Zermatt Trail Running Self-Guided
Anytime from June 15 - Sept 20
On this six-day, five-night itinerary you’ll traverse high-alpine trails, circle pristine lakes, and take in breathtaking views of the Matterhorn from every angle.
The running is varied, and each evening you’ll be able to unwind in comfortable accommodations with delicious multi-course dinners. One night is spent in a high mountain hut for a true alpine immersion and a taste of classic Swiss hut culture.
If you’re interested in running in an Alps trail race, why not time your trip to coincide with the Matterhorn Ultraks weekend? Run the Alps has a limited number of race entries available, so reach out early if you’d like to participate. Prefer a customized adventure? We can tailor your itinerary to include a stay in nearby Leukerbad, where you can attempt the Gemmi Challenge DIY race before soaking in the town’s famous thermal baths. You can also add scenic highlights like Gornergrat, with its dramatic 360-degree panorama of glacier-covered peaks; a tranquil, pasture-filled run to the Trift Hotel; or even a trail run up to the Hörnli Hut, the legendary climbers’ basecamp on the Matterhorn itself. If this is of interest, please get in touch and we can discuss your options with you.
Top photos: PatitucciPhoto, Sam Hill
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Day 6 - Departure from Zermatt
Say goodbye to Zermatt and depart for your next destination.
What's Included
- 5 nights accommodation – 4 nights in a 4* hotel and 1 night in a high mountain hut
- Buffet breakfasts each morning and 4 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
- Run the Alps’ Guide to Trail Running in the Alps, which contains 80+ pages information about where you’ll be running, what to pack, how to train, and plenty of other insider information from Run the Alps staff and guides
- An in-country welcome pack – includes trail nutrition and a Run the Alps T-shirt (Note: You can choose to opt out of the T-shirt during registration; if you do, we’ll automatically donate the equivalent to one of our 1% for the Planet partners instead.)
- Personalized support before your tour
- In-tour support through our WhatsApp Helpline
- 20% discount in the Run the Alps store
- Contribution to our Net Positive initiatives
What's Not Included
- Flights / transportation to and from the tour
- Transport to and from trailheads if you shorten a run
- 1 dinner – recommendations provided
- Drinks with dinners
- Lunches and any additional trail nutrition
- Extra charges made at accommodations such as room service or laundry
- Trip insurance
Arrival
Run the Alps will provide guidance on travel between your arrival and departure airport(s), to and from Zermatt.
Departure
Run the Alps will provide guidance on travel between your arrival and departure airport(s), to and from Zermatt.
Good To Know
- 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.
Regional map
Interactive map with 6 point(s): Tour Location: Zermatt; ; ; ; ; .
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