Crossing Switzerland by Montreux Trail
CS
From Crossing Switzerland
Saturday 20th – Sunday 28th July 2024
Past event
22:00 CEST
Montreux
£37.00–£1,100.00 · 7 races
10 Mile, Ultra
Event summary
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure at the Crossing Switzerland by Montreux Trail, taking place from Saturday, July 20, to Sunday, July 28, 2024. Organized by Crossing Switzerland, this extraordinary event invites participants to traverse nearly 400 kilometers across the stunning Swiss Alps, from the scenic Principality of Liechtenstein to the picturesque shores of Lake Geneva in Montreux. Along the way, you'll marvel at iconic landmarks such as the legendary North Face of the Eiger, the breathtaking Trümmelbach waterfall in Lauterbrunnen, and the UNESCO-listed Lake Oeschinen.
Whether you're tackling the full challenge with the Via Alpina route, which includes crossing 14 Alpine passes and 20 aid stations, or joining a relay team in the DUO or EKKIDEN format, there's something for everyone. For those seeking shorter distances, the CROSSING RIVIERA offers a spectacular 32km route featuring a climb to the breathtaking Rochers de Naye. Music lovers can also participate in CROSSING ROCKS, with 15km and 8km routes celebrating the rich musical heritage of Montreux, starting right by the iconic Freddie Mercury statue. Join us for this exhilarating experience where adventure meets
Whether you're tackling the full challenge with the Via Alpina route, which includes crossing 14 Alpine passes and 20 aid stations, or joining a relay team in the DUO or EKKIDEN format, there's something for everyone. For those seeking shorter distances, the CROSSING RIVIERA offers a spectacular 32km route featuring a climb to the breathtaking Rochers de Naye. Music lovers can also participate in CROSSING ROCKS, with 15km and 8km routes celebrating the rich musical heritage of Montreux, starting right by the iconic Freddie Mercury statue. Join us for this exhilarating experience where adventure meets
Crossing Switzerland by Montreux Trail
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Races
-
Crossing Rocks 16
Entries closedSaturday 20th Jul 2024
£45.00
-
Crossing Rocks
Entries closedSaturday 20th Jul 2024
£37.00
-
Crossing Switzerland
Entries closedSaturday 20th Jul 2024
£670.00
-
Crossing Switzerland Ekiden (Team Relay)
Team of 5Team of 5
Entries closedSaturday 20th Jul 2024
£1,100.00 per team
-
Crossing Riviera
Entries closedSaturday 20th Jul 2024
£67.00
-
Crossing Switzerland Ekiden (Team Relay)
Team of 3Team of 3
Entries closedSaturday 20th Jul 2024
£1,100.00 per team
-
Crossing Switzerland Ekiden (Team Relay)
Team of 4Team of 4
Entries closedSaturday 20th Jul 2024
£1,100.00 per team
Event information
souvenir gift and finisher prize
An exceptional ultra-trail with exceptional landscapes: after a departure in Vaduz, Liechtenstein, the route will bring you soon into Switzerland. After an relatively easy start you will soon discover the Alps crossing Switzerland from the east to the west. Visiting 7 cantons, known for their beautiful scenery you will be welcomed by our great team of volunteers at one of our many refreshment posts. And finally, the finish line awaits you in Montreux where you can relax, share your adventures and enjoy a dive into the Lac Léman, while legendary Freddie Mercury is watching over you.
THE SWISS ADVENTURE CONTINUES
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
DEPARTURE
Vaduz, Liechtenstein, Saturday July 20, 2024 at 22h00.*
ARRIVAL
Montreux, Switzerland until Sunday July 28, 2024, 14h00*
* To be confirmed
RACE BIB DISTRIBUTION
Only in Vaduz on Friday 19 July 2024 from 17h00 - 20h00 or Saturday 20 July 2024 from 10h00 a.m. to 06h00 p.m.
REFRESHMENT POSTS
There will be approximate 5 base camps and 15 refreshment posts. Based upon our experience at our first edition in 2022 we might make some changes to the number of base camps and refreshment posts. We will update this information as soon as we have more details.
MAXIMUM TIME
Montreux finish line: 184 hours total time.
The other barriers will be communicated asap.
MANDATORY EQUIPEMENT
Water reserve (1 litre minimum), waterproof jacket with a hood (10’000 mm/h), headlamp with spare batteries, spare headlamp, personal beaker, survival blanket, whistle, food reserve, long running trousers (leggings or a combination of leggings and long socks allowed), warm long-sleeved shirt (arm sleeves allowed), mobile phone working in Switzerland turned on.
