Mountain Running in the Canton of Neuchâtel

With the Creux-du-Van, the Mont Racine and the Tête de Ran as headliners, mountain running in the canton of Neuchâtel has plenty to seduce fans of steep slopes 🏔️. The ridges of the Jura offer open pastures, fir forests, limestone cliffs and wide panoramas over the lake and, on a clear day, the Alps. The climbs are often steeper than they are long, with high-altitude finishes that reward the effort with a view over the region's lakes and the neighboring ridges. Here, you climb without rushing, at the pace of the pastures and isolated farms.

The Swiss Canyon Trail combines sharp climbs, passages through gorges and technical descents in the heart of the Val-de-Travers 🧚, while the Course du Doubs runs from Les Brenets along the natural trails of the Neuchâtel Mountains ⛰️. Each race has its own character: one plays on gorges and waterfalls, the other on pastures and forests, so you can choose according to your level, your current form and the scenery you want to run through, from the banks of the Doubs to the summits of the Val-de-Travers.

To climb well, work on active walking on the steep sections and always pack a warm layer for the summit, as the wind cools you down quickly there 🧤. Train on short, steep hills for power, then on long climbs at a steady pace for endurance. The trails in the canton of Neuchâtel also serve as a training ground before the season, with paths near the lake as well as on the ridges.

The canton's mountain running calendar runs from spring to summer ☀️. For some variety, also check out the mountain races in Vaud, the mountain races in Bern and the mountain races in Switzerland and spot your next ascent 🏃. Each race tells the story of a different mountain, it's up to you to choose yours.