Snowleader Trail du Besso 2027
- Next event : Early September 2027
- Last event : Sat, September 5, 2026
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
- Early September 2027
- 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- Early September 2027
- 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. Under-18s who wish to take part must provide parental consent.
You can pick up your race bib on Friday, September 4 and Saturday, September 5, 2026 depending on your start time, between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm.
No medical certificate is required. However, we recommend seeing a doctor beforehand to make sure you’re fit to take part. In addition, you must:
be aware of the distance and difficulty of the race
be able to cope without outside assistance with tough weather conditions due to altitude (night, wind, cold, fog, rain, or snow)
be able to manage physical or mental issues caused by extreme fatigue, digestive problems, muscle or joint pain, minor injuries, etc.
be in good physical condition and have no contraindications to endurance sports
be able to navigate and make the right decisions if you get lost or if marking is unclear
understand that the organizers cannot guarantee absolute safety during the race
understand you’ll be moving through a mountain environment on alpine trails and accept the related risks (rockfall, etc.)
The races are run in semi self-sufficiency. You’ll need to manage your food and supplies between aid stations.
Yes. Because the trail is very technical and demanding, you must already have 4 ITRA points to register for the Trail du Besso. These points must have been earned within the 2 years prior to registration (counted back from your registration date), across a maximum of 2 qualifying races.
Trail du Besso (03:00 start): 18 hours
Trail du Besso (05:00 start): 16 hours
Tour du Roc: 10 hours
Trail du Besso runners choose their start time based on their estimated level. If you have fewer than 600 ITRA points, starting at 03:00 is strongly recommended so you don’t risk being stopped by the first cut-offs.
Mandatory throughout the entire route for the Trail du Besso (checked on course):
backpack or running belt of similar capacity to carry all mandatory equipment
water supply, minimum 1 litre
a headlamp/torch in working order
survival blanket
whistle
elastic adhesive bandage for a bandage (min. 80 cm x 3 cm)
waterproof jacket suitable for bad mountain weather
second layer: long-sleeve top (T-shirt + arm warmers is not sufficient)
long running trousers/tights, or tights plus socks fully covering the legs
a pair of gloves (latex/plastic gloves or similar are not allowed)
a beanie/hat
sunglasses
your own cup for aid stations
mobile phone in working order and switched on
ID card
min. 10 CHF
light trail crampons (Moiry Glacier crossing)
Mandatory kit for the Tour du Roc (checked on course):
water supply, minimum 1 litre
survival blanket
whistle
elastic adhesive bandage for a bandage (min. 80 cm x 3 cm)
waterproof jacket suitable for bad mountain weather
second layer: long-sleeve top (T-shirt + arm warmers is not sufficient)
long running trousers/tights, or tights plus socks fully covering the legs
a pair of gloves (latex/plastic gloves or similar are not allowed)
a beanie/hat
sunglasses
your own cup for aid stations
mobile phone in working order and switched on
ID card
min. 10 CHF
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