Races

Swiss Canyon Trail

SwitzerlandJune

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

69 mi+8,303 ft-8,375 ft24 hours3,109 ft to 3,449 fttech 5/10Checkpoints per race bookWSER qualifierJune
Distance69 mi
Gain+8,303 ft
Loss-8,375 ft
Altitude3,109 ft to 3,449 ft
Technicality5/10
Air32°F to 75°F
Gradient profileOfficial race GPX
  • Start3,327 ft
  • High3,449 ft
  • Low3,109 ft
  • Finish3,255 ft

Geometryderived

Steepest drop305 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. +8,303 ft gain and -8,375 ft loss. Surfaces skew 75% trail / 20% dirt road / 5% paved. High cols above 2,400 m and long stone descents. High point near 3,449 ft. Low near 3,109 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 8,303 feet of 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