Trail running in Switzerland: 3 magnificent runs in the Swiss Alps

If you could narrow down the best running trails in the Alps, where would you go? We’ve spent plenty of big days scouting and researching Switzerland’s most remote valleys, scenic summits and dramatic ridgelines to distill the Alps’ infinite potential to the very best runs.

“Research” meant lots of running. Lots. It also meant tapping into years of experience, hours pouring over maps, and plenty of logistical planning. Finding the best trails in the Alps led us to iconic locations and remote dead-end valleys. With endless possibilities, the biggest challenge has been to narrow down what we consider Switzerland’s best runs.

These runs became the inspirational guidebook, Run the Alps Switzerland: 30 Must-Do Trails now available in English, German or French editions.

But, we’re not done… With so much more to do in the Alps, we’re continually adding the very best of what we find to our new site: Elevation : The Alps Trail & Peak Running Resource.

Run the Alps Switzerland : 30 Must Do Trail Runs was published in May of 2018. The book was produced by Dan & Janine Patitucci, professional mountain sport photographers and founders of ALPSinsight, along with trail running writers Kim Strom and Doug Mayer of Run the Alps, and published by Helvetiq.

The book contains much more than trail running routes – it’s full of photos, stories from some of the sport’s characters, general Swiss Alps travel beta, and tips for out on the trail.

To order Run the Alps Switzerland, visit www.elevation.alpsinsight.com

TOPO: Lauterbrunnen Obersteinberg


TOPO: Monte Zucchero


TOPO: Bettmeralp Aletchgletcher

Run the Alps Switzerland Index
Valais
Bettmeralp: Alongside the Aletsch Glacier
Zinal: In the shadow of 4000 meter peaks
Arolla: Chasing Colors in the Val d'Hérens
Simplon: A Path Away from the Pass
Jazzilücke Loop: Into Italy from Saas Almagell
Zermatt Two Day Tour: Beneath the Matterhorn
Lac de Louvie: Journey Through Three Cols
Dents Blanches and the French Frontier
Barrhorn: Switzerland’s Highest Trail
Lac de Moiry to Pigne de la Lé: From Edelweiss to Glacial Ice
Dent de Morcles: A Long Day Over Valais

Berner Oberland
Gental: Cruising through the heart of Switzerland.
Gantrisch: A sudden Rise from Pastures to Pre-Alps
Lauterbrunnen to Grindelwald: The best of the Jungfrau Marathon
Stechelberg Obersteinberg Classic: A World Heritage Loop
Sigriswilgrat: Traversing Both Walls of the Justistal
Schynige Platte to Grindelwald: Above it All in the Berner Oberland
Stechelberg to Kandersteg: Crossing the Berner Oberland
Hardergrat: The Swiss Alps’ Airiest Run

Central Switzerland
Bannalp: Cowbells and Cable Cars
Klausenpass: Along the Gemsfairen
Salbit Traverse: Running through the Granite Garden

Ticino
Ritom Lake: Tibetan Trails in Ticino
Monte Zucchero: Up High in the Land of Shepherds

Eastern Switzerland
Piz Lunghin: Above Malojapass
Bergün: Into the Val Funtauna
Alpstein: Inside Switzerland’s Secret Kingdom
Zervreilahorn: Deep in the Valser Tal
Piz Languard: Pontresina’s Ibex Paradise
Rosegtal: A Bit of Everything in the Engadine
Pizol Five Lakes Tour: Alpine Lakes and Big Views