Ultra-Trails in Vaud

The canton of Vaud doesn't stand out as the epicenter of ultra running, but its terrain offers an unexpected playground 🌄. Between Lake Geneva and the Prealps, the courses string together steep climbs, fir forests and descents toward the lakeshore. For an ultra-trail in Vaud, it's best to love long distances that alternate between altitude and waterside, with the Vaud Alps in your sights.

The season is concentrated from June to September, when the high-altitude trails are clear. Cool nights, summer thunderstorms in the mountains and mist over the lake call for good gear, especially since the August heat can be a surprise on the plains ☀️. Headlamp, warm layers and patience remain the right reflexes before committing to more than 80 km. The Vallée de Joux, frozen in winter, is a reminder that the region can also be harsh 🌙.

The Vaud ultra-trail calendar brings together a few standout events. The Montreux Trail Festival, in July, offers long formats above Lake Geneva 🌊. In Apples, The Hybrid Ultra takes place in early August on a repeating-loop format where every hour counts, a backyard ultra as festive as it is cruel. In September, Humani'Trail closes the season in Ormont-Dessus, at the foot of the Diablerets. For other distances, take a look at the trails in Vaud. Before signing up, checking the elevation gain and cut-off times of each race is always a good habit.

To reward finishers, the Vallée de Joux offers its melting Vacherin Mont-d'Or, and the region its cabbage sausage 🧀. The trails vary between wide forest paths and steep single tracks, which makes a change from asphalt. Ultra-trail runners find a more intimate atmosphere here than at the big Alpine events, with aid stations where you take the time to chat. Choose your distance, pack your bag and let Vaud surprise you, by night as by day.