Races

Swiss Canyon Trail

SwitzerlandJune

Switzerland, June. Alpine trails. 111 km. Cutoff 24 hours. The cols come whether you are ready or not.

69 mi24 hours3,100 ft to 3,465 fttech 5/106 stationsWSER qualifierJune
Distance69 mi
Altitude3,100 ft to 3,465 ft
Technicality5/10
Air32°F to 75°F
Gradient profileOfficial race GPX
  • Start3,327 ft
  • High3,462 ft
  • Low3,101 ft
  • Finish3,255 ft
Aid stations6 stops verified
  1. Switzerland at mile 0.0
  2. Swiss Canyon Trail mile 14 at mile 14, cutoff 4.800000000000001 hours
  3. Swiss Canyon Trail mile 28 at mile 28, cutoff 9.600000000000001 hours
  4. Swiss Canyon Trail mile 41 at mile 41, cutoff 14.399999999999999 hours
  5. Swiss Canyon Trail mile 55 at mile 55, cutoff 19.200000000000003 hours
  6. Finish Switzerland at mile 69, cutoff 24 hours

Geometrycourse math

Steepest drop302 ft-2.0% over 2.9 mi
Night miles18 misunset near 20:00 local

The cruxHigh cols above 2,400 m and long stone descents (near mile 45)

Course DNA

The Course

Swiss Canyon Trail runs 111 km through Switzerland. Surfaces skew 75% trail / 20% dirt road / 5% paved. High cols above 2,400 m and long stone descents. High point near 3,465 ft. Low near 3,100 ft. June temps run 32°F to 75°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 34.

The Work

Train for the climbing across 111 km. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 24 hours total means limited margin: rehearse fueling every 45 to 60 minutes and downhill eccentric work weekly. Technicality 5/10. Build a block that simulates the crux near mile 45.

Kit

June in Switzerland: plan for 32°F to 75°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 24 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 17. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 75% trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 34.

Race Day

Hold effort through mile 17. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 34. High cols above 2,400 m and long stone descents near mile 45 is where time is won or lost. Walk the steep pinches. Run the flats and gentle downhills. Crew at major aids: socks, calories, ice if hot. Transitions under 5 minutes when possible. Final third is 23 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.

Swiss Canyon Trail