Mountain trekking in the Mercantour Park, with runners facing breathtaking scenery.
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A runner contemplating the majestic mountains of the Mercantour National Park, ready for adventure.
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A happy group of runners on a summit, surrounded by nature and a brilliant blue sky.
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A rider crossing a sunny mountain landscape, surrounded by pine trees and majestic views.
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Five smiling runners at the top of a green mountain, with a brilliant blue sky.
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A green mountain trail, with runners crossing a stream under a bright blue sky.
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A group of mountain runners under blue skies, exploring the lush green landscapes of the Mercantour.
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A happy group on a hike in the Mercantour, with majestic mountains in the background.
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An enchanting chalet surrounded by majestic fir trees, an invitation to adventure in the heart of nature.
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A cosy wooden room with panoramic mountain views, ideal for recharging your batteries.
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Runners climb a golden forest path, immersed in the Mercantour countryside.
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A group of enthusiastic runners on a sunny summit, with mountains in the background.
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Panoramic view of the Mercantour mountains, with lush green hues and a vibrant blue sky.
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Two smiling hikers in front of a majestic waterfall in the Mercantour National Park.
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A group of runners explore the Mercantour, surrounded by majestic mountains and greenery.
1 / 0
Mountain trekking in the Mercantour Park, with runners facing breathtaking scenery.
A runner contemplating the majestic mountains of the Mercantour National Park, ready for adventure.
A happy group of runners on a summit, surrounded by nature and a brilliant blue sky.
A rider crossing a sunny mountain landscape, surrounded by pine trees and majestic views.
Five smiling runners at the top of a green mountain, with a brilliant blue sky.
A green mountain trail, with runners crossing a stream under a bright blue sky.
A group of mountain runners under blue skies, exploring the lush green landscapes of the Mercantour.
A happy group on a hike in the Mercantour, with majestic mountains in the background.
An enchanting chalet surrounded by majestic fir trees, an invitation to adventure in the heart of nature.
A cosy wooden room with panoramic mountain views, ideal for recharging your batteries.
Runners climb a golden forest path, immersed in the Mercantour countryside.
A group of enthusiastic runners on a sunny summit, with mountains in the background.
Panoramic view of the Mercantour mountains, with lush green hues and a vibrant blue sky.
Two smiling hikers in front of a majestic waterfall in the Mercantour National Park.
A group of runners explore the Mercantour, surrounded by majestic mountains and greenery.
View 1 departures

Trailrunning

Wild trail series: Run with ultra-trail runner Dawa Sherpa in the Mercantour

May only
3 days| 2 nights
Level 2
Eco-score 3/5

What you will experience

Run along the unspoilt paths of the Mercantour National Park, a 68,500-hectare jewel between the Southern Alps and the Mediterranean.
Learn the art of trail running with legendary ultra-trail runner Dawa Sherpa, in the heart of landscapes where forests, lakes and peaks intertwine.
Cross the wild valleys of the Mercantour by headlamp, under a clear blue starry sky, and discover the mountains in a whole new way.
Feel the raw energy of 1,800 metres altitude, between demanding efforts and soothing breaks in an exceptional chalet.

