Snowleader Trail du Besso 2026
- Next event : Sat, September 5, 2026Date confirmed
- Last event : Sat, August 30, 2025
The event in a few words
Ready to discover the crème de la crème of trail running in Switzerland? 🇨🇭 And when we say “crème,” we’re not talking about the kind that melts into the little chocolates served with your coffee ☕. In September, you’re going to aim for the summits—and not just any ones: those of the mountains in the heart of the canton of Valais ⛰️. So meet up in Ayer for the Snowleader Trail du Besso, an event offering 2 distances bursting with character, both in kilometers and in elevation gain! 🤩 We can already hear trail running lovers licking their lips! 🤤
Without further ado, here’s the program for the Snowleader Trail du Besso : for the enjoyment of amateurs and professionals alike, you’ll be offered the “Trail du Besso,” 59 km and 5,800 m D+ or the Tour du Roc, which is made up of 25.5 km and 2,230 m D+ 💪. For both distances, the challenge will be to finish before nightfall! 🌙 So, convinced? Not yet? No problem—the full splendor of this event hasn’t been revealed yet. In the heart of the five 4000ers, this extreme alpine trail links the five huts at the back of the Val d'Anniviers via old, almost forgotten alpine paths 🔍. Two glaciers and 4 passages above 3,000 m in altitude will leave you in awe of the peaks of Zinal ⛷️. It’s in this superb ski resort that the start will take place. Many alpine athletes come here to train, but not at the same time—and not in the same discipline as you! 🎿 Speaking of the start, it is specially set to match your level, at 3 a.m. or 5 a.m. (if you have fewer than 600 ITRA points, you’re advised to start at 3 a.m.; it will help ensure you stay within the time limits and take on the challenge) ⏰.
After the race, you’ll have plenty of opportunity—and you’ll have earned it—to enjoy the surroundings 👀. You’re already in a mind-blowing setting, so there’s no need to go far to feast your eyes! So why not extend the adventure? 🗺️ You can continue your sporty getaway by going to discover the trails of these charming Swiss mountains, but you can also, less than an hour’s drive away, explore the charming town of Sierre, known for its vineyards and its rich cultural heritage 🍷. Also visit the Valais Museum of Vine and Wine, or relax at the splendid Lake Géronde, with its peaceful waters that will give you all the comfort you need after this tough challenge! 😎 For thrill seekers, why not try an outing on the St-Luc – Tignousa Funicular, which will let you admire incredible panoramic views of the Alps 🏔️. You could even go as far as getting lost in the picturesque alleys of Grimentz, with its typical chalets and mountain atmosphere? 🥾
The Snowleader Trail du Besso is more than a race—it’s an unforgettable experience! Come live some powerful moments and share your passion with other runners 🏅.
4 reasons to join this race
A distance for every taste
59 kmTOP
25.5 km
- Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 3:00 AM
- Elevation gain : 5800mD+
- 3 ITRA points
- 1 loopx59 km
A few more words
The route starts in Zinal (1,674 m) and will take you to the heights of Sorebois via the Pointe de Tsirouc, up to the 1st aid station at the Col de Sorebois (2,836 m) 💦. You will then climb back up the ridge to the summit of the Garde de Bordon, the highest point of the course (3,309 m)! 📍
From the summit, you will plunge down into the Moiry valley with a stop at the checkpoint at Châteaupré (2,352 m), then you will climb back up the Moiry Glacier via the West ridge and cross it to reach the Moiry hut (2,825 m), where your 2nd aid station will be held 🏔️.
The route then climbs toward the Col du Pigne de la Lé (3,137 m) before descending to the Petit Mountet hut (2,139 m) with the 3rd aid station/checkpoint. Climb up the Zinal Glacier to the Grand Mountet hut (2,886 m) and finally, a well-deserved 4th aid station... 🥤 You descend via the main path to the Pont de l'Arpitettaz (1,910 m) with a final checkpoint. From there, a beautiful climb up to the Arpitettaz hut (2,786 m) awaits you, with your 5th aid station. Then you pass the Col de Milon (2,975 m) and one last effort to tackle the scree fields leading to the Tracuit hut (3,259 m) with the last aid station. The final descent of -1,600 m brings you back to Zinal 🏁.
