Singletrack Hillary Gerardi on Life in Chamonix, Skyrunning, and the Art of Risk in the Mountains
Aug 27, 2025
Hillary Gerardi, a skyrunner and alpinist based in Chamonix, shares her thrilling journey of racing and risks in the mountains. She discusses her record-setting feat on Mont Blanc and the cultural contrasts between skyrunning in Europe and America. Hillary dives into her experiences navigating visa challenges in France and the emotional growth that ensued. The conversation reflects on community building through running, the intricate connection to Chamonix's history, and how athletes can advocate for societal change while enjoying nature's beauty.
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Early U.S. Race Memory
- Hillary first raced Mansfield Double Up and won the women's field early in her U.S. racing experience.
- She ran few U.S. races and mostly built her career racing in Europe.
Skyrunning vs. Trail Running Size
- Skyrunning is a much smaller, niche discipline than general trail running, largely due to safety and course difficulty.
- In Europe trail running culture is broader with many weekend races of varied distances, increasing accessibility.
Sprint Finish With Jasmine Paris
- At the 2018 Glencoe Skyline Hillary and Jasmine Paris traded places frequently and finished with a sprint.
- Hillary treasured beating Jasmine as one of her proudest moments.