Itinerary

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DAY 1 / 3
Accommodation
Gîte
D+
400m
Distance
15km
Meet between 12.30 and 13.30 at Nice station for a group transfer to Peïra-Cava, on the edge of the Mercantour National Park. When we arrive at the chalet, a warm welcome over tea or coffee kicks off our stay: presentation of the programme and meeting with the 3 guides, including Dawa Sherpa, winner of the 2003 UTMB, who shares his mountain experience. In the early afternoon, the first trail outing is adapted for everyone, with practical workshops to work on posture, pace and effort management on hilly terrain. The session takes place in small groups, encouraging individual advice and cohesion. At the end of the afternoon, a theory workshop on preparing a trail outing in the mountains completes the day, with discussions on equipment, weather and safety. Later, everyone is free to enjoy the sauna, gym or bar before a local aperitif. Finally, a night trail option (less than 7 km) using headlamps offers new sensations and the chance to hone your confidence on trails in the dark.
DAY 2 / 3
Accommodation
Gîte
D+
500m
Distance
16km
Distance and elevation gain depending on itinerary, Mountain hut accommodation, meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner included. The day begins with a gentle wake-up session to wake up the body before breakfast. We then set off for a trail session focusing on managing the difference in altitude, with technical workshops adapted to each person's level. Dawa Sherpa shares his ongoing advice on conserving energy, managing pace and developing endurance on hilly terrain. After a welcome lunch, a recovery period allows everyone to assimilate the morning's efforts. The afternoon begins with a practical workshop on mental and strategic preparation for trail races, during which Dawa shares his experience and answers questions in a simple and straightforward atmosphere. At the end of the day, there's a trail outing to put what you've learned into practice on the trails of the Mercantour, with an alternative hike for those who prefer a calmer pace. The evening begins with a convivial dinner followed by a themed evening devoted to Nepal and Sherpa culture, punctuated by films and discussions. It's a time for sharing and gently preparing for the next stage of our mountain adventure.
DAY 3 / 3
Accommodation
Gîte
D+
700m
Distance
12km
Distance and gradient can be adapted to suit the group, Accommodation in chalets, Meals included After a final structured wake-up call, we'll have a full breakfast before taking the shuttle bus to the heart of the Mercantour National Park, the starting point for our fifth and final trail outing. This longer stage, which can be adapted to suit all abilities, takes us close to authentic landscapes: open clearings, high altitude forests and panoramic views of the surrounding ridges. Guided by our guides, we apply Dawa Sherpa's advice to manage our effort over time and fine-tune our adaptation to the varied terrain. Back at the chalet, the day ends with a yoga and relaxation session, ideal for soothing the mind and muscles. After an invigorating meal and a well-deserved shower, a group debriefing brings these three days of adventure to a close, bringing together our feelings before the mid-afternoon departures for Lyon and Paris.

The guides who will lead your adventure

Guide Damien - Mountain leader (AMM)

Damien

Mountain leader (AMM)

FrenchFrench

I was born and grew up on the Limagne plain, with the Chaîne des Puys as my playground from an early age. What was once a passion has become my job: guiding and sharing the treasures of the Auvergne. I imagine experiences where sport, nature and conviviality meet... always with good food on the menu!

Find out more about Damien
Guide Dawa Sherpa - Top-level athlete

Dawa Sherpa

Top-level athlete

FrenchFrench

A key figure in trail running and a deeply inspirational athlete, Dawa grew up in the Himalayan mountains before becoming one of the great names and pioneers of international ultra-trail running. His career is marked by an impressive list of victories, including the UTMB, the 6000D and the TDS. But Dawa isn't just about his sporting achievements: he's also a humble and committed person, very attached to his country, which he supports through a charity. Having him with us on this course is a rare opportunity: a chance to chat with him and benefit from his invaluable advice, both on the trails and in everyday life.

Find out more about Dawa Sherpa

What's included in the price

Included

Guiding: You'll be accompanied by Dawa Sherpa, ultra-trail icon and winner of the 2003 UTMB.
Guiding: You'll also be accompanied by Damien and Loic, 2 mountain guides specialising in trail walking.
Private accommodation: You will sleep in shared rooms in a comfortable high-altitude chalet. There will also be a sauna, panoramic terrace and petanque area.
Meals: All meals are included, from the first meal in the evening to the picnic on the last day.
Transfers to/from the station.

Not included

Transport to the meeting point.
Any personal expenses.
Picnic lunch on Day 1.

What level should you expect

Level 2
You should be at least 16 years old to participate
  • You are capable of running several times a day on mountain trails with moderate gradients, up to 3 to 4 hours of effort per session.
  • You're willing to work in a group with expert guiding who will help you with technique and effort management.
  • You're ready to learn how to manage your pace, posture and mental attitude while trail running on natural, hilly terrain.
  • You'll sleep in a comfortable chalet, without having to carry heavy equipment, and enjoy a safe environment.
  • You want a progressive immersion experience, with practical workshops and inspiring discussions with a champion.

Getting there

Start: Nice station (12h30)
End: Nice station (15h30)

Transport

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You can get to Nice by train:

  • Departure station > Nice station


From there, we'll pick you up for a transfer to the high-altitude chalet.

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You can leave your car in a free car park at the meeting point.


If you don't have a car, you should know that we are encouraging car-pooling between participants by creating a WhatsApp group 15 days before departure: an opportunity to get to know each other before you even start your expedition!

