Ultra-Trails in Valais

Few regions in Europe line up so many long distances in such a small area 🏔️. Valais strings together deep valleys, passes above 2,500 m and hanging glaciers, from Lake Geneva to the gateway of Italy. For an ultra-trail in Valais, the action takes place at altitude, often at night, facing the Matterhorn and the Monte Rosa massif, where the Dufourspitze peaks at 4,634 m, the highest point in Switzerland.

These races cross several different worlds. Lowland villages, larch forests, alpine pastures still covered in snowfields in June, then moraines where trail markings become a runner's best friend ❄️. The ideal window opens from late July to early September, when the passes clear. High-altitude storms and temperature swings demand that you arrive prepared, with patience and a good sense of direction. Packing a headlamp and warm clothing remains the rule, even in midsummer.

The Valais ultra-trail calendar brings together the big names. The Trail Verbier St Bernard by UTMB® kicks off the summer in July, and the Swiss Alps 100 sends its runners off from Fiesch in early August 🌄. Also in August, the SwissPeaks Trail starts from Port-Valais, while the Ultra Tour Monte Rosa begins in Grächen. September brings the Wildstrubel by UTMB ®, in Crans-Montana, and the CHA CHA CHA ULTRA, in Bagnes, to close the season in style 🎉. For shorter distances, head to the trails in Valais.

At the Great St Bernard Pass, the famous rescue dogs have watched over travelers for centuries, a fine image for runners making their way to an aid station at dawn 🐕. Upper Valais speaks German, Lower Valais speaks French, and the aid stations mostly speak cheese and hot soup. Choose your distance, your moment, and let the scenery carry the rest of the adventure. In the valleys, every village cheers on the runners passing through, whatever the hour.