VIA VALAIS
Swiss Alps Trail Running Tour
225KM || 14'000M+/-
The Alps first Grand Tour specifically for trail runners! It’s the running version of what skiers and hikers have long had, a Haute Route. But, this tour is designed by runners, for runners. We call it the Via Valais.
The multi-stage route moves through some of the Swiss Alps’ most dramatic and beautiful terrain, traversing in and out of valleys rather than straight up and down. You'll run beneath numerous 4000-meter peaks, alongside glaciers, and over high, alpine passes. It’s the trail runner’s dream tour.
SUMMER 2026 TRAIL UPDATES
As of fall 2025, there is a new section of trail connecting the Schöllijoch with the descent to Randa on Stage 7. The ALPSinsight GPX track is updated for the rerouted trail.
Due to heavy rain, landslides, and rockfall in the summer of 2025, many trails were closed throughout Switzerland. Detours allow you to connect the Via Valais, but may add distance or gain to your day, and require some rerouting.
Conditions are constantly changing - check the Swiss Confederation Map for current trail closures.
9 STAGES
STAGE 1 VERBIER TO CAB. D’ESSERTZE
29km 1119m+/1113m- Bonus peak: Le Crepon Blanc (2713m) 2km, 250m+/-
STAGE 2 CAB. D’ESSERTZE TO CAB. AIGUILLE ROUGE
30km 1783m+/1178m- Bonus peak: Mont de l’Etoile (3370m) 5km, 600m+/-
STAGE 3 CAB. AIGUILLE ROUGE TO CAB. BECS DE BOSSON
30km 2480m+/2310m- Bonus peak: Becca de Lovégno (2769m) 1km, 125m+/-
STAGE 4 CAB. BECS DE BOSSON TO CAB. DE MOIRY
17km 868m+/1025m- Bonus peak: Becs de Bosson (3148m) 2km, 273m+/-
STAGE 5 CAB. DE MOIRY TO ZINAL
24km 1064m+/2215m- Bonus peak: Pigne de la Lé (3396m) 3km, 597m+/-
STAGE 6 ZINAL TO TURTMANN HUT
19km 1687m+/841m- Bonus peak: L’Omen Roso (3031m) 1.5km, 187m+/-
STAGE 7 TURTMANN HUT TO RANDA
18km 1376m+/2453m- Bonus peak: Üssers Barrhorn (3610m) 3km, 311m+/-
STAGE 8 RANDA TO GRÜNSEE MOUNTAIN LODGE
25km 2025m+/1171m- Bonus peak: Oberrothorn (3414m) 7km, 775m+/-
STAGE 9 GRÜNSEE MOUNTAIN LODGE TO ZERMATT
27km 1254m+/1942m- Bonus peak: Mettelhorn (3406m) 9km, 1081m+/-
6 STAGE option Starting from Crêt du Midi
The 6 Stage option tackles a longer first day to join the official route partway through Stage 3, passing through Becs de Bosson, and continues with Stage 4 to finish the first day at Cab. de Moiry. Then follow the itinerary for Stages 5-9.
MAP
*Route may vary based on conditions and trail closures
Pack & Prepare
What to take and expect:
This section is as much about what to expect as it is about what to pack and how to prepare. Managing your preparation is as important as understanding the route and logistics. A nine-day trail running tour is a big package, consider all the pieces.
FAQ
We answer a lot of questions here:
When can you run the Via Valais? What are the huts like? Where can I get food and water along the way? What are the trails like? What are Bonus Peaks? Is it hard to navigate? Anything you might wonder about the Via Valais is probably answered here!
