pay the mountain runners half of the price. from the price of the night. If there is a duplicate reservation due to the mountain hut in the mountain hut reservations, the mountain lodge is responsible. Cancellation or rescheduling of the mountain lodge reservation does not entitle the mountain running guide to the evacuation obligation, even if the weather is bad. For that, a warm merino wool layer and light shell clothes and headlamps are included.

Insurances

Mountain runners must have comprehensive accident insurance that is valid in the destination country in the mountains at an altitude of less than 3,000 meters for mountain running.

As a mountain running guide, I have legal protection insurance and operational safety insurance.

Trail Running equipment

Trail Running is more fun the more you can run. It requires light running equipment, 3 kg is the maximum. Otherwise, the pace slows down and enjoyment turns into performance.

Mandatory equipment

• Running shoes and 2x running socks, running shoes must be worn in
• Sunglasses, sun protection factor 3 or 4, sunscreen and lip balm
• Shorts and a technical sleeveless shirt / T-shirt
• Light running backpack 20 liters with:
• Long-sleeved merino wool layer shirt
• Light shell jacket and shell pants
• Beanie and gloves
• A good headlamp and two spare batteries
• Beverage bags or Beverage bottles with a total volume of 2 liters (on average, climbing over a 1 km mountain requires 1.0 – 1.5 liters of water, in the valleys you drink 1.5 – 2 liters)
• Sufficient energy gels and chocolate (e.g. Maxim, PowerBar, climbing over one 1 km mountain requires 100 – 200 g of chocolate)
• A phone with good battery life, a power bank under 100 g and a charging cable (in the Alps, the phone’s carrying capacity is good practically everywhere in the mountains)
• Sports tape, 100g first aid kit, whistle, space sheet, medicines to be used only in case of illness and accident (Burana, Panadol, Panacod, other necessary)

Optional equipment

• Light running poles (recommended on uphills, slow down on downhills, test use before the trip and transport in a running backpack)

Recommended equipment for a large suitcase to be brought to the mountain lodge

• Eye patches and ear plugs, the mountain hut sleeps 12 to 20 men and women in the same cabin
  Towel and shampoo
• Comfortable and warm clothes for the evening (e.g. jeans, light sweater, woolen socks, sandals and a nice beanie)
• Something tasty for the evening, it takes a lot of energy
• Fins and energy gels for the next day, sports drink
• Other replacement running shoes, running clothes
• Phone charger and electronics
• Your own pillow can be a tough thing to use to ensure a good night’s sleep

Mountain conditions

In the mountains, conditions can change in 15 minutes from 15 km visibility to 15 meter visibility. Experience in mountain conditions guarantees safe mountain crossing. It is safer below the tree line (2000 m in the Alps) because the trees provide shelter from the wind and it is warmer in the forest than in the open, unprotected mountains. In rainy weather, even in the forest, progressing on the paths may turn into performance or survival. In sunny weather in the mountains, you may feel a false sense of security. When the weather changes or the sun sets behind the mountains, the darkness, coldness and harsh weather conditions can surprise the inexperienced.

In the Alps, from the beginning of June to the end of August, below the snow line, it is safe to move with a mountain running guide. It’s light from 04:00 to 22:00 and the temperature is usually warm enough even at night that if you get lost you can sit on a rock for 6 hours after dark and continue your journey when the sun rises.

In bad weather conditions, we move briskly by walking together, making sure that everyone gets to have dinner together in the mountain hut.

Iron experience and know-how in mountain running

Mountain running with me is safe and you are under the care of a professional mountaineer and experienced mountain runner. I have run several Trail Running mountain and wilderness routes in Finland, Sweden, Norway and the Alps in unsupprted style. I know what it takes to survive in different weather conditions, how to prepare for them and how to anticipate challenging situations. I have also led a Guerrilla Company of 250 men in the demanding conditions of the arctic wilderness, so I am happy to go with 8 to 20 mountain runners to the sunshine of the Alps.

Sign up with a friend

The best seats are taken first. Come to the Alps for a mountain run.

Next summer we will run in the mountains!

Jussi