Trail du Besso 2026
- Next eventย :ย Sat, September 5, 2026Date confirmed
- Last eventย :ย Sat, August 30, 2025
The event in a few words
Ready to discover the crรจme de la crรจme of trail Switzerland? ๐จ๐ญ And when we talk about crรจme, we're not talking about the one that melts in the little chocolates served with your coffee โ. In September, you'll aim for the summits, and not just any summits, those of the mountains in the heart of the canton of Valais โฐ๏ธ. So head to Ayer for the Snowleader Trail du Besso, an event offering 2 distances full of color, kilometers, and elevation gain! ๐คฉ You can already feel the trail enthusiasts getting excited! ๐คค
Without further ado, here is the program of the Snowleader Trail du Besso : for the pleasure of amateurs and professionals, you will be offered the Trail du Besso, 59 km and 5,800 mD+ or the Tour du Roc, which consists of 25.5 km and 2,230 mD+ ๐ช. For both distances, the challenge will be to finish before nightfall! ๐ So are you convinced? Not yet? No problem, the full splendor of this event has not yet been revealed. In the heart of the five 4000s, this extreme alpine trail connects the five huts at the end of the Val d'Anniviers using almost forgotten old alpine paths ๐. Two glaciers and 4 passages over 3,000 m in altitude will offer you breathtaking views of the peaks of Zinal โท๏ธ. It is indeed 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! ๐ฟ Speaking of the start, it is specially adjusted to your level, at 3 AM or 5 AM (if you have less than 600 ITRA points, it is recommended to start at 3 AM, ensuring you stay within the time barrier and take on the challenge) โฐ.
After the race, you'll have ample opportunity and deserve to enjoy the surroundings ๐. You're already in an amazing setting, so no need to go far to dazzle your eyes! So why not extend the adventure? ๐บ๏ธ You can continue your sports escape by exploring the trails of these charming Swiss mountains, or you can explore the charming city of Sierre, known for its vineyards and its rich cultural heritage ๐ท. Visit also the Valaisan Museum of Vine and Wine, or relax at the splendid Lake Gรฉronde with its peaceful waters that will provide you the comfort needed after this tough challenge! ๐ For thrill-seekers, why not try an excursion to the Funicular of Saint-Luc which offers incredible panoramic views of the Alps ๐๏ธ. You can even get lost in the picturesque alleys of Grimentz with its typical chalets and mountain atmosphere ๐ฅพ.
The Trail du Besso is more than a race; it's an unforgettable experience! Come live intense moments and share your passion with other runners ๐ .
4 reasons to join this race
A distance for every taste
59โkmTOP
25.5โkm
- Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 3:00 AM
- Elevation gainย :ย 5800mD+
- 3 ITRA points
- 1 loopx59โkm
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, to the first refreshment point at the Col de Sorebois (2,836 m) ๐ฆ. You will then climb back along the ridge to the summit of the Garde de Bordon, highest point of the course (3,309 m)! ๐
From the summit, you will dive into the Moiry valley with a stop at the control station of Chรขteauprรฉ (2352 m) then ascend the Moiry glacier via the West ridge and cross it to reach the Moiry cabin (2,825 m) where your 2nd refreshment will be ๐๏ธ.
The route then climbs towards the col du Pigne de la Lรฉ (3,137 m) before descending to the Petit Mountet cabin (2,139 m) with the 3rd refreshment/control point. Ascent of the Zinal glacier up to the Grand Mountet cabin (2,886 m) and finally, a well-deserved 4th refreshment... ๐ฅค You descend through the main path to the Arpitettaz bridge (1,910 m) with a final control station. From there, a beautiful climb to the Arpitettaz cabin (2,786 m) awaits you, with your 5th refreshment. Then pass the col de Milon (2,975 m) and a final effort to face the boulder fields leading to the Tracuit cabin (3,259 m) with the last refreshment. The final descent of -1,600 m brings you back to Zinal ๐.
25.5โkm : Tour of the Roc 25.5K
Trail- Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 3:00 AM
- Elevation gainย :ย 2230mD+
- 2 ITRA points
- 1 loopx25.5โkm
A few more words
This trail starts at Zinal (1,674 m) to take you to the hut of Petit Mountet (2,139 m). You will find the 1st refreshment station there, then you will pass by the Arpitettaz bridge (1,910 m). The ascent to Arpitettaz (2,786 m) will then begin, where your 2nd refreshment station ๐ฅค awaits you. A small climb to the Col de Milon (2,975 m) and one last effort to tackle the scree leading to the Tracuit hut (3,259 m) where the 3rd and final refreshment station is located. There remains one last descent of -1,600 m and you are back at Zinal! ๐
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
You must be at least 18 years old to participate. Minors wishing to participate must present parental authorization.
You can pick up your race number on Friday, September 4, 2026, from 4 PM to 7:30 PM.
No medical certificate is required. However, it is recommended to have consulted a doctor beforehand to ensure you have the physical capacity to participate in the event. Additionally, you must:
be aware of the length and difficulty of the event
be able to face difficult weather conditions due to altitude (night, wind, cold, fog, rain, or snow) without outside help
manage physical or mental issues resulting from great fatigue, digestive problems, muscle or joint pain, minor injuries...
be in good physical condition and not suffer from any contraindications to endurance sports
be capable of orienting yourself and making appropriate decisions in case of getting lost or marking problems
be aware that the organization cannot guarantee absolute safety during the race
be aware that you are evolving in a mountain environment on alpine paths and accept the risks involved (falling rocks,โฆ)
The events take place in semi-self-sufficiency. You must, therefore, manage your provisions outside of the refreshment points.
Indeed, the trail being very technical and demanding, you must already possess 4 ITRA points to register for the Trail du Besso. These must have been acquired in the 2 years preceding registration, counting from the day of registration, in at most 2 qualifying races.
Trail du Besso (03:00 AM): 18 hours
Trail du Besso (05:00 AM): 16 hours
Tour du Roc: 10 hours
The runners of the Trail du Besso choose their departure time according to their estimated level. It is strongly advised for those with less than 600 ITRA points to start at 03:00 AM to avoid the risk of being stopped by the first time barriers.
Mandatory along the entire route, for the Trail du Besso (checked during the course):
backpack or waist pack of similar capacity to carry all mandatory equipment
water reserve, minimum 1 liter
a functioning headlamp
survival blanket
whistle
elastic adhesive bandage for a bandage (minimum 80cm x 3cm)
waterproof jacket suitable for bad weather in the mountains
second layer: long-sleeved sweater (T-shirt + arm sleeves not sufficient)
long-legged running pants or combination of running tights and socks fully covering the legs
a pair of gloves (latex, plastic, or similar gloves are not allowed)
a hat
sunglasses
personal cup for refreshments
working and switched-on mobile phone
identity card
min.10 CHF
light trail crampons (Moiry glacier crossing)
Mandatory equipment for the Tour du Roc: (checked during the course):
water reserve, minimum 1 liter
survival blanket
whistle
elastic adhesive bandage for a bandage (minimum 80cm x 3 cm)
waterproof jacket suitable for bad weather in the mountains
second layer: long-sleeved sweater (T-shirt + arm sleeves not sufficient)
long-legged running pants or combination of running tights and socks fully covering the legs
a pair of gloves (latex, plastic, or similar gloves are not allowed)
a hat
sunglasses
personal cup for refreshments
working and switched-on mobile phone
identity card
min.10 CHF
Focus
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