5 trail races in Valais to get started

You've already done a few runs , your sneakers have seen asphalt, parks, maybe even a few false flats… and you're starting to look at the mountains and think: “What if I went to see what's up there?”

Welcome to the trail.

Spoiler alert: it's not really like your usual outings. We run, we walk, we catch our breath (a lot), and above all… we're blown away by the scenery . Because between two grueling climbs, the landscape often makes you forget why you came to push your calves to the limit.

Good news, there are accessible routes for beginners in trail running , without aiming for long distances. If you are already comfortable with running And if you're looking to get into mountain running, Valais is the perfect playground to start trail running . Mountains, short distances, varied courses, and just the right amount of elevation gain to quickly understand what you're getting into.

We're taking you on a 5 trail running adventure in Valais, perfect for beginners , to get you from asphalt to trails... without losing your legs on the first climb.

1. SwissPeaks Trail – For taking your first steps in trail running

📍 Location : Bouveret
📅 Period : early September
↔️ Distance : 10 or 21 km
⛰️ Elevation gain : +260 to +990 m

Yes, SwissPeaks is known for its XXL formats. But the event also offers shorter distances , much more accessible than the alpine monsters that have made its reputation. The shorter format remains a reasonable distance, with a noticeable but gradual elevation gain .

The shorter courses remain runnable, with some elevation gain but no excessive technical difficulty . This is ideal for discovering the sensations of trail running without pushing yourself too hard right from the start. You'll learn to manage your effort, to drink while running, to accept walking uphill… in short, the basics.

And above all, you will discover that running in the mountains is not about speed, but about management.

Quick tip from Muule : Equip yourself with trail running shoes with good grip (forget running shoes or you'll slip), a soft flask to stay well hydrated and a breathable cap to avoid overheating as soon as the sun hits you a little.

2. Dents-du-Midi Trail – The climb begins

📍 Location : Champéry
📅 Period : Mid-September
↔️ Distance : 13 km
⛰️ Elevation gain : +662 m

An iconic race in the Valais Chablais region , the Trail des Dents-du-Midi offers several formats, including a 13km course perfect for beginners. It's a true mountain course , but without venturing into technically demanding terrain.

Here, the terrain becomes more varied. The route alternates between forest trails , alpine sections , and slightly more technical passages. Yes, there are climbs. Yes, there are descents. The climbs are a bit harder on the legs, the descents require a bit more attention, but nothing insurmountable with a minimum of preparation .

Quick tip from Muule : Wear trail socks to avoid unpleasant surprises and comfortable trail shorts that don't move on the climbs.

3. Trail des Châtelets – An urban trail that gets your heart pumping

📍 Location : Sion
📅 Period : Early December
↔️ Distance : 14 km
⛰️ Elevation gain : +695 m

THE The Trail des Châtelets is the kind of race that quickly reminds you that in Valais , the terrain is no joke. The course cleverly utilizes the hills around Sion , with a series of steep climbs and dynamic descents that demand your full concentration.

The course cleverly utilizes the terrain around Sion. It alternates between wide paths , narrower trails , and faster sections where you can pick up the pace. Nothing extreme or overly technical, but varied enough to get your heart pumping. Be warned, starting too fast will cost you dearly later on. You've been warned. It's an excellent format for a regular runner looking to take their race to the next level. You'll learn to pace yourself, adapt your stride uphill , maintain control downhill, and, above all, manage your energy throughout the entire course. A progressive goal , demanding just the right amount… and very satisfying at the finish.

Muule's little tip: In December, forget your summer gear. Opt for a breathable baselayer to stay warm without overheating on the climbs, a lightweight windproof jacket (at altitude, the wind can be unpredictable), and a neck warmer, which is very handy when the wind picks up. In winter, thermal comfort makes almost as much of a difference as your heart rate.

4. Matterhorn Ultraks – Running at night, under the stars

📍 Location : Zermatt
📅 Period : end of August
↔️ Distance : 4.9 km
⛰️ Elevation gain : +691 m

Yes, you read that right. 5 km. And almost 700 meters of elevation gain. In other words: it's short … but it's uphill . The Vertinight , the Matterhorn Ultraks night race , is a unique experience. A headlamp start , an electric atmosphere, a luminous serpent climbing into the night facing the Matterhorn . That alone is worth the trip. But be warned: this isn't a leisurely stroll. It's explosive , intense, and your calves will quickly realize they're not there to admire the stars.

The good news? The distance is still short . For a regular runner with decent cardio and a bit of leg strength, it's a totally doable challenge. You can walk the steepest sections, pick up the pace when it levels out, and focus on your rhythm without having to keep going for hours. And then there's running at night —it changes everything. Reference points disappear, and sensations take over. You can only see a few meters ahead… but you feel every step, every breath, every heartbeat. Total immersion guaranteed.

Quick tip from Muule : Equip yourself with a reliable headlamp because running blind is fun for 5 minutes, and... breathable t-shirt so as not to end up soaked and A trail running vest is extremely useful.

5. Verbier St-Bernard Trail by UTMB – The goal to push your limits

📍 Location : Verbier
📅 Period : early July
↔️ Distance : 28 km
⛰️ Elevation gain : 1700 m

The Verbier St-Bernard Trail by UTMB is on another level. This is true mountain trail running , the kind that sets the tone from the very first kilometers. Even the shorter distance, with its 28 km and 1700 m of elevation gain, is far from a leisurely run. The climbs are long , sometimes steep, and the terrain demands a certain level of experience. It's definitely not the time to jog and chat.

But for a regular runner who already has a few trail races under their belt , it's a superb goal to take things to the next level. You learn to manage your effort over time , not to go out too fast at the start, to pace yourself on the climbs , and to save energy for the end.

But this is also where the pleasure takes on a new dimension. As you gain altitude, the landscapes open up, the panoramas widen … and you understand why trail running is so appealing.

Muule's little tip : Equip yourself with trail tights , trail poles to relieve leg strain on long climbs, and appropriate nutrition to last the distance.

Ready to go from asphalt to trails?

Starting trail running in Valais isn't about becoming an ultra-trail runner overnight. It's about accepting the need to trade asphalt for dirt, lifting your knees a little higher, and managing your effort differently . If you run regularly, you already have the foundation. You simply lack the experience.

These five official races offer an interesting balance: challenging enough to help you improve, yet accessible enough not to discourage you after the first climb. And in the Valais setting, motivation often comes naturally.

So choose your distance, block off the date , prepare thoroughly… and above all , equip yourself accordingly. In trail running, good shoes , breathable clothing , and proper hydration are not luxuries, but true allies for fully enjoying the experience.

Valais awaits you. You already have the legs.

Article written by Sarah de Muule on February 26, 2026.