Swiss Patrouille des Glaciers ski race re-opens registrations

Brigadier Yves Charrière, who oversees the organisation of the Patrouille des Glaciers ski race. Keystone-SDA

The 2026 Patrouille des Glaciers ski race is not fully booked. The organisers have therefore decided to re-open the registration process.

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Taking into account the number of entries received and the cancellation of the 2024 event, Brigadier Yves Charrière, who oversees the organisation of the ski race, has decided to accept up to 99 additional teams. They have until December 30 to register.

“With the new arrangements in place, we can guarantee the safety and security of 99 extra patrols. The undecided and those who haven’t had time to put together a patrol can take advantage of this,” says Charrière. “I also see this reopening as a reward for all the military personnel, actors and civilian volunteers who are committed to ensuring that this legendary race runs smoothly.”

A first for women

Of the 1,315 patrols registered, a record 10% were women, according to the organisers in a press release issued on Friday. A female military patrol will be on the start line in Zermatt.

Two hundred and seventy-two military patrols, including 24 international teams, and 1,043 civilians are guaranteed to take part in the event. Fifty-two percent of them will set off from Zermatt for the long course, and 48% from Arolla for the short course.

The races will take place between 13 and 19 April 2026. The record time for the Zermatt-Verbier route (57.5 km with 4,386 m of ascent) is 5 hours 35 minutes and 27 seconds. It is 2 hours 44 minutes and 32 seconds for the Arolla-Verbier route (29.6 km with 2,200 m of ascent).

Adapted from German by AI/sb

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