Patrouille des Glaciers

You must see the start once in your life. Days before the race, Zermatt is firmly in the hands of training ski mountaineering racers – women and men. The race, organized by the Swiss Army every two years, is considered the toughest in the world. Still, teams are often turned away due to insufficient start places. In 2014, the quota was increased from 400 to 1800 teams of three.

The Patrouille des Glaciers runs from Zermatt via Arolla to Verbier through the unique high mountain region of the Valais Alps. The event traces back to border patrols during World War II. The 2014 PDG celebrated the 30 years since its 1984 reestablishment.

• Starts at the train station square in Zermatt, usually late at night or early morning
• Starts on several days at the end of April/early May
• Train station square/train station street: entertainment for spectators always around the category starts
• Information booklet with start times and entertainment offerings available on site
• Civilian and military teams from around the world participate
• Teams of three: women, men, or mixed teams
• Zermatt participants always shine with excellent performances