The Patrouille Des Glaciers

The Patrouille des Glaciers (translation: glacier patrol) is the biggest race in the ski mountaineering world and was first held in 1943. It was developed by the Swiss mountain brigade to test their operational effectiveness during the second world war.

The Swiss army organises it and it is open to military and civilians, in groups of three. The race is divided into groups that originate from Zermatt to Verbier (course Z) or Arolla to Verbier (course A).

It is famously difficult, with high altitude, difficult alpine terrain, and glacier and couloir climbs. Participants should be ready for extreme weather conditions in an inhospitable mountain environment and have excellent skiing and touring skills. There are also  maximum times that are required for  competition participation. 

The race starts at night.

Race altitude profiles and time requirements

The route to Verbier

This year, due to bad weather, the second half of the Patrouille was cancelled today.  

The first group completed the race and raced earlier in the week in better conditions. It is truly an amazing achievement.  Congratulations to the teams that finished!

The European Snowsport team completes the race from Zermatt.

Pippa Middleton's team also completes the race from Zermatt.