Head to the European mountain range less traveled on our new Pyrenees Val d'Aran Runcation. This Runcation is for runners that LOVE the adventure of mountain trails and the beauty they offer, from technical singletrack trails with jaw-dropping views of forests, granite, and waterfalls, to runnable dirt roads through rolling green valleys bursting with wildflowers. We combine our favorite trails and corners of the French and Spanish Pyrenees, combining sections of Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park in the Catalan Pyrenees, views of Aneto, and other gems of the Val d'Aran. The beauty of the natural landscape pairs nicely with charming villages, including one voted as one of the most beautiful in Spain. On this special Runcation we run point to point each day and stay in comfortable 2/3/4-star hotels throughout the trip as well as one night at a curated mountain hut where you can fall asleep next to an alpine lake, drink local wine, and learn more about the mountain culture in this special region. While the Pyrenees are notorious for their technical mountain trails, we like to think this trip is perfect for trail runners that want to dip their toes into Pyrenees running and explore the more non-technical zones of the Pyrenees while exploring a different valley each day and staying in hotels with charming towns (and indulging in a spa or two). 

On this guided trail running tour of the Pyrenees, you'll discover uncrowded trails and French/Spanish/Catalan/Occitan culture with runs and views not often found in just one week-long tour of the region. With food so delicious and people so friendly paired with views so beautiful and trails that feel so remarkably wild, you might find yourself scratching your head and wondering, "Where is everyone?" Discover the gems of the Val d'Aran Pyrenees for yourself on our guided and self-guided Pyrenees running vacations. 

Trip Difficulty: Level 2-3 (click to learn more about trip difficulty levels). Please note: while this trip gets a level 3 for the mileage and includes some technical trails, the moderate elevation gain in the mountains, comfortable hotel accommodation, and less technical routes possible in the area (but it's still the Pyrenees!) also gives it a level 2-3 rating.

This trip requires a minimum of 8 to run. Please do not purchase flights until confirming with retreat organizer. 

We also offer another version of this trip self-guided with the option to customize more/less miles or different styles of accommodation! Learn more below or visit this page.

Roundtrip transportation starting from Vielha, Spain on Day 1 and ending in Vielha, Spain on Day 7

Trip logistics of route planning, lodging, and transportation reservations

A 8:1 ratio of guide to participants 

Half board (breakfast and dinner) included for 7 days, 6 nights

Baggage transport from accommodations (all you carry is a hydration pack!) all days 

Knowledgable expert local trail running mountain guide along the entire route

Communal accommodation in dorms for one night in Pyrenees mountain refugi and double accommodation in private 2/3/4-star hotel rooms for five nights (some with spa access)

Special bonus adventures, including cascade pool swims and thermal hot springs

SPA in Hotel Vielha and entrance in Arties Hot springs

Taxi transfers of the program

A technical route t-shirt

Trip packet with detailed itinerary including packing lists, weather resources, and how to reach the start by public and private transportation

Access to a personal trip WhatsApp group and community

International airfare

Alcoholic beverages and lunch/snacks during the day

Travel Insurance

Extra expenses due to a change in itinerary or in case of you having to shorten the day or trip as a whole (including personal return trips to the airport/next destination/etc.)

Tourist tax to be paid in cash at accommodations (usually ~1 euro per person) 

Passport:

Must have a valid passport valid through 6 months upon date of travel.

Travel Insurance:

Must have travel insurance prior to start of trip. 

Fitness/Pacing:

While there are guides to accommodate a variety of paces for attending runners, this trip requires participants to be able to run for 8-14 miles on trails at a time in mountainous/high altitude climates with an elevation gain of 1,000-5,000 feet per day. It is suggested that you be able to maintain an average pace of 15-20 minutes/mile on trails with elevation gain/loss and must be prepared to run/jog the downhill and flat sections. Training for this trip is highly recommended, and you can participate in the 12-week group training program designed specifically for this trip as a package add-on to ensure you're able to tackle the trails and get maximum enjoyment of this running retreat! 

Weather:

Although the weather in late summer is often ideal, weather in the mountains is variable and trail conditions are subject to change on an hourly basis! Route subjective to change based on the safety of conditions and climate of the trail.

Trip Difficulty: Level 2-3

https://runcation.org/which-trip-is-right-for-me

Mountain Hut Experience:

This trip includes staying in mountain huts/refugi. To learn more about the mountain hut experience, click below:

https://runcation.org/mountain-hut-experience

How to Arrive;

Our trail running tour begins in the charming mountain village of Vielha, Spain in the Val d’Aran. Vielha is one of the main hubs for trail running in the Pyrenees and hosts numerous races, including Val d’Aran UTMB. 

Vielha is reached by car, train, plane, or bus. The closest major international airports are Barcelona, Spain (350km away) and Toulouse, France (166km away). If you’re arriving from the U.S., the cheapest airfare tends to be into Barcelona, Spain with more flights and opportunities for connections from different cities. From Barcelona, it’s easy to rent a car or take an ALSA bus. Timetables and prices are available online. For more details on how to arrive to Vielha, Spain, visit this page.