Staff

Hometown Annecy, France

A bit about me I discovered mountains and trail running my last year of college at University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia. I was on a website looking to buy a new wetsuit, and saw clothing for something called “trail running.”

I had to learn more. I Googled “trail running,” and it opened a whole new world. Eventually, I saw a Salomon TV episode about UTMB and I knew I belonged in this sport.

Since that time, my love for trail running has shaped my life and has been a constant source of inspiration.

Favorite run I love everything that gets me above the trees. The North and South Balconies in Chamonix are great for a steep climb and then a run with spectacular views. Running in Chamonix, France is classic.

Hometown Silverthorne, Colorado, USA

A bit about me I’ve had a passion for exploring in the mountains since I was young, and growing up in Summit County, Colorado I had the opportunity to enjoy running, skimo, cycling and simply spending time on the trails.

At the current time, I’m a runner and skimo racer for Dynafit, as well as a student at the London School of Economics. I find myself spending as much time as I possibly can in the Alps, and enjoy nothing more than a long day on the trails, complete with stops for photos and espresso. (Read more about Grace, here.)

Favorite trail run I’m notoriously a “sucker for the views” and love nothing more than running up high, above treeline, at sunrise. That makes it hard to pick a favorite trail in Chamonix! At home in Colorado, my favorite trail is my backyard climb up to the summit of Peak One in Frisco. 

Hometown Annecy, France

A bit about me Growing up I played a lot of sports, but I was never supposed to be a runner. Although my dad had run countless ultras, the sport never interested me until my senior year of college. Since then, I have completed numerous ultras and continue to be inspired by pushing myself physically and mentally. We always thought Colorado would be home, but my husband Mike and I moved to Annecy, France spring of 2019. If you run in the Alps, you’ll probably find us either running or crewing for each other!

Favorite run I love trail running in the Chamonix valley. It’s such an incredible playground for trail runners, it’s hard to pick a favorite run. However, just outside town towards Argentière you’ll find the trail to Mont Buet. This trail winds through the beautiful Bérard valley and then climbs swiftly up past late-melting snowfields, opening to an expansive view of Mont Blanc. If you’re lucky, you’ll see ibex and chamois!

Hometown Chamonix, France

A bit about me I’ve been playing in the mountains since I was a kid, breaking wooden cross-country skis on remote peaks in New Hampshire’s White Mountains with my older brothers. The ensuing years have been filled with adventures from the Alps to the Andes. The thought of a warm chocolate croissant and a friendly dog at the next mountain hut can make me run for hours.

Favorite run From Chamonix village to the Refuge du plan de l’aiguille.  It’s an hour-and-a-half uphill run from what I think of as the world’s epicenter for trail running, to the best fresh-baked pies in the entire valley. The refuge has a cheerful staff, too. The views from the refuge are some of the best in the region. After your tart and café au lait, run the dramatic north balcony to Montenvers and the Mer du Glace, or walk a few minutes uphill and ride the Aiguille du Midi tram back to town.

Hometown My car parked in Bishop or Santa Maria, California, USA

A bit about me For the last decade, I’ve been able to build my life around running and being in the mountains. That’s taken lots of crazy turns, but is always interesting. Running around the Alps led to co-authoring the Run the Alps Switzerland guidebook and partnering with PatitucciPhoto to create the online resources AlpsInsight and Elevation. I’m currently finishing up a trail running guidebook to California’s Eastern Sierra, another chance to wander lots of trails. Mountain running, photography, and writing have offered me opportunities to travel all over the Alps, Himalaya, and now to explore my recent transplant back to the US.

Favorite run I’m excited to return to Chamonix and some of my favorite trails, especially up to Mont Buet and La Jonction. But I have to admit that I will find a way to love any trail. I’ll make whatever trail I’m on my favorite one for the moment.