Often considered the toughest long-distance trail in Europe, Corsica’s famous GR20 is also one of the region’s most beautiful. It offers a wild, challenging and technically varied running experience over 180 kilometres of awe-inspiring track. During our 10-day excursion, an expert guide takes care of all the daily details so you can focus on the trail, the view and making the most of your run.
This trip is for fit and experienced trail runners used to technical and exposed mountain terrain.
David Sanabria, a self-proclaimed winter chaser, is always the first to rip the steepest couloir line - the more exposed the better. As an International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations mountain guide living in Val d’Aran, it's almost implied. He's also the first to arrive at a party and usually the last to leave, yet David is all business when it comes to guiding.
Often considered the toughest long-distance trail in Europe, Corsica’s famous GR20 is also one of the region’s most beautiful. It offers a wild, challenging and technically varied running experience over 180 kilometres of awe-inspiring track. During our 10-day excursion, an expert guide takes care of all the daily details so you can focus on the trail, the view and making the most of your run.
This trip is for fit and experienced trail runners used to technical and exposed mountain terrain.
Often considered the toughest long-distance route in Europe, Corsica’s famous GR20 is also one of the region’s most beautiful. It offers a wild, challenging and technically varied running experience over 180KM (111mi) of awe-inspiring track (or lack of track in some parts). Plus, you get to bookend your trip with stays in charming and historical Corsican villages. During our 9-day excursion, an expert guide takes care of all the daily details so you can focus on the trail, the scenery and making the most of your run.
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Start location: Calvi, France
End location: Pinarello, France
This trip is run in partnership with Chamonix Experience.Â
Read more on our Bird Blog
This trip is our most technical and demanding trail running trip. It is designed for experienced runners who have recently completed trail marathons up to 48KM (29mi). Customers need to have recent multi-day trail running experience in wilderness settings, in exposed terrain, and in changing mountain weather. You will be out on the trails for 5-10 hours per day, and must be able to run up 32KM (20mi) per day distance with elevation gains up to 1900M (+6200ft) per day. You will need to carry a lightweight pack (10-15L) with needed daily gear for this trip (including but not limited to; daily food and water, extra layers).
Born in the French alpine city of Grenoble, Olivier started running with his father when he was 10. A lot of uphill at first, then up mountains. He loved the freedom and exploration – jumping from rock to rock, drinking water from the stream and never carrying a backpack. It was later he was introduced to ropes, maps and technical climbing. Living in Chamonix, Olivier’s life is still surrounded by and dedicated to the mountains. Now an International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA) mountain guide, Olivier takes clients climbing, running and skiing through a high mountain guiding company called Chamex and on his own. When he’s not introducing new clients to mountain experiences, he’s going on his own adventures with his wife and young son.
Stian grew up like many Norwegian kids, skiing before he could walk. From cross country to jumping, he tackled every ski discipline. At 19, he narrowed his focus to extreme skiing in Chamonix. He is known for linking Norway’s Jotunheimen Haute Route, which has become the country’s favourite ski traverse, and he continues to mentor youth is his home country. Stian started running as summer training for skiing. He became more and more interested in running as a sport and started competing in ultra events in the Alps. His best result was 27th in the CCC event of the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc. Stian is also a certified mountain guide with the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA). Â
Growing up in the UK, Lucy followed her parents around the wet, soggy hills and mountains of Great Britain. When she discovered skiing at 6, her passions quickly tranferred to the high mountains of the Alps. That’s where she has been living, working, hiking, running, climbing and skiing for more than 15 years. For the last decade, Lucy has shared her passion and knowledge of the region as a trip organizer / leader. More recently, she’s focused on the simplicity of trail running and travelling light. She loves sharing whatever adventures she can with her beloved trail dog, Gertie.
An early start and a long day. We make our way along Lake Argento, then pass just below the summit of Corsica’s highest mountain, Monte Cinto (2,760M / 9055ft). We head down to Bergerie de Vallone then take a forest path to the village of Calasima – the highest village in Corsica – to get transit to our hotel.
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Distance:Â 23KM (14.3 mi)Â
Elevation: +1,940M (+6365ft) / -1,940M (-6365ft)
Today is even longer, but we start with rolling, grassy terrain. We pass by Lake Ninu and the Camputile plateau before a steep climb onto the Capitellu notch, with views of the Restonica Valley below. We continue running along this fantastic ridge line, finishing above the village of Canaglia. Transport takes us on to the hotel in Vizzavona.
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Distance: 32KM (19.88mi)
Elevation: +1,660M (+5446ft) Â / -2,085M (-6840ft)
Possibly the most spectacular phase of the GR20, crossing the Aiguilles de Bavella down to the Bavella Pass and ending the day in the heart of the Corsican mountains. Transport picks us up in Bavella and takes us on to our hotel in Zonza.
Distance:Â 22KMÂ (13.67mi)
Elevation: +1,325M (+4347ft) / -1,415M (-4642ft)
Transport takes us back to Bavella Pass to complete the last leg. Starting with a final climb up to the Foce Finosa col through pine forests, then descend via the refuge Paliri, the Capeddu ruins and Bocca d’Usciolu, finishing in the sleepy village of Conca. Transport takes us to the hotel in Pinarello for a well-deserved rest at the beach. We have a final group dinner to celebrate.
Distance: 16KM (9.95mi)
Elevation: +607M (+1991ft) / 1,575MÂ (-5167ft)
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