Swiss Peaks Trail is a 360km ultra marathon in Oberwald, Switzerland. Distance: 360km. Elevation: 24,000m D+. Difficulty: brutal (Challenge Rating 79/100). DNF rate: 30%. Time limit: 168h. Surface: trail. Established 2013.
Swiss Peaks Trail
Oberwald, Valais, Switzerland
"360km across the Swiss Alps. 24,000m of climbing. Sleep in mountain huts. The ultimate alpine fastpack."
A true fastpacking race through the Swiss Alps — 360km with 24,000m of climbing, sleeping in mountain huts along the way.
The Course
A self-supported fastpacking race crossing the Swiss Alps from Oberwald to Montreux. Runners carry their own gear and sleep at mountain huts along the route. The course traverses high alpine passes, glacial valleys, and classic Swiss mountain trails over 3-7 days.
mountainous
point-to-point
Runner Experience
Self-supported race — runners carry all supplies. Checkpoints for timing and safety only.
A legendary finish line atmosphere. Swiss Peaks Trail is a bucket-list race with celebrations that match its reputation.
Race Day Weather
8°C
-2° – 18°
60%
40%
Swiss alpine summer turning autumn — variable weather. Warm valleys, cold passes. Snow possible at altitude.
Stats & Records
2013
80
5:00:00:00
Entry
CHF 600
January
months
Lore & Trivia
Alpine fastpacking blurs the line between trail running and thru-hiking — carrying a minimal pack (sleeping bag, shelter, stove) while covering mountain terrain at running pace. This format appeals to athletes who find aid-station ultrarunning too supported and traditional backpacking too slow. In the Alps, fastpacking routes follow the Haute Route, Tour du Mont Blanc, or custom traverses linking mountain huts. The community is small but growing, drawn by the self-reliance, the alpine immersion, and the satisfaction of moving fast and light through the greatest mountains in Europe.
- ▸ Carries minimal gear: sleeping system, shelter, stove, food.
- ▸ Covers 40-80km per day through alpine terrain.
- ▸ Alpine huts provide optional overnight stops.
- ▸ Growing format that bridges trail running and thru-hiking.
- ▸ No race organisation — self-planned, self-navigated, self-supported.
- ▸ The Haute Route and Tour du Mont Blanc are classic fastpacking routes.
- ▸ FKT (Fastest Known Time) culture drives competition without formal races.
Fastpacking is ultra running without the safety net. You carry everything, sleep anywhere, and answer to no one but the mountains.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Swiss Peaks Trail? +
Swiss Peaks Trail is a 360km (360km) ultra marathon with 24,000m of elevation gain. The course is point-to-point on trail terrain.
How hard is Swiss Peaks Trail? +
Swiss Peaks Trail is rated brutal with a Challenge Rating of 79/100 (Demanding). The DNF rate is 30%. Runners have 168 hours to finish.
How do I enter Swiss Peaks Trail? +
Must demonstrate significant mountain ultra experience.. Entry costs CHF 600. with a maximum of 130 starters.
What is the weather like at Swiss Peaks Trail? +
Average temperature is 8°C (range -2°C to 18°C) with 60% humidity and a 40% chance of rain. Swiss alpine summer turning autumn — variable weather. Warm valleys, cold passes. Snow possible at altitude.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Swiss Peaks Trail? +
No crew access is permitted. Pacers are not allowed. Mandatory gear is required.
What is the average finish time for Swiss Peaks Trail? +
The average finish time is 5:00:00:00. About 80 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 30%.
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