St. bernard's Passes

Run in the paths of St. Bernard of Menthon on this unique trail running pilgrimage which travels from the Little St. Bernard Pass to the Great St. Bernard Pass where some of his relics remain. You will run through France, Italy, and Switzerland amid towering peaks and verdant pastures and the sound of cowbells and waterfalls. Come ready to pray deeply, to run with a purpose, and to have an incredible experience!

HIGHLIGHTS

Praying at the Sanctuary of Notre Dame de Guerison
The views of Mont Blanc from the "Window Lakes"
Staying at the Hospice of the Great St. Bernard

ITINERARY

The Little St. Bernard Pass

Days 1-2: We begin in France on the Little St. Bernard Pass where St. Bernard founded the Hospice to welcome travelers I Take a warm up run on arrival day and get to know the pass I The next day brings us up to Col des Chavannes before dropping into the beautiful Val Veny at the foot of Mont Blanc I We will take a shuttle bus to Courmayeur for the night

Val Veny & Val Ferret

Days 3-5: Set off for the Sanctuary of Notre Dame de Guerison I Head up to Mont Chetif (using a chairlift for part of the way if you'd like) where St. John Paul II gave an angelus address in 1986 I Run down to Courmayeur with the option of taking a cable car part of the way I Run through Val Ferret the next day with the option to run either on the valley floor or up on the ridge- both with great views! I Cross the Grand Col Ferret the following day to La Fouly in Switzerland

The Great St. Bernard Pass

Days 6-8: Start the grand ascent from La Fouly up to the magnificent Lacs du Fenetre- three lakes with incredible views of Mont Blanc I Continue on, crossing into Italy for several miles, over the Fenetre de Ferret and down to the old Roman road which will take you up to the Great St. Bernard Pass I Pray with the religious community, relax around the lake, and celebrate the epic journey you just completed!

*Itinerary Subject to Change

Lodging

Lodging

LEVEL: Basic (2 nights) Standard (5 nights)
OPTIONAL UPGRADE: Superior (Double-occupancy)
SINGLE-ROOM SUPPLEMENT: Superior level

To find out more about our lodging levels, click below.

Learn More

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EATING

We will eat at restaurants and our lodgings. Menus may be limited to fixed options or set menus. Breakfasts provided are in the local style (typically not as hearty as American style). We can accommodate most food allergies.

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LUGGAGE TRANSFERS

Luggage transfers are included on this trip. You may bring a suitcase or a backpack in addition to the daypack you will be running with. We will provide a detailed packing list.

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PRAYING

Prayer is at the heart of our pilgrimage. Mass, the liturgy of the hours, the rosary, and other prayer opportunities are available throughout the pilgrimage.

St. bernard's passes

$2,100

INCLUDES

• 7 nights lodging
• All breakfasts
• All dinners
• Luggage transfers
• Private airport shuttles
• Pilgrimage materials (reading packet, prayer booklet, maps, group gear)
• Masses and other spiritual activities
• All tips and service charges to drivers, restaurants, etc.

DOES NOT INCLUDE

• Flights
• All lunches
• Buses/Taxis/Chairlifts if skipping runs
• Fee if paying by credit card
• Single-room supplement ($950)
• Optional upgrade to Superior Lodging ($650/person)
• Anything else not listed

Refund Policy

DATES

july 31 - august 7, 2027

Sign-up Deadline: March 15, 2027

Details

ACTIVITY LEVELS

Day 1: Trail Running/Hiking

Level: 1-5
Today will be a warm up run on the Little St. Bernard Pass and you can choose from a variety of loops of varying difficulty.
Optional: You do not have to run/hike this day.

Day 2: Trail Running/Hiking

Level: 5
Distance: 17 miles
Elevation gain: 3,075ft
Elevation loss: 4,600ft
Optional: You can easily take a public bus to skip this day and meet at the lodging.

Day 3: Trail Running/Hiking

OPTION 1
Level: 2
Distance: 4 miles
Elevation gain: 75ft
Elevation loss: 800ft

OPTION 2
Level: 5
Distance: 11.4 miles
Elevation gain: 3,175ft
Elevation loss: 4,650ft
You may choose to take a chair lift that will reduce about 1,700ft of elevation gain.
You may choose to take a cable car that will reduce about 1,600ft of elevation loss.

Optional: You can easily stay in Courmayeur and skip these.

Day 4: Trail Running/Hiking

OPTION 1
Level: 3
Distance: 6.2 miles
Elevation gain: 1,300ft
Elevation loss: 50ft

OPTION 2
Level: 5
Distance: 10.7 miles
Elevation gain: 3,675ft
Elevation loss: 1,875ft

Optional: You can easily stay in Courmayeur and skip these.

Day 5: Trail Running/Hiking

Level: 5
Distance: 9.5 miles
Elevation gain: 2,700ft
Elevation loss: 3,250ft
You may add a custom amount of mileage to today's route at the end of the day.

Today is not easily skippable as there is not a convenient way to get to our destination.

Day 6: Trail Running/Hiking

Level: 5
Distance: 8.5 miles
Elevation gain: 4,050ft
Elevation loss: 1,200ft
You may add a custom amount of mileage to today's route at the end of the day

Optional: You may easily skip this day and take a bus to our destination

Click Here to learn more about how we determine our activity levels
Activities are weather-dependent. Distances and durations may vary from the information given above

ARRIVAL

Arrival Airport: Geneva International Airport (GVA)
Arrival Time: Please arrive by 11am at the latest. You may arrive as early as you need to. Staff will meet you at the airport. We will take private transport to the Little St. Bernard Pass

Please wait to buy your plane tickets until you receive a confirmation from us.

DEPARTURE

Departure Airport: Geneva International Airport (GVA)
Departure Time: We will be taking private transportation to the Geneva Airport on the final morning of the trip and will arrive by 8:30am.

INSURANCE

Each pilgrim should have health insurance. We highly recommend purchasing traveler's insurance as well.

ELIGIBILITY

Open-enrollment. Must be at least 18 years old. Must be comfortable with the activities and activity levels. Must have previous trail running experience. Must have cell phone service throughout the trip and be able to download GPS maps provided by ALP. Must have a sense of adventure.

By signing up for this pilgrimage, you agree to our Booking Terms & Conditions.

FAQ

Are hikers welcome on this trip? Fast hikers who are comfortable with the mileage are welcome.
Do I need to run the whole time? No, as long as you are in shape and a fast hiker, you do not need to run the whole time to complete the distances.
Will we be running as a group or independently? It will be a mix. In more remote areas or areas where navigation can be confusing, we will be in small groups each with a staff member. In more populated areas with clear navigation, you are welcome to run independently.
Will I get left behind if I am slow? No, a staff member will always be in the back of the group making sure no one gets left behind.
Do I need a working phone? Yes, you need to have service activated the entire trip for communication purposes.
Do I need a device for GPS maps? Yes, you need a phone, a watch, or other GPS device to have the maps handy that we will provide.
Do I need a device for GPS maps? Yes, you need a phone, a watch, or other GPS to have the maps handy that we will provide.
What is the terrain like? Mainly along well established trails. There will be some dirt roads, and a little bit of concrete.