- Competition
“A unique sporting and military challenge – a feat of human courage and endurance”.
We look forward to seeing you again in 2026 for the next edition! The program will be communicated in due course.
The Patrouille des Glaciers (PDG) was born in 1943. Back then, it was conceived as a purely military exercise – as a way for military personnel to prove their ability to defend Switzerland’s Alpine borders in the context of World War II. In 1949, a tragic accident occurred: a patrouille (patrol) died in a crevasse on Mont Miné. As a result, the competition was not held for many years.
However, the legend of the Patrouille des Glaciers endured, and this extreme endurance race was revived in 1984. There are now two routes, both of which lead to Verbier. The start is from either Arolla or Zermatt.
La Patrouille des Glaciers – facts and figures
| Course | Length | Elevation gain | Record time |
| From Zermatt | 57,5 km | 4'386 m | 05 :35 :27 |
| From Arolla | 29,6 km | 2'200 m | 02 :44 :32 |
More info for spectators here
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Gallery
Early opening of the lifts
| Lifts | Opening times |
|---|---|
| Le Châble - Verbier | As of 4.30am |
| Médran | As of 4.30am |
| Chaux Express | As of 4.30am |
| Jumbo | As of 4.30am |
| TPH Gentianes | As of 4.30am |
| Siviez | As of 4.45am |
The Le Châble and Médran ticket offices will be open from 4.30am. You can also buy your pedestrian pass online.