Photo: Jeff Gaura ↗THE JOURNEY IN DETAIL
The race of five 4,000ers.
Held since 1974, Sierre-Zinal remains the most respected short mountain race in the world: 31 km, the first 8 km a relentless climb out of Sierre, then a balcony facing five 4,000-metre peaks including the Matterhorn and Weisshorn, and the drop into Zinal. Entrants are split into ‘runners’ starting at 11:00 and ‘tourists’ who set off in the morning. For anyone who wants to touch a legend without a night on the course.
- The Sierre to Ponchet climb: 1,500 m in the first 8 km
- Views of the Matterhorn, Weisshorn, Dent Blanche, Zinalrothorn and Obergabelhorn
- Hotel Weisshorn at 2,337 m as the high point
- The Zinal finish to cowbells
With old friends or new ones
Join a group or arrange a separate departure for your own team. Before travelling, we get to know each other, discuss everyone's experience and find suitable dates. You can also prepare together.
DAY BY DAY
Your daily itinerary.
A provisional itinerary. Weather, group readiness and local conditions may change the order and length of the stages.
- DAY 1 · Transfer, walk
Arrival in Geneva, transfer to Sierre
Two hours along the Rhône valley to Sierre (533 m), Switzerland’s sunniest town. An evening walk to the start and a first look at the slope the climb will follow.
Overnight: Hotel in Sierre - DAY 2 · 9 km, 400 m of climbing
Shakeout in Chandolin
We drive up to Chandolin (1,936 m) and run 9 km along the balcony toward Hotel Weisshorn — the middle of the course, facing the 4,000ers. A look at where the course lets you push.
Overnight: Hotel in Sierre - DAY 3 · Rest, briefing
Bibs and a quiet day
Bib collection in Sierre, a 3 km walk, pacing talk: the key is not to blow up on the first 8 km. Pasta and an early night.
Overnight: Hotel in Sierre - DAY 4 · Race, 31 km
Sierre to Zinal
‘Tourists’ leave in the morning, ‘runners’ start at 11:00. 2,200 m of climbing: Ponchet, Chandolin, Hotel Weisshorn at 2,337 m, then 1,100 m down to Zinal (1,675 m). Ivan waits at the finish; the race shuttle takes us back to Sierre.
Overnight: Hotel in Sierre - DAY 5 · Recovery, transfer
Recovery and departure
A late breakfast, a short walk through the vineyards above Sierre, then the transfer to Geneva for afternoon flights.
Overnight: —
Included in the estimated price
4 nights in a hotel in Sierre with breakfast
Geneva — Sierre — Geneva transfers
A shakeout in Chandolin with a lift pass
Ivan’s support and the welcome at the Zinal finish
Two shared dinners, pasta on race eve
Course briefing and climbing tactics
Not included in the price
Flights to the meeting point
Personal travel insurance and visas
Personal equipment
Single-room supplements and personal expenses
Sierre-Zinal entry fee
Lunches
Single supplement
YOUR PREPARATION
Arrive ready for the route.
You need a mountain half-marathon or marathon behind you and the ability to run uphill for a long time. Ivan provides an 8-week plan with hill intervals and tempo work on rolling trails.
Prepare with IvanROUTE QUESTIONS
BEFORE WE MEET ON THE TRAIL
What to prepare in advance
- Trail shoes already tested in training
- A running vest, soft flasks and rain protection
- Layers for changing weather and familiar trail food
- Poles, if suitable for the route and you know how to use them
Once we choose a date, we agree on the equipment list, meeting point and transfer time. Please wait until the programme is confirmed before booking flights.