25.5 km : Tour du Roc 25.5K
Trail- Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 3:00 AM
- Elevation gain : 2230mD+
- 2 ITRA points
- 1 loopx25.5 km
A few more words
This trail starts from Zinal (1,674 m) to take you up to the Petit Mountet hut (2,139 m). There you’ll find the 1st aid station, then you’ll pass by the Arpitettaz bridge (1,910 m). Next comes the climb to Arpitettaz (2,786 m), where your 2nd aid station🥤 will be waiting for you. A short ascent to the Col de Milon (2,975 m) and one last push to tackle the scree fields leading to the Tracuit hut (3,259 m), where the 3rd and final aid station is located. All that’s left is one last little descent of -1,600 m and you’re back in Zinal! 🏁
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
You must be at least 18 years old to participate. Minors wishing to take part must provide parental consent.
You will be able to pick up your bib on Friday, September 4, 2026 from 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm.
No medical certificate is required. However, it is recommended that you consult a doctor beforehand to make sure you have the physical capacity to take part in the event. In addition, you must:
be aware of the length and difficulty of the race
know how to face, without outside assistance, difficult weather conditions due to altitude (night, wind, cold, fog, rain or snow)
know how to manage physical or mental issues resulting from severe fatigue, digestive problems, muscle or joint pain, minor injuries...
be in good physical shape and have no contraindications to endurance sports
be able to navigate and make appropriate decisions in case of getting lost or if there is an issue with the course markings
be aware that the organization cannot guarantee absolute safety during the race
be aware that you will be in a mountainous environment on alpine paths and accept the associated risks (rockfall, …)
The races are run in semi self-sufficiency. You will therefore need to manage your supplies well outside of the aid stations.
Yes, since the trail is very technical and demanding, you must already have 4 ITRA points to register for the Trail du Besso. These must have been earned in the 2 years preceding registration, counted from the day of registration, in a maximum of 2 qualifying races.
Trail du Besso (03:00): 18 hours
Trail du Besso (05:00): 16 hours
Tour du Roc: 10 hours
Trail du Besso runners choose their start time depending on their estimated level. It is strongly advised for people with fewer than 600 ITRA points to start at 03:00 so as not to risk being stopped by the first time barriers.
Mandatory along the entire route, for the Trail du Besso (checks on the course):
backpack or waist belt of similar capacity allowing you to carry all mandatory gear
water supply, minimum 1 liter
a headlamp in good working order
emergency blanket
whistle
adhesive elastic bandage for making a wrap (min. 80 cm x 3 cm)
waterproof jacket capable of withstanding bad mountain weather
second layer: long-sleeve top (T-shirt + arm sleeves is not sufficient)
pants or long-leg running tights, or a combination of running tights and socks fully covering the legs
a pair of gloves (latex, plastic or similar gloves are not permitted)
a beanie
sunglasses
personal cup for aid stations
mobile phone in working order and switched on
ID card
min. 10 CHF
Light trail crampons (crossing the Moiry Glacier)
Mandatory equipment for the Tour du Roc: (checks on the course):
water supply, minimum 1 liter
emergency blanket
whistle
adhesive elastic bandage for making a wrap (min. 80 cm x 3 cm)
waterproof jacket capable of withstanding bad mountain weather
second layer: long-sleeve top (T-shirt + arm sleeves is not sufficient)
pants or long-leg running tights, or a combination of running tights and socks fully covering the legs
a pair of gloves (latex, plastic or similar gloves are not permitted)
a beanie
sunglasses
personal cup for aid stations
mobile phone in working order and switched on
ID card
min. 10 CHF
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