Arolla · Zermatt – Verbier · mid-April
The Patrouille des Glaciers.
The legendary ski-mountaineering race of the Swiss Army crosses Arolla. A passage point of route Z, the start of route A.
Zermatt – Verbier,
by night, on skis.
The Patrouille des Glaciers (PdG) is one of the most demanding ski-mountaineering races in the world, organised by the Swiss Army. The patrols cross the Valais Alps by night, from Zermatt to Verbier, on high-mountain glacial routes.
Born of the spirit of the mountain troops, the race today brings together military personnel and civilians, and holds a special place in the alpine history of the Valais. It is traditionally run in mid-April.
Passage Z.
Start A.
The long route Z links Zermatt to Verbier via Arolla: about 57.5 km as the crow flies, for nearly 4 386 m of positive elevation gain. Arolla is a strategic passage point on it, in the heart of the night.
The shorter route A starts from Arolla to reach Verbier. The village is thus both a stage and a starting line, a central hub of the event, brought to life by the patrols and their supporters.
A base for
patrollers.
At the heart of Arolla, the Grand Hôtel & Kurhaus is a natural base for patrollers, their companions and their supporters. Founded in 1896, the hotel has welcomed generations of ski-mountaineers over the editions.
Ski-in/ski-out, a hearty breakfast, rest at altitude for acclimatisation: the hotel offers a setting suited both to preparation and to recovery. Reception open 9am–7pm, 7 days a week: +41 27 283 70 00.
Editions
& dates.
The PdG is traditionally run in mid-April, in editions spaced apart (generally every two years), depending on snow conditions and military organisation. The exact dates are set by the organiser.
Accommodation in Arolla is in high demand during the race: we recommend booking early. Our reception can advise you on the current edition and availability around the event.
Book
your edition.
The Grand Hôtel & Kurhaus stands in Arolla, at 2 070 m, on the route of the PdG. A member of Swiss Historic Hotels, it combines heritage, an ideal location and service suited to ski-mountaineers.
To book around the Patrouille des Glaciers, call reception or book directly at grandhotelkurhaus.com. Reception open 9am–7pm, 7 days a week: +41 27 283 70 00.
The PdG,
in practice.
What is the Patrouille des Glaciers?
The Patrouille des Glaciers (PdG) is a ski-mountaineering race organised by the Swiss Army, among the most demanding in the world. The patrols cross the Valais Alps by night on touring skis, from Zermatt to Verbier. It is traditionally run in mid-April.
What is Arolla's role in the race?
Arolla is an official passage and starting point. Route Z links Zermatt to Verbier via Arolla (about 57.5 km as the crow flies, nearly 4 386 m of positive elevation gain). The shorter route A starts from Arolla towards Verbier. The village is a central hub of the event.
Can you stay at the hotel during the Patrouille des Glaciers?
Yes. The Grand Hôtel & Kurhaus, at the heart of Arolla, welcomes patrollers, companions and supporters. As accommodation is in high demand during the race, we recommend booking early.
When does the Patrouille des Glaciers take place?
Traditionally in mid-April, in editions spaced apart (generally every two years), depending on snow conditions and military organisation. The exact dates are set by the organiser; check the current edition before planning your visit.
Direct booking
Book your stay in Arolla