A paradise for runners
As the trail season approaches, running enthusiasts in the Lake Geneva region are preparing for some of the most beautiful and demanding routes. Based on the votes of 117 members of the Léman Running community, here are the 20 trails not to be missed. For the first five, detailed descriptions have been provided and summarised for your reading pleasure.
1. Montreux Trail Festival
The Montreux Trail Festival presents a series of unique trail courses, each offering an unforgettable experience in the spectacular scenery of the Swiss Alps. As a partner race of the Léman Running Trophy, the festival offers a range of races:
- Crossing Switzerland Ekiden (390 KM, 25'000 M D+): A majestic ultra-trail starting in Vaduz, Liechtenstein, crossing the Swiss Alps from east to west. The route passes through 7 cantons, offering a taste of traditional Switzerland and breathtaking Alpine scenery, with a spectacular finish in Montreux.
- Crossing Alps (169 KM, 10'000 M D+): Starting at the foot of the Eiger, this race takes participants through the Bernese Alps, combining demanding climbs and spectacular descents, finishing on the shores of Lake Geneva.
- Crossing Highlands (111 KM, 5'400 M D+): This route crosses the Bernese Hautes Terres and the Pays-d'Enhaut, offering magnificent views of the Alps and Lake Geneva.
- Crossing Sarina (70 KM, 3'800 M D+): Departing from the traditional chalets of Gstaad-Saanenland, this route winds through the varied landscapes of the Alps, including the impressive Gastlosen.
- Crossing Riviera (32 KM, 1'900 M D+): A dynamic race offering a climb to the Rochers-de-Naye and a plunge into Lake Geneva, with breathtaking scenery.
- Freddie's Night (15km, 800m D+ and 8km, 300m D+): These night-time races, starting in front of the Freddie Mercury statue, combine sporting effort with a musical and festive atmosphere, finishing on Clarens beach.
- Children's races: Courses specially designed for young runners, allowing families to take part in the Montreux Trail Festival experience.
Each race offers a unique experience, combining physical challenge, natural beauty and Swiss culture. Are you ready to take on these challenges and experience the adventure of the Montreux Trail Festival?
Find out more about the Montreux Trail Festival
2. Sierre Zinal
Known as the 'New York Marathon' of mountain races, Sierre-Zinal promises an exceptional adventure in a spectacular Alpine setting. Although technically a mountain race and not a trail, it is one of the great nature races.
- Main route (31 km, D+2200m): Cross the Valais Alps with 2200 metres of ascent and 1100 metres of descent, offering breathtaking scenery and a unique atmosphere.
- Juniors race (19 km, 690 m D+): From Chandolin to Zinal, an opportunity for young runners to discover trail running in the mountains.
- Children's races: Itineraries adapted to the youngest visitors, for an unforgettable family experience.
3. Vallée de Joux Trail
Discover the Trail Vallée de Joux, a magnificent nature race in the Vaudois Jura, offering a variety of routes for all levels:
- 56K: Total ascent of +2970m. Crossing the Dent de Vaulion, Vallée de Joux, Mont d'Or and Mont Tendre.
- 36K: Difference in altitude of +1835m. Passage through Mont Tendre with spectacular views.
- 22K: Difference in altitude of +804m. Discover the Abbey and Mont Tendre.
- 13K: Elevation gain of 450m. A shorter route with varied scenery.
- Children's loop: A 450m to 500m loop around the Vallée de Joux Sports Centre.
More details on Trail Vallée de Joux
4. Gruyère Trail Charmey
The Gruyère Trail Charmey, a partner race of the Léman Running Trophy, invites trail enthusiasts to discover its varied courses, each offering a unique experience in the heart of the region's picturesque trails:
- 11 km with 800 m D+: A challenging but accessible race.
- 24 km with 1,500 m D+: For intermediate riders looking for a more substantial challenge.
- 54 km with 3,800 m D+: For ultratrailers looking for an intense adventure.
- Children's races: Start at 3.00 pm, with four distances to suit all ages, from 700 to 1700 metres.
This event is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Charmey and experience a memorable day's trail running.
Find out more about the Gruyère Trail Charmey
5. Nocturne des Loups
February 9 saw the third edition of the Nocturne des Loups, a captivating race that takes place at night in the Combière region. This race, run in partnership with Léman Running, is limited to 500 participants and features a 10km course with 340m of ascent. With original entertainment and surprises along the way, this night-time event offers a unique running experience. Disguises are welcome and runners will be greeted at the finish with mulled wine. Register now for a unique night-time adventure!
Explore the Nocturne des Loups
Other noteworthy trails
Beyond these top five, the Lake Geneva region offers many other magnificent and demanding trails. Here are some of the highlights, in no particular order:
- Wildstrubel : Find out more
- Humani Trail : Find out more
- Fully KV :Find out more
- Xtratrail Lavaux : Find out more
- La Dôle patrol : Find out more
- Trail de la Michaille : Find out more
- Brevon Trail : Find out more
- Lausanne Urban Trail Find out more
- Mont Bally Trail Find out more
- Marchissy Trophy Find out more
- The Dôle Patrol Find out more
- Thyon Dixence Find out more
- Up & Down Aigle : Find out more
- Swiss Peaks Trail : Find out more
- Transju'trail : Find out more
- Besso Trail : Find out more
- Chalin Trail : Find out more
- X Crossing - Verbier Saint Bernard : Find out more
- UMB Ultra Montée de la Berra : Find out more
Prepare for your next challenge
Whether you're an experienced ultrarunner or a beginner looking to discover the thrill of trail running, the Léman Running calendar has a challenge for everyone. From trail races to triathlons and obstacle courses, there's a wide range of events to prepare for your next big challenge. Join the Léman Running community and discover your next adventure.
This article is based on votes from 117 members of the Léman Running community, reflecting their favourite trails in the region featured on the calendar and within 42.195km of a shore of Lake Geneva. Start planning your next trail adventure today and immerse yourself in the beauty and challenge of the Lake Geneva region.
