Trail Running
Trail running is booming, and La Rosière offers a truly unique playground. From forests to alpine pastures, along ridges and panoramic paths with 360° views of Mont Blanc, the trails are as diverse as they are inspiring – perfect for beginners and ultra-distance runners alike.
Welcome to the trail running page of La Rosière, a Savoyard resort nestled in the heart of the Alps on the French-Italian border. Whether you’re an experienced runner or a beginner looking for a challenge, our trails offer a unique experience combining breathtaking scenery with stimulating elevation gains. With numerous marked routes, both technical and rolling, there’s something for everyone.
Our Trails: Nature and Performance
In La Rosière, trail running can be enjoyed on a variety of routes suitable for all levels. Here’s an overview of the highlights starting from La Rosière Centre or Les Eucherts. Many other routes are also accessible from La Thuile (about 30 minutes away by car or public transport).
Petit Saint-Bernard Pass
- Distance: ~16 km (round trip)
- Elevation gain: +650 m / -650 m
- Max altitude: 2180 m
- Highlights: Border with Italy, breathtaking views of Mont Blanc, Lake Verney, trails used for the TDS and the Petit Saint-Bernard Trail.
- Good to know: Water point and refreshments available at the pass.
Fort de La Redoute Ruinée
- Distance: ~12 km (round trip)
- Elevation gain: +600 m / -600 m
- Max altitude: 2380 m
- Highlights: Roc Noir and the historic fort, panoramic 360° views of Mont Blanc and Mont Pourri.
- Good to know: Panoramic Experience photo point at the top of the Roches Noires chairlift.
Saint-Michel du Chatelard Church
- Distance: ~6 km (round trip)
- Elevation gain: +350 m / -350 m
- Max altitude: 1850 m
- Highlights: Possible detour to Chapelle Sainte-Jeanne-d’Arc and Chapelle Sainte-Anne.
- Good to know: Beware of guard dogs depending on the season; check our advice page.
Lac du Retour
- Distance: ~10 km (round trip)
- Elevation gain: +800 m / -800 m
- Max altitude: 2410 m
- Highlights: Spot the many marmots and admire the lake’s stunning scenery.
- Good to know: Loop options via Plan Pigieux (water point) or Passage de la Louie Blanche (technical and demanding path).
Mont Valaisan
- Distance: ~18 km (round trip)
- Elevation gain: +1050 m / -1050 m
- Max altitude: 2890 m
- Highlights: Magnificent views over the Aosta Valley, Mont Blanc massif and Vanoise National Park.
- Good to know: A technical and demanding trail.
Sans Fond lake
- Distance: ~21 km (round trip)
- Elevation gain: +900 m / -900 m
- Max altitude: 2460 m
- Highlights: Magnificent views over the Haute Tarentaise and Vanoise National Park.
- Good to know: Start from the Petit Saint-Bernard Hospice possible.
Event
Trail de La Rosière
A summer highlight! The Trail de La Rosière takes runners through the spectacular landscapes of Haute Tarentaise, between alpine lakes and snowy peaks.
Courses on offer:
- Ros’Game: Children’s course
- 15 km | 800 m D+
- 22 km | 1500 m D+
- 43 km | 3000 m D+
The dates for the 2026 edition will be announced shortly.
Trail du Petit Saint-Bernard
A stunning end-of-summer challenge through the Vallée des Chapieux.
Distances:
- 5 km | 900 m ascent
- 10 km | 360 m ascent
- 21 km | 1300 m ascent
- 35 km | 2700 m ascent
- 43 km | 2800 m ascent
- 68 km | 4000 m ascent
- 68 km + 35 km | 9000 m ascent
The dates for the 2026 edition will be announced soon.
The Trail School – Trail Altitude
Trail Altitude is the first trail running school in Haute Tarentaise, created by enthusiasts to share their love for the mountains and running.
The school offers:
- Training camps and stays to discover trail running or progress over several days
- Personalised coaching to improve technique, endurance and effort management
- Supervised training sessions on the trails of La Rosière and the valley
- Specific advice on equipment, physical preparation and nutrition
Open to both beginners and experienced runners, Trail Altitude allows everyone to progress at their own pace in an exceptional setting facing Mont Blanc.
More info and details of their programmes: Trail Altitude
Practical Tips
- Equipment: Trail shoes, technical clothing, waterproof jacket, water, snacks, charged phone, map or GPS watch.
- Safety: Always check the weather before leaving, conditions can change quickly in the mountains.
- Environment: Carry your waste, stick to marked trails and respect the local wildlife and flora.
- Water points: Available at La Rosière Centre, Les Eucherts, Plan de l’Arc, Plan Pigieux and Petit Saint-Bernard Pass among others. Bring enough water for longer routes.