Switzerland

Zermatt

Dates

Anytime from June 15 - Sept 20

7 days - 6 nights

Dates	Duration
Anytime from June 15 - Sept 20	7 days - 6 nights

Difficulty

Type

Self-Guided

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.

Trail running above Zermatt, Switzerland. (Photo: PatitucciPhoto)

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!

A trail runner with a black nosed sheep and the matterhorn in the background — Making friends around Zermatt! (Photo: Steph Lefferts)

Book this tour

Cost

$3350 per person

$650 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.

Accommodation in 3 or 4 star hotels and/or mountain huts
Buffet breakfasts each morning and multi-course dinners each evening
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 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
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.

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.

Want to know more?

Racing in the No-Fall Zone: Hillary Gerardi and Matterhorn Ultraks Extreme

The Ultraks trail races in Zermatt, Switzerland, launched in 2012, quickly established themselves as one of the marquee series of races in the Alps. Taking place in late August, Matterhorn Ultraks features six courses ranging from a 900-meter long kid’s run to a tough 49 km Skyrace, all in the famously beautiful Zermatt valley. (The

Matterhorn Ultraks: The 30 km Edition

Smooth and easy going, with no shortage of sheer lusciousness, punctuated by moments that demand the participant’s attention. Generally goes down easy and leaves one with a poignant memory. Best sampled with fine company, on a fair day. Admission: I don’t know wines. At all. Connoisseur is never a word that would be applied to me,