Activity Description
A hard-to-equal sense of freedom results from running mountain trails. But if you’ve never done it before, it’s ill-advised to just jump right in. While it is probably statistically safer than road running, there are things you will need to thoroughly understand before hitting the trails. In our course we will cover planning and preparation, gear, mountain safety, weather, mindset and focus, reading the terrain, fuel management, hydration, energy conservation, pacing and breathing, foot placement, water crossings, dealing with the what-ifs, and more.
Activity Offerings
This course is offered two ways: first as a half day lasting 3-4 hours or so; or a full 6-8 hour day. The difference really equates to the depth of coverage and length of practice application. Like all of our offerings, we provide custom programs so if, for example, you are looking for specific instruction on a particular segment of the sport such breaking FKT (Fastest Known Time) records, we can help. Talk to us, tell us what you’re looking to achieve right in the comments box of our Booking Form.
What to Wear
To ensure everyone’s safety and comfort, we offer this important clothing information. When dressing for our trail running intro, you’ll want to be prepared for trail running and note the following:
- Think layers. On top of the scant clothing you will wear, extra independent outer layers offer maximum flexibility, allowing for better temperature control. Mountain weather is a game changer. There is no runner’s “Ready Pack” available at this time.
- Never wear cotton, even at the underwear level. Synthetic materials, wool, and especially performance/wicking materials should be your clothing of choice. For trail running, since cotton won’t dry and doesn’t insulate while wet, it can pose a hazard. You will want to wear the right type of sports or running clothing and you will want to bring some extras.
- Bring more than you think you need. Mountain weather can be very tricky and unpredictable. While it may be nice in town, the mountains can be very different. Being prepared can save your life. Of course, with trail running weight is of even greater concern so concessions may need to be made. Understandably.
- For footwear, use your trail runners of choice provided they have good traction on wet rock and other seemingly unpredictable surfaces. This is key. These will be suitable for summer runs, but for some spring or fall days something a little warmer and sturdier — to support traction devices — might be wanted.
Necessary Gear
For your trail running intro gear needs, in addition to your non-cotton running clothes and footwear as described above, we currently offer two options (which are modified by the season). Click to expand.
Gear Option 1 - Open
Gear Option 1 - Close
- Hydration pack with a 2 liter bladder (~10-20 liters).
- A windshirt/lightweight wind breaker.
- Lightweight mid-layer or fleece.
- Lightweight puffy in the colder months.
- Seasonally-rated gloves and/or mittens.
- A warm hat, one that can cover the ears.
- Buff or similar piece.
- Food for the day, plus extra. (See note below.)
- Whistle or sound-making device (sternum strap whistles are okay).
- Personal first aid kit/meds.
- Personal hygiene items (TP, plastic bag).
- Camera/phone (weather-protected).
- Lip balm, sun block.
- Sunglasses.
- Insect repellent.
- Space blanket or bivy.
- Seasonally-rated gaiters.
Plus any of these specialty items also available from the master rental list, below (unless marked otherwise)…
- Trail Running Shoes (Outsourced Item).
- Trail Running Pack (Outsourced Item).
- Light Traction (As Needed).
- Snowshoes (As Needed).
- General Rental Gear Pricing
-
- Empty Backpack: $15/person/day.
- Headlamp w/ Batteries: $5/person/day.
- Trekking Pole Set: $5/person/day.
- Bushwhack Kit (Compass/Glasses): $5/person/day.
- Food and Water (Lunch Kit): $15/person/day.
- Summer Clothing/Layers Pricing
(NOTE: By “Summer” we mean warmer, summer-like conditions, not the season.) -
- Fleece (Midlayer): $5/person/day.
- Puffy Jacket (Midweight): $20/person/day.
- Hardshell Set: $35/person/day.
- Light Gloves: $5/person/day.
- Climbing Gloves: $10/person/day.
- Winter Clothing/Layers Pricing – Add to List Above
(NOTE: By “Winter” we mean colder, winter-like conditions, not the season.) -
- Puffy/Parka (Heavyweight/Winter): $25/person/day.
- Hardshell Set: $35/person/day (Gaiters Req. w/ Crampon Use).
- Mitts/Overmitts: $10/person/day.
- Watchman’s Hat: $5/person/day.
- Balaclava: $5/person/day.
- Face Protection (Faceglove/Mask): $5/person/day.
- Ski Goggles: $5/person/day.
- Gaiters (Winter): $10/person/day.
- Winter Rental Gear Pricing
(NOTE: By “Winter” we mean colder, winter-like conditions, not the season.) -
- Light Traction: $10/person/day.
- Mountaineering Snowshoes: $15/person/day.
- Mountaineering Crampons: $15/person/day.
- Climbing Helmet: $5/person/day.
- Ice/Snow Axe: $10/person/day.
- Whippet: $10/person/day.
- Alpine Harness: $10/person/day.
- Winter Technical Gear Pricing
(NOTE: By “Winter” we mean colder, winter-like conditions, not the season.) -
- Ice Climbing Crampons: $15/person/day.
- Technical Ice Tools: $15/person/day.
- Climbing Harness: $10/person/day.
- Mountaineering Boots: $25/person/day.
- Avalanche Beacon: $25/person/day.
- Avalanche Probe: $10/person/day.
- Avalanche Shovel: $10/person/day.
- Avalanche Kit: $40/person/day.
- Summer Technical Gear Pricing
(NOTE: By “Summer” we mean warmer, summer-like conditions, not the season.) -
- Climbing Helmet: $5/person/day.
- Alpine Harness: $10/person/day.
- Rock Climbing Shoes: $15/person/day.
- Climbing Harness: $10/person/day.
- Chalk Bag w/ Chalk): $5/person/day.
- Personal Flotation Device: $10/person/day.
- Backpacking Gear Pricing
-
- Sleeping Bag (Rated): $20/person/night.
- Sleeping Pad (Foam): $5/person/night.
- Sleeping Pad (Inflatabe): $15/person/night.
- Tent (1-2 People): $20/person/night.
- Tent (3-4 People): $30/person/night.
- Stove w/ Fuel: $15/person/night.
- Other Gear-Related Pricing
-
- Gear Insurance (Regular/Hiking): $10/person/day.
- Gear Insurance (Alpine/Winter): $20/person/day.
- Gear Insurance (Backpacking): $30/person/day.
- Outsourced Gear (Pick Up Fee): $40/person/day.
SPECIAL NOTE: Runners will want to aim for 300-400 calories per hour plus enough for an extra three hours beyond your planned day. Fueling while mountain running usually requires an easy-to-manage combination of solid foods and gels, plus candy bars, granola bars, protein bars, etc. Energy gels such as Carboom, Gu, and Cliff are also useful.
Gear Option 2 - Open
Gear Option 2 - Close
Okay… Let’s Do This!
What follows below is the pricing and other information you’ll probably want or need to know.
| Half Day Trail Running Intro Pricing | |
|---|---|
| For one person | $175 |
| For two people | $125 each |
| For three people | $110 each |
| For four or more | $100 each | Full Day Trail Running Intro Pricing |
| For one person | $275 |
| For two people | $200 each |
| For three people | $175 each |
| For four or more | $150 each | Trail Running Intro Premiums |
| Make it private | INCLUDED |
Other Information
- The difficulty of this activity is as requested and variable.
- This activity has a 1:4 instructor/student ratio.
- The maximum group size is 8 with 2 guides.
- For parties larger than 8, please contact us.
- Gratuities not included; 15-25% is customary for a good job.
Want More Running? If you want more running with less talk, skip the course and jump right into a Trail Run. Otherwise, go ahead and BOOK IT NOW!