Switzerland is a trail runner’s paradise. With its breathtaking alpine landscapes, efficient logistics, and rich outdoor culture, it’s no surprise that the country hosts some of the most iconic trail races in Europe. Whether you’re an elite ultrarunner or a passionate weekend warrior, Switzerland offers trail races with snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, suspension bridges, and thousands of meters of elevation gain.
Here’s a guide to the top trail running competitions in Switzerland, including distances, elevation, dates, participant numbers, and registration info.
🏔️ 1. Sierre-Zinal
Location: Sierre to Zinal, Valais
Date: Annually in August
Distance: 31 km
Elevation Gain: 2,200 m
Participants: Over 5,000
Website: sierre-zinal.com
Nicknamed “The Race of the Five 4000ers,” Sierre-Zinal is legendary. It showcases the Weisshorn, Zinalrothorn, Ober Gabelhorn, Matterhorn, and Dent Blanche — all visible from the trail. It’s fast, technical, and one of the oldest mountain races in Europe, held since 1974. It’s also part of the Golden Trail Series, attracting the world’s top elite athletes.
✅ Perfect for: competitive runners and mountain lovers looking for a historic race with a festival-like atmosphere.
🏃♂️ 2. Swiss Alps 100
Location: Fiesch, Valais
Date: August 8–10, 2025
Distances: 10.3 km (Vertical), 50 km, 100 km, 160 km
Elevation Gain: Up to 10,150 m for the 160 km race
Website: swissalps100.com
This is one of Switzerland’s toughest ultras, running through UNESCO-listed Aletsch Glacier, high passes, and dramatic ridgelines. The 160 km ultra is a Hardrock 100 and Western States qualifier. Unique features include night running, LED-lit trails, and post-race massages for all runners.
✅ Perfect for: experienced ultrarunners looking for vertical gain and glacier views.
🏞️ 3. Trail Verbier St Bernard by UTMB
Location: Verbier, Valais
Date: Annually in July
Distances: 140 km, 76 km, 45 km, 26 km
Website: verbier.utmb.world
A UTMB World Series Event, this ultra trail is known for technical descents, long climbs, and panoramic alpine views. The longest course, the X-Alpine 140K, takes runners over mountain passes at 2,700+ meters and through spectacular sections like the Grand Saint Bernard Pass.
✅ Perfect for: serious ultrarunners looking to collect UTMB points and test their limits in high altitude conditions.
🏔️ 4. Jungfrau Marathon
Location: Interlaken to Eigergletscher
Date: Annually in September
Distance: 42.195 km
Elevation Gain: 1,953 m
Participants: Approximately 3,500
Website: jungfrau-marathon.ch
Often called the “most beautiful marathon in the world,” this alpine race starts in Interlaken and finishes below the north face of the Eiger. It’s technically a marathon but has the elevation gain of a moderate trail race. Expect cheering villages, alphorns, and breathtaking scenery.
✅ Perfect for: first-time mountain runners and marathoners stepping into the trail world.
🏃♀️ 5. Matterhorn Ultraks
Location: Zermatt, Valais
Date: Annually in August
Distances: 16 km, 30 km, 46 km, 49 km (Extreme)
Website: matterhorn.ultraks.ch
Running beneath the iconic Matterhorn, Ultraks is one of the most photogenic races in Europe. The “EXTREME” course is reserved for technical trail lovers with scrambling and exposure, while the shorter routes offer entry points for beginners.
✅ Perfect for: runners who want epic views + a range of difficulty.
🏞️ 6. Swiss Canyon Trail
Location: Val-de-Travers, Neuchâtel
Date: June 6–8, 2025
Distances: 111 km, 81 km, 51 km, 31 km
Website: swisscanyontrail.com
This event is famous for the Creux du Van, Switzerland’s version of the Grand Canyon. With gorges, waterfalls, forest single tracks, and technical rock passages, it blends natural beauty with trail challenge.
✅ Perfect for: runners seeking a wild, forested adventure with less alpine exposure.
🏔️ 7. Davos X-Trails
Location: Davos, Graubünden
Date: Annually in July
Distances: 68 km (Diamond), 43 km (Gold), 23 km (Silver), 10 km (Bronze)
Website: davos-xtrails.ch
One of the few big trail events in Eastern Switzerland, Davos X-Trails is both accessible and scenic. You’ll run along alpine lakes, meadows, and through cozy alpine villages with snow-tipped peaks in the distance.
✅ Perfect for: runners of all levels, especially beginners looking to progress.
🏃♂️ 8. Trail des Dents du Midi
Location: Valais
Date: Annually in September
Distances: 57 km, 32 km, 13 km
Website: traildentsdumidi.ch
Named after the iconic Dents du Midi range, this race follows alpine ridges and meadows with clear lake reflections and rocky trails. The event has a local village charm, yet the views and difficulty are world-class.
✅ Perfect for: scenic runners and those seeking authentic Swiss mountain village hospitality.
🏞️ 9. Wildstrubel by UTMB
Location: Crans-Montana, Valais
Date: Annually in September
Distances: 50 km, 70 km, 110 km
Website: wildstrubel.utmb.world
A newer addition to the UTMB World Series, this race covers the Wildstrubel massif and connects the cantons of Valais and Bern. Trails go through Leukerbad, Adelboden, and Kandersteg with impressive high alpine passes and panoramic views.
✅ Perfect for: runners collecting UTMB stones or those wanting a multi-day mountain adventure.
⛰️ 10. Aletsch Half Marathon
Location: Bettmeralp, Valais
Date: Late June
Distance: 21.1 km
Elevation gain: +1,050 m
🔗 Website
Overlooking Europe’s longest glacier, the Aletsch Glacier, this half marathon is short but punchy. The course rises steadily with panoramic views and ends on a ridge above 2,600 meters.
✅ Perfect for: those wanting a shorter race with spectacular glacier scenery.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re chasing UTMB points or your first sky race, Switzerland’s trail competitions offer something unforgettable. With efficient public transport, world-class alpine safety, and warm Swiss hospitality, these races are as much about the journey as the challenge.
✅ Pro tip: Many races fill up months in advance — register early and book lodging as soon as you can.
