Zermatt
Anytime from June 15 - Sept 20
Dates | Duration |
|---|---|
Anytime from June 15 - Sept 20 | 6 days - 5 nights |
A lively village filled with activities all summer-long, Zermatt is also a great place for trail runners.
Car-free and at the foot of the Matterhorn, there may be no town more famous in the Alps than Zermatt. In recent years, the Ultraks Skyrunning trail races have bought attention to the high-quality trail running opportunities in this valley.
There are a range of options, including destinations like Gornergrat, with its dramatic 360-degree view of glacier-covered peaks, or a pasture-filled run to the Trift Hotel followed by the striking views of the Monte Rosa peaks at Höhbalmen. You can even trail run to the Hornli hut on the side of the Matterhorn — the legendary basecamp for climbers headed to the summit. If you’re interested in running in a race, Run the Alps has a limited number of entries into the Ultraks races. Or, for something a little different, spend a few days in nearby Leukerbad and try your hand at the Gemmi Challenge DIY race — then soak in the town’s famous thermal baths!
Top images: PatitucciPhoto, Sam Hill
Book this tour
$3,150 per person
$600 single supplement
Looking for a customized itinerary?
Please get in touch. We’d love to discuss your options with you.
Prefer to go with a guide?
Explore our group guided trips or inquire about our privately guided trips.
Itinerary
We heart Zermatt. (Photo: Becki Penrose)
Day 1 - Zermatt
You’ll arrive in Switzerland, then take a train to the car-free village of Zermatt where you can check-in to your hotel.
Visiting Five Lakes above Zermatt. (Photo: Sam Hill)
Day 2 - Zermatt
You’ll hop on the funicular and head up to Sunnegga for a run around the beautiful Five Lakes. The lakes are perched at well over 2000m, so this is a great acclimatisation run with incredible views of the Matterhorn along the way. This route also takes in the lesser-known quiet “hidden” valley where you’ll run alongside the meltwaters of the Findel glacier.
Famous views from Riffelsee. (Photo: Sam Hill)
Day 3 - Zermatt
Today you’ll take on some more vert, running right out of Zermatt and up through forest to the lakes of Riffelsee. You’ll find an incredible view of the Matterhorn to the west, and the Monte Rosa massif, on the border with Italy, to the south. On a calm day, the Matterhorn will be reflected in the lakes.
Dinner will be on your own this evening so you can enjoy one of the many great restaurants in town. Recommendations provided.
Cruising above Zermatt. (Photo: Sam Hill)
Day 4 - Zermatt
It’s time for a mountain adventure! You’ll start your fastpacking trip by taking the train to Randa, then run to Fluhalp via the famous Europaweg – a wonderful balcony trail. You can cross the impressive 500m long Charles Kuonen suspension bridge after climbing up from Randa. Then you’ll traverse above treeline all the way to Fluhalp where you spend the night.
Matterhorn backdrop. (Photo: Sam Hill)
Day 5 - Zermatt
The final run brings you around the top of the Zermatt valley, skirting underneath the Matterhorn, and crossing high meadows on flowing single track. There are plenty of mountain café options along the way, and it is easy to shorten today’s run if preferred.
Trift Hotel above Zermatt. (Photo: Sam Hill)
Day 6 - Departure from Zermatt
Say goodbye to Zermatt and depart for your next destination.
Regional map
- Accommodation in 4 star hotels and/or mountain huts
- Buffet breakfasts each morning and 5 multi-course dinners
- Detailed daily run descriptions, GPX files and all the resources you need along the way are provided via our app (see a sample here). We’ll also send you a printed copy of the route and other key information, in case you’d like to take these with you as a back-up
- A copy of our Guide to Trail Running in the Alps, which contains 80+ pages of thorough travel instructions, regional information and tips from the staff and guide team at Run the Alps
- In-tour support through our WhatsApp Helpline
- Flights / transportation to and from the tour
- Transport to and from trailheads if you choose to shorten a run
- 1 dinner off; recommendations provided
- Drinks with dinners
- Extra charges made at accommodations such as room service or laundry
- Trail snacks and lunches – our materials include info of where to stop along the way or if bringing trail snacks is a better option based on the day
Run the Alps will provide guidance on travel between your arrival and departure airport(s), to and from Zermatt.
Run the Alps will provide guidance on travel between your arrival and departure airport(s), to and from Zermatt.
- Why Run the Alps? See how Run the Alps compares to other trail running companies and what sets us apart here.
- Group Discounts: When we create tours for a group of five or more self-guided guests, there is an opportunity for some savings. We’re pleased to pass them on to you – please get in touch to explore your options.
- Alumni Discount: We love welcoming our alumni back to the Alps and offer a 10% discount on all standard guided and self-guided trips. Simply check the Alumni box on the registration form and we’ll apply the discount when we invoice you.
- Want to shorten or extend your trip or add an Alps Trail Race? Just let us know and we’d be happy to help.
- Can a non-running partner join me on this tour? Yes–read how hiking and sightseeing companions can come too.
- Celebrating a special occasion? Each year we get a number of guests who are celebrating a birthday, anniversary or retirement with a Run the Alps trip. If this is you, let us know!
- Concerned about being ready? We’re here to help. You can check out our Training Resources or get in touch if you’d like to be put in touch with a coach.
- Tour Grants Program: Run the Alps is committed to making our trips more inclusive. If you’d like to join this trip, but don’t think you can afford it, please check out our Tour Grants Program.
- Trip Insurance: Life can sometimes throw us a curveball and wreak havoc upon the best laid plans, which is why Run the Alps requires trip insurance. Learn more here.
- Terms and Conditions: You can read up on them here.
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