The Via Valais is one of the latest and greatest additions to Switzerland’s already-impressive trail network. Adapted from the Haute Route by experts and enthusiasts, the trail was made to maximize runnable ground, minimize crowded sections, and ensure access to the most spectacular scenery. With high daily distances and frequent altitude switch-ups, it’s one of the most challenging runs in the Swiss Alps. However, it’s well worth the sweat — the trail will take you to the most iconic sights in Valais, such as Zermatt, the Charles Kuonen bridge, and the Europaweg, with views of Matterhorn and Mont Blanc behind every rocky bend. Want to learn why all the runners are raving about Valais? We’ll see ya on the Via!
Run one of the newest, most well-designed routes in the Swiss Alps
Push your limits in jaw-dropping alpine environments
Explore traditional villages beneath Europe’s greatest summits
Land in Geneva or Zurich airport and travel to Arolla, a beautiful village at the very end of the Hérens valley, via train and then Swiss Postbus. You’ll spend your first night in the historic Hotel Kurhaus, where you can unwind and enjoy the views from the lawn or your shady terrace.
Accommodations: Hotel Kurhaus
Meals: Dinner
Get a sampler of trail running in the Swiss alps by running up to the Swiss Alpine Club’s Cabane des Aiguilles Rouges or the Pas de Chèvre. You’ll also have plenty of time to explore and enjoy the rustic, traditional Swiss village of Arolla.
Accommodations: Hotel Kurhaus
Meals: Breakfast, trail snacks, dinner
Running: 18-25 km/ 11-15 miles
Elevation change: 800-1300 m/ 2620-4270 ft
Take a taxi to the village of Les Haudères, and warm up with a short run by the river. Once you reach the village of Evolène, head uphill to the Becs de Bosson mountain hut at the height of 3,000 m/ 9,845 ft. Your reward? Views of the largest and most impressive summit in Europe, Mont Blanc. Bag delivery isn’t possible, so you will fastpack, bringing minimal gear for your night at this high alpine hut. Tuck into your cozy dorm room and get a good night’s sleep.
Accommodations: Becs de Bosson mountain hut
Meals: Breakfast, trail snacks, dinner
Running: 15 km/ 9 miles
Elevation gain: 1,700 m/ 5,580 ft
Start day 4 with a descent down to the Lac de Lona. After a short climb, reach the Basset de Lona pass and enjoy a long descent to Lake Moiry. The second ascent is a bit tougher, up to a high point called Corne de Sorebois. From there, descend to the very bottom of the valley, to your hotel in the small village of Zinal. Choose between a more direct route down, a tram, or a longer route along the Petit Mountet Cabane.
Accommodations: Le Besso Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, trail snacks, dinner
Running: 23-32 km/ 14-20 miles
Elevation change: 1,000-1,200 m/ 3,280-3,940 ft
On day 5, you will visit the German-speaking section of Switzerland and explore a remote corner of the Alps. Head out of Zinal via the final section of the iconic Sierre-Zinal race. Tackle a phenomenal running section along a high-level traverse before proceeding over into the next valley via the Col de la Forcletta. Arrive in the Turtmann valley and descend to Turtmannsee – the Turtmann lake. A final short ascent will bring you to the Swiss Alpine Club’s Turtmann Hut, where you’ll spend the night. There will be no bag delivery tonight.
Accommodations: Turtmann mountain hut
Meals: Breakfast, trail snacks, dinner
Running: 17 km/ 10.5 miles
Elevation gain: 1,800 m/ 5,900 ft
On day 6, you will finally reach Zermatt valley, or Mattertal, by heading up and over the Augstbord pass and descending to the valley village of St Niklaus. If you want, you can take an optional cable car from the high-mountain hamlet of Jungen, which saves you thousands of feet of downhill trail running.
Accommodations: Hotel la Reserve
Meals: Breakfast, trail snacks, dinner
Running: 15-20 km/ 9-12 miles
Elevation loss: 1,100 m/ 3,608 ft
Take the valley train up to the village of Randa. If you wish, cross the 494-m (1,620-ft) Charles Kuonen suspension bridge, the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge. From there, continue along the Europaweg, a fast and flowy high-level traverse, and enjoy your first look at the Matterhorn. You’ll be spending the night high up on the valley overlooking Zermatt at a mountain hotel with dorm accommodations. There is no bag delivery available on day 7.
Accommodations: Fluhalp Zermatt
Meals: Breakfast, trail snacks, dinner
Running: 21-25 km/ 13-15 miles
Elevation gain: 1,600 – 2,025 m/ 5,250 – 6,640 ft
You’re in for one of the best single days of trail running to be found in the Alps. Spend the entire day cruising around the head of the Zermatt valley with incredible views throughout – and several excellent options for coffee stops! The gradients will be gentle, with a final descent right into Zermatt.
Accommodations: Hotel Europe
Meals: Breakfast, trail snacks, dinner
Running: 27 km/ 16 miles
Elevation loss: 1,300 m/ 4,265 ft
On day 9, you pick the activity: explore the car-free village of Zermatt, a historic climbing and skiing destination with centuries-old chalets scattered throughout, or enjoy a local trail run. Feel free to use the tram and cog-railway train system to avoid tough slopes. At the end of the day, unwind in the spa at your hotel in Zermatt. Cap the trip off with a final dinner, discussing the highlights of your week running one of the newest and best-designed routes in the Swiss Alps.
Accommodations: Hotel Europe
Meals: Breakfast, trail snacks, dinner
Running and elevation change: Your choice
Enjoy a goodbye breakfast with your new friends and head home — or on another trail running trip!
Meals: Breakfast
What you get on this adventure:
Note: Gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options are available. Inform your guide about any dietary restrictions before the start of the tour.
What’s not included:
The Via Valais is one of the most challenging trail runs in the Alps, so prior experience with multi-day trail running trips is highly recommended. You will be covering 15 – 32 km (9.5 – 20 miles) of terrain a day for 8 consecutive days while overcoming altitude changes of over 2,000 m (6,500 ft). Participants should be comfortable running on steep, rugged, and remote alpine terrain while carrying a daypack with the things they’ll need throughout the day.
If you’re new to trail running, check out our beginner-friendly women’s trail running camp in Chamonix and Courmayeur!
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season.
Group sizes and prices:
Running the Via Valais can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
A $500 deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 3 months (90 days) prior to departure. Once the deposit is made, the cancellation policy stated below applies:
To get to Arolla, Switzerland, the tour’s starting point, most people fly into Geneva International Airport 2.5 hours away, or Zürich International Airport 3.5 hours away. From there, your guide recommends taking a train and the Swiss Postbus to Arolla and instructions will be provided.
Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the Hotel Kurhaus in Arolla or another predetermined location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.
57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.
We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Valais, Switzerland, please refer to Switzerland’s official COVID-19 travel guidelines.
Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