How to register

1

Step 1

Choose your departure date and number of participants

2

Step 2

Book online by paying a deposit or the full amount directly. It is also possible to book by telephone by calling +32 460 25 61 85 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).
  • If the minimum number of participants is reached, departure is confirmed!
  • If the minimum number of participants is not reached, we will give you a full refund.
Departure is confirmed 15 days in advance for adventures lasting more than 4 days. Departure is confirmed 7 days prior for adventures lasting less than 4 days.
3

Step 3

In the case of a deposit, the remaining amount will be debited from your account before departure.

Your reviews

The opinions of our participants who have placed their trust in us

Frequently asked questions

How comfortable is your home?

You'll sleep in a chalet reserved for your group of adventurers, in a shared room (single beds). On site, you'll have all the comforts you need: sheets, blankets, pillows, bathrooms, as well as a sauna, panoramic terrace and petanque area.

How do I know if I'm good enough to take part?

For this trail course, we will have 2 guides in addition to the athlete Dawa Sherpa, so it will be possible to form groups of different levels if necessary. However, we recommend that you be able to run 10km a day for 3 days.

Do I need to be a member of a trail club?

No, the course is open to everyone, whether or not you are a member of a trail club.

Is there only one possible date?

Yes, there's only one possible date for this course, simply because it's a rare and exclusive event: we're organising it around the presence and guiding of Dawa Sherpa, an ultra-trail athlete with an exceptional career. To guarantee a quality experience (a small group, real follow-up, exchanges with him, personalised advice and real immersion), we have chosen to offer just one session, on this precise date. This is also the strength of the course: a unique opportunity that won't necessarily be repeated every year.

By the way, who is Dawa Sherpa?

A key figure in trail running and a deeply inspirational athlete, Dawa grew up in the Himalayan mountains before becoming one of the great names and pioneers of international ultra-trail running. His career is marked by an impressive list of victories, including the UTMB, the 6000D and the TDS. But Dawa isn't just about his sporting achievements: he's also a humble and committed person, very attached to his country, which he supports through a charity. Having him with us on this course is a rare opportunity: a chance to chat with him and benefit from his invaluable advice, both on the trails and in everyday life.

Are instalment payment options available?

Yes, that's right! At checkout, you can choose the Alma option to pay for your booking in 2x, 3x or 4x. All you have to do is select Alma at checkout and follow the instructions. It's simple, fast and secure.

Can I privatise this expedition for my group?

Yes, all our expeditions can be privatised for a group already formed, on the dates of your choice.

To make your request, go to the expedition that interests you and click on "Privatise the expedition". We'll take care of the rest!

What happens if the weather is bad?

At Wildhartt, nature is our playground, rain or shine. Rain, snow or wind: our guides adapt the itinerary, activities and accommodation to guarantee you the best possible experience.
Unless safety is at stake (storm, avalanche, flood...).


In this exceptional case, we can cancel an expedition, at least one week before departure.
If this happens:
→ You can postpone your adventure at no cost,
→ Or receive a full refund.


What kind of people usually join Wildhartt expeditions ?

You don’t need to be a top athlete or adventure expert to feel at home. Most Wildhartt participants are between 25 and 60 years old, with a balanced mix of women and men.


Many join solo or in small groups of two or three. They often live in cities and are looking for a meaningful brea some time to reconnect with nature, slow down, and enjoy something real.


They usually have a regular movement practice (hiking, running, yoga...), but not with a competitive mindset. They’re in good shape, but don’t necessarily have technical skills. What brings them together is a shared desire to disconnect, observe, learn, and experience nature in a more grounded, accessible way.


If that speaks to you, you'll feel right at home. The group spirit is kind and open, and the pace adapts to everyone.

What does the price of a Wildhartt adventure include?

At Wildhartt, transparency is essential. The price of your expedition reflects a clear breakdown of costs:


  • 30% for our guides, the mainstays of every adventure.
  • 35% for accommodation and meals, essential for your comfort.
  • 10% for equipment and transport, to guarantee safety and fluidity.
  • 25% for organisation and logistics, from first contact to the end of the expedition.
  • 1% for the rewilding of Europe, a concrete commitment to give back to nature what it gives us.

Our priority: to offer you a quality experience, with complete clarity.

Do you have any questions? Contact us.


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From € 500 /pers.-10%

Want to choose your own date with your own group?

Select Alma to pay in 2, 3, or 4 installments.

Hassle-free from start to finish.

Full refund if departure is not confirmed
Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure
Instalment facility available

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