Chamonix KV: The 10.5-km loop to Planpraz

Line to Line – Chamonix Vertical Kilometer · 10.5 km · 1,045 m elevation gain

At a glance: The Chamonix Vertical Kilometer (VK) starts at Saint-Michel Church in the heart of Chamonix (1,040 m) and climbs straight up beneath the gondola to Planpraz (2,000 m). Laura and Léo ran it as a loop one autumn morning: 10.5 km with 1,045 m of elevation gain, including a roughly 4 km climb with an average gradient of over 25%, a high point at around 2,070 m overlooking the Aiguilles de Chamonix, followed by a 6 km descent along winding switchbacks back to the village.

Laura and Léo running along the Planpraz ridge, with the snow-covered Aiguilles de Chamonix in the background (image)

Discover their gear in our trail running jackets and windbreakers collection.

Autumn is finally here. It will be brief this year, and catching a glimpse of its colours feels like a privilege. There's nothing quite like Chamonix and its Vertical Kilometer, far from the August crowds. Nature reclaims its place, the weather becomes more demanding, and the right gear matters more than ever. Laura and Léo set off in the crisp morning air for a short escape. The clock isn't the goal; freedom is all that matters.

What is the Chamonix Vertical Kilometer?

A VK, or Vertical Kilometer, is a race format where runners gain 1,000 m of elevation over the shortest possible distance. The Chamonix VK is one of the best-known in the Alps, connecting the church in the town centre to Planpraz, the mid-station of the Brévent lift, via a remarkably direct route beneath the gondola.

The route is also an official race in the Mont-Blanc Marathon: 3.8 km with 1,000 m of elevation gain, finishing at Planpraz at an altitude of 2,000 m. For the rest of the year, the trail can be enjoyed independently as a short but intense outing.

Why run the Chamonix VK in autumn?

In August, the valley's trails are busy. Come autumn, Chamonix regains its tranquillity: the larches turn golden, the blueberry bushes glow red, and the first snow settles on the peaks. Mornings are crisp, especially at 2,000 m, and the weather can change quickly. That's when layering really matters: staying dry on the climb, then protected from the wind at the summit and on the descent.

What does the loop look like?

The start: Saint-Michel Church (1,040 m)

It all begins on the steps of Saint-Michel Church, right in the centre of Chamonix. Watches started, jackets zipped up: the first kilometre winds through the streets before reaching the forest at the foot of Brévent.

The climb: 1,000 m in 4 km beneath the gondola

As soon as you enter the forest, the gradient gives you no respite. The trail climbs almost straight up beneath the Planpraz gondola, with an average gradient of over 25%. Between 1,000 and 1,500 m, it's a mix of slow running and power hiking, hands pushing against your thighs. Higher up, the terrain becomes rockier, with stones, dry earth and small rocky steps. Gondola cabins pass overhead, and the valley drops further away with every turn.

Planpraz and the highest point (around 2,070 m)

The trail emerges at Planpraz, around 2,000 m above sea level. The loop continues slightly above the station, reaching approximately 2,070 m. Up here, sweeping views open up across the Aiguilles de Chamonix and the Mont Blanc massif. It's noticeably colder than down in the valley, making it the perfect time to add a layer before heading down.

The descent: 6 km of switchbacks back to Chamonix

The return follows a different trail from the climb. The switchbacks are more runnable, winding through hillsides covered in autumn-red blueberry bushes before entering the larch forest. The descent is still long, with over 1,000 m of elevation loss. It puts serious strain on the quads and requires careful footing on rocky sections, especially when the ground is wet.

The loop's elevation profile

Planning your Chamonix VK loop

• Total distance: 10.5 km

• Elevation gain: 1,045 m (and the same elevation loss)

• Route type: Loop starting from central Chamonix, taking around half a day

• Highest point: Approximately 2,070 m, above Planpraz

• Average climbing gradient: Over 25% across 4 km

• Technical difficulty: 3/5. Very steep climb, switchback descent with rocky sections.

• Commitment: 2/5. The route stays close to Chamonix but crosses mountain terrain, where the weather can change quickly above 2,000 m.

• Recommended season: Late spring to autumn, when the trail is snow-free. Autumn is ideal for quieter trails.

• GPS route: Chamonix VK loop on Strava

What gear do you need for the Chamonix VK?

For a short but intense outing, the goal is simple: travel light, avoid overheating on the climb and stay protected from the cold at the top. Here's what Laura and Léo wore.

Your trail running checklist

• Hydration: At least 1 litre of water in soft flasks. Don't rely on finding water along the route.

• A windproof or warm layer for the summit and descent, even if it feels mild at the start.

• A fully charged phone, GPS watch with the route loaded, emergency blanket and whistle.

• A headtorch if you're setting off before sunrise.

• A snack (gel or bar) for the descent.

For more advice, explore our guide to thermal trail running jackets, the Thermalshell range, and our trail running gear checklist.

Our tips for running the Chamonix VK

• Start slowly. On a Vertical Kilometer, the classic mistake is going out too fast. A steady power hike is often more efficient than constantly switching between running and walking.

• Manage your layers. Unzip your jacket on the climb, then zip it back up before reaching the top: the wind and cold become noticeable as soon as you reach Planpraz.

• Save your legs for the descent. The 6 km of switchbacks will put your thighs to the test. Shorten your stride on rocky sections.

• Check the weather before setting off. In autumn, the first snowfall can arrive early above 2,000 m.

• Respect the mountains. Stay on marked trails, leave no litter and avoid cutting across switchbacks to help prevent erosion.

Frequently asked questions about the Chamonix VK

How long is the Chamonix VK, and how much elevation gain does it have?

The climb alone, from Saint-Michel Church to Planpraz, covers approximately 3.8 km with 1,000 m of elevation gain. Laura and Léo's loop, which includes a descent via a different trail, is 10.5 km long with 1,045 m of elevation gain.

Where does the Chamonix VK start?

The route starts in front of Saint-Michel Church, in the centre of Chamonix, at approximately 1,040 m above sea level. The climb finishes at Planpraz, the mid-station of the Brévent lift, at 2,000 m.

Can you take the gondola down from Planpraz?

The Planpraz gondola connects Chamonix to Planpraz, but it doesn't operate year-round. Check the operating days and hours before setting off, especially in the shoulder seasons. Otherwise, plan to descend on foot, as on this loop.

When is the best time to run the Chamonix VK?

From late spring to autumn, once the trail is free of snow. Autumn brings quieter trails and spectacular colours, but also colder mornings and more unpredictable mountain weather.

What gear should you bring for the Chamonix VK?

Lightweight, breathable clothing for the climb, a windproof or warm layer for the summit, at least 1 litre of water and a fully charged phone. To carry your water, a lightweight pack like the Running Bag 333 or pocketed shorts like the Short 522 will do the job.

Is the Chamonix VK suitable for beginners?

The trail isn't technically difficult in a mountaineering sense, but the gradient is extremely steep and the descent is long. It's best suited to trail runners who already have experience with significant elevation gain. To take the next step, read our guide on how to choose a trail running pack and get properly equipped for the mountains.

Gear up for the trail: Explore our trail running jackets and windbreakers, trail running packs and trail running shorts. For more route inspiration, discover our trail running loop in the Estérel.

© Photo credits: Arthur Vaillant

• Ultra-trail runners: Laura and Léo