An Autumn Adventure Up The Saleve

Happy Saturday!

As promised by many of the locals in Geneva, the rainy, gray days of November have arrived. While the cool, gray weather can get depressing, I find that the best way to stay happy is through exercise and fresh air! Renaud suggested we head up to the Saleve this morning to see the path in Autumn beauty!

After 9 months of raving about the great trail running and hiking adventure I experienced on the Saleve in February, I was excited to share to finally share the beauty with Bo and two other friends. Our group of 5 met this morning at the bus stop outside our flat at 8, ready to head over towards the base of the Saleve. The weather was around 33 degrees though Renaud expected temperatures in the 20s once we reached the top of the Saleve.

By 8:30 we arrived at the small town a mile from the trail entrance, ready for a great morning. I wasn’t sure how today’s experience would compare to the winter hike and run as I knew there would be wet leaves in place of snow. After our mile warm-up run towards the trail Renaud shared his tips with the group, advising that we find a slow, steady pace up the mountain or our “hearts would explode.” He warned us of slippery rocks and loose leaves.

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Over the next hour our path took us up along the mountain with sporadic views out of the fog, overlooking Geneva. Though our lungs and legs were burning, everyone was enjoying the experience. Anytime the trail was flat we would run as quickly as possible but the rest of the time, especially in the steep areas, we hiked at as fast a pace as possible.

The next hour of the adventure we encountered snow, beginning first in small clumps on the trees and then it eventually surrounded us. While I love Fall, I definitely find a peaceful beauty in the Saleve when the trail is dusted with snow. The temperatures also dropped quite quickly, causing each of us to add our extra layers including globes, ear warmers and wind breakers. DSC02891DSC02893841290_10151823792746969_821762980_oAs we summited the Saleve we felt as if we were in a snow globe. The fog limited our view to only a few feet in front of us but the snow and brisk air was exhilarating! 1456886_10151823772291969_764442808_n1458870_10151823773511969_1241608241_n1472176_10151823772696969_1567404319_n1454461_10151823773171969_507424231_nCheck out the amazing snow and icicles covering the tree limbs! By this point our ponytails were covered in snow and ice. Even my eyelashes were covered in small icicles! 1418292_10151823773246969_330317730_nOur journey down required a great deal of caution, more so than last year in the snow. The steep decline down was covered in exposed roots and stones, many of which had frost or icy patches. In addition, without the snow to cover the path our fears were a bit more present. 1461975_10151823772606969_971388416_n1232663_10151823772211969_843044431_n1418263_10151823771361969_479574648_n1422861_10151823771886969_1176895999_nOn our way down we even saw a natural bridge and explored a cave path complete with icicles and a chain link railing to support us. 1454506_10151823771416969_275510455_n1464969_10151823771406969_1049063136_nMore than 3 hours later our group of five found ourselves high fiving and celebrating a successful 8 miles adventure up and down the Saleve! While it was far harder this year due to the wet and slippery leaves, I still enjoyed every moment. The mix of hiking and running left me exhilarated and humbled.  I know I will be sore tomorrow! I can’t wait to return in a few weeks, after the first big snow, to enjoy the snow covered trails again.

Fall or winter running? Which to do you prefer?

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14 Comments

  1. Ashley @ Power, Love, and Self-Discipline November 16, 2013 / 4:48 pm

    Oh my goodness Ashley, these pictures are incredible! Absolutely beautiful with the snow and fog. I can only imagine what it was like in person!

    • ashleyd November 18, 2013 / 10:07 pm

      I am so glad you enjoyed them Ashley! It wasn’t as cold as it looks but it was fabulous!

  2. Cathryn November 16, 2013 / 6:53 pm

    Green with envy. Off to eat some cake to comfort myself. This looks incredible.

  3. Lynne November 16, 2013 / 11:52 pm

    Great pictures Ashley! Time for you to get crampons or spikes for your running shoes!

    • ashleyd November 18, 2013 / 10:10 pm

      Haha Lynne I’m surprised no one uses those here!

    • ashleyd November 18, 2013 / 10:10 pm

      Thank Sally! It was so much fun! I can’t wait to go again!!

  4. Kathy Q November 18, 2013 / 1:41 am

    So awesome! Looks like you are having some incredible adventures. Your photos are amazing!

    • ashleyd November 18, 2013 / 5:30 am

      Thanks! We are trying to enjoy each moment!

  5. kristi@runkwrun.blogspot.com November 18, 2013 / 3:13 pm

    Wow ! Those pictures are amazing. I bet you could send them in to Runners World. They may publish them or at least put them on the website.

    I’ve never really had winter running like that before ever. So, I guess I will say Fall running. For us down here in Texas, Fall means temperatures in the low 80s and high 70s, but low low low humidity. So, it’s a nice break after the Summer. Our trees don’t really change color, but I have seen a few and it’s pretty. I will be in London over Christmas and would like to do a run there and it may be snowing. So, I guess I can let you know then about winter running.

    • ashleyd November 18, 2013 / 10:08 pm

      Kristi that is such a fun idea! I have no idea how to submit pictures to Runners World but maybe I’ll try?

  6. Ashley November 18, 2013 / 6:47 pm

    Fall running, absolutely. Although thankfully here in Denver we get quite a few nice days in Winter as well.. It’s just about getting out at the right time.

    PS: I cannot believe Bo went out in shorts! Crazy!

    • ashleyd November 18, 2013 / 10:08 pm

      It wasn’t as cold as it looks Ashley! He was warm the entire time except for his fingers!

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