Trail running

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Trail running

Via Valais Verbier-Zermatt

From Verbier to Zermatt, this 225-kilometre, nine-stage route offers sports enthusiasts 14,000 metres of uphill in the heart of a grandiose setting surrounded by incredible views.

  • Difficulty

    difficult

  • Length

    308.2 km

  • Duration

    69:15 h

  • Show on map
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Travel between rocky passes and intensely green valleys from Verbier to Zermatt, through larch forests and juniper bushes, across vast expanses and along icy blue glaciers. Be sure to observe the changes in landscape, language, cuisine and culture as you move through the valleys. This high altitude route for trail runners does not follow the most direct line from start to finish, but skirts the buttresses, choosing the most picturesque and practicable paths through the Valais in the heart of the Swiss Alps. Each leg finishes in a charming mountain village or in a hut if the route continues at high altitude.

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Turn-by-turn directions

This nine-leg trail, each covering between 20 and 30 kilomtres, starts above Verbier and leads to Zermatt. The Via Valais runs at high altitude, in the heart of the mountains, following marked hiking trails between passes, peaks and huts. The route allows itself a small amount of tar as it passes through certain villages worth visiting. Once you have left Verbier, the villages of Evolène, Zinal and Randa are the only other villages directly on the route before reaching Zermatt. 

 

Verbier - Cabane d'Essertze - Cabane des Aiguilles Rouges - Cabane des Becs de Bosson - Cabane de Moiry - Zinal - Turtmann Hut - Randa - Mountain Lodge Ze Seewijnu - Zermatt

Start: Les Ruinettes (Verbier) (2191 m)
Destination: Zermatt (2161 m)

Author's recommendation

Carry only what is strictly necessary. The system of huts and the passage through different villages will allow you to restock your supplies.

Technical information

  • Altitude

    3346 m 688 m

  • Ascent

    18498 m

  • Descent

    18537 m

  • Technique

    Bewertung: 5 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Stamina

    Bewertung: 6 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Experience

    Bewertung: 5 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Landscape

    Bewertung: 6 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

Best time of year

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
  • Linear route
  • Multi-stage route
  • Scenic
  • Geological highlights
  • Fauna
  • Insider tip
  • Summit route
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Cultural/historical interest
  • Flora
  • Cableway ascent/descent

Public transport

Take the train to Martigny station, then to Le Châble. Take the gondola lift between Le Châble and Verbier, followed by a second one from Verbier to Les Ruinettes.

After completing the ninth leg of the Via Valais, there are frequent trains from Zermatt to everywhere in Switzerland.

Approach

Take the A9/E62 motorway to Martigny, then continue on the Route du Grand-Saint-Bernard/Route 21 via Sembrancher to Le Châble.

It is advisable however to use public transport as this is a multi-leg route that ends in Zermatt.

Parking

240 free parking spaces are available at the Le Châble Aerial Cableway station for a maximum of ten days.

Equipment

We recommend: 

  • Good footwear
  • Weather-appropriate clothing: always carry a waterproof jacket
  • Hat or peak cap
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle
  • Hiking poles

Safety information

Use of the trails and the information on this website is at your own risk. Local conditions may entail changes to routes. Valais/Wallis Promotion accepts no liability for the accuracy and completeness of information on this website.

 

For all trails:

  • Use marked trails only, and take note of all signposting – for both your own safety as well as that of grazing animals and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
  • Close gates after passing through.
  • Please treat other trail users, as well as the plants and animals, with respect.

 

For mountain trails:

  • Take extra care protecting yourself from the sun at high altitudes. UV radiation can be exceptionally strong, even in cloudy weather.
  • Plan your trail carefully: take the fitness level of each participant, weather forecast and season into consideration.
  • Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, without warning. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In case of uncertain weather conditions, turn back in good time.
  • Inform others of the route you plan to take. Whenever possible, avoid going alone.
  • Take note of warning signs indicating the constant danger in river beds and along watercourses below dams and reservoirs: water levels may rise rapidly without warning.

Additional information

More information about the destination:

Literature

The tourist office in Verbier will provide information regarding trail running in the region.

Maps

SwissTopo Maps:

1:50’000 Hiking: 5003 Mont Blanc – Grand Combin 

1:50’000 Hiking: 5006 Matterhorn – Mischabel