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 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 huts where you can fall asleep next to an alpine lake, drink local wine, and learn more about the mountain culture in this special region. We like to think this trip is perfect for those mountain runners that aren't afraid to power hike and want to challenge themselves on long back to back days on the technical technical trails that the Pyrenees are renowned for, while also staying in charming towns and having the luxury of sleeping in a nice hotel room (and indulging in a spa or two). 

On this self-guided trail running tour of the Pyrenees, you'll discover uncrowded trails and Occitan/Catalan/French/Spanish 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 3

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

While this trip gets a level 3 for the amount of elevation gain and technicality of trails, it also includes more comfortable accommodation with private rooms in hotels aligned with some of our other level 2 trips. This retreat adventure is open to ages 15 and up of any pace. Must be able to complete the itinerary for the week, including running the downhills and flats and a mixture of hiking/running on the uphills. Optional 12-week training package available from an experienced running coach to ensure you're trained and ready to go for this adventure of a lifetime! 

Pyrenees Self-Guided Trip Requirements:

Please note, the Pyrenees include technical trails on more wild terrain than other well-marked and well-traveled trails you might find in other parts of Europe. It is not uncommon for sections of the route or sections of trails to be marked by signposts and cairns. You must be able to navigate by gpx tracks and also navigate sections of trails only marked by occasional cairns through mountain terrain. The itinerary for our self-guided Pyrenees trip includes more technical sections of trail than found in our guided Pyrenees itinerary. This itinerary includes steep climbs, rocky terrain, cairns, and sections of hiking if you're not experienced at running technical trails. 

You can also create this self-guided trip as a custom self-guided trip. Add in a rest day, run more or less miles, or choose your style of accommodation from huts to hotels. Get in touch via email at RuncationTravel@gmail.com

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

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

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

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

Pre-trip meeting in Vielha to go over maps, pick up trip info, and have an in-country contact during the trip

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

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:

This trip requires participants to be able to run for 7-16 miles on trails at a time in mountainous/high altitude climates with an elevation gain of 2,000-6,000 feet per day. 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 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.

Baggage Transfer:

Baggage transfer will arrive by ~5pm each day.