The organization reserves the right to add equipment depending on weather conditions
If you choose to be accompagnied by a person/team please note that all mandatory items need to be with you at all times during your race. Additional items like spare shoes, clothes, towels, etc. can be given to you only at the designated locations. In case you run completely solo, the organisation will transport your additional items to the next base-camp.
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
Spare T-shirt, gloves and shoes, cap or bandana, sunglasses, sun cream
DROP BAGS
1 bag of 80L will be provided by the organization that will follow the runner to the base camps. We advise each runner to bring a sleeping bag. The maximum weight of the drop-bag cannot exceed 25 kilos.
A bag with personal belongings can also be dropped off at the start in Vaduz and will be transported directly to the finish in Montreux. From Wednesday onwards the personal bags can be collected at the finish area.
The organizer declines all responsibility in case of loss or theft of any valuable item or cash.
ACCOMMODATION
We will publish soon a list of accommadations available in both Vaduz and Montreux. During the Crossing Switzeland Ultra Trail the participants are only allowed to sleep at the indicated locations (base camps).
Our local partners will provide information about hotels, restaurants for the followers of the participants. Please check the Roadbook (available early 2024) to find information per city, region.
NOTE that followers are not allowed to sleep at the base-camps. This is reserved for participants only and members of the organisation.
CAR PARK & TRANSPORTATION
We organise 2 shuttle busses leaving from Montreux to Vaduz on Friday 19th of July, 12:00 and on Saturday 20rd of July at 09:00.
More information will be in the roadbook.
In Montreux we have a parking zone nearby (free of charge) for the runners that want to leave their car the whole week of the event (from Friday 19th onwards. More information in the roadbook.
DIFFICULTY
★ ★ ★ ★ ★: Extreme, it is the challenge of a season or even of a lifetime! Challenge yourself!
PACER
Runners are allowed to have one or more pacers to accompany them, starting from Gstaad base camp (approx. 60 km) to the finish line in Montreux.
THE SWISS ADVENTURE CONTINUES
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
DEPARTURE
Vaduz, Liechtenstein, Saturday July 20, 2024 at 22h00.*
ARRIVAL
Montreux, Switzerland until Sunday July 28, 2024, 14h00*
* To be confirmed
RACE BIB DISTRIBUTION
Only in Vaduz on Friday 19 July 2024 from 17h00 - 20h00 or Saturday 20 July 2024 from 10h00 a.m. to 06h00 p.m.
REFRESHMENT POSTS
There will be approximate 5 base camps and 15 refreshment posts. Based upon our experience at our first edition in 2022 we might make some changes to the number of base camps and refreshment posts. We will update this information as soon as we have more details.
MAXIMUM TIME
Montreux finish line: 184 hours total time.
The other barriers will be communicated asap.
MANDATORY EQUIPEMENT
Water reserve (1 litre minimum), waterproof jacket with a hood (10’000 mm/h), headlamp with spare batteries, spare headlamp, personal beaker, survival blanket, whistle, food reserve, long running trousers (leggings or a combination of leggings and long socks allowed), warm long-sleeved shirt (arm sleeves allowed), mobile phone working in Switzerland turned on.
The organization reserves the right to add equipment depending on weather conditions
If you choose to be accompagnied by a person/team please note that all mandatory items need to be with you at all times during your race. Additional items like spare shoes, clothes, towels, etc. can be given to you only at the designated locations. In case you run completely solo, the organisation will transport your additional items to the next base-camp.
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
Spare T-shirt, gloves and shoes, cap or bandana, sunglasses, sun cream
DROP BAGS
1 bag of 80L will be provided by the organization that will follow the runner to the base camps. We advise each runner to bring a sleeping bag. The maximum weight of the drop-bag cannot exceed 25 kilos.
A bag with personal belongings can also be dropped off at the start in Vaduz and will be transported directly to the finish in Montreux. From Wednesday onwards the personal bags can be collected at the finish area.
The organizer declines all responsibility in case of loss or theft of any valuable item or cash.
ACCOMMODATION
We will publish soon a list of accommadations available in both Vaduz and Montreux. During the Crossing Switzeland Ultra Trail the participants are only allowed to sleep at the indicated locations (base camps).
Our local partners will provide information about hotels, restaurants for the followers of the participants. Please check the Roadbook (available early 2024) to find information per city, region.
NOTE that followers are not allowed to sleep at the base-camps. This is reserved for participants only and members of the organisation.
CAR PARK & TRANSPORTATION
We organise 2 shuttle busses leaving from Montreux to Vaduz on Friday 19th of July, 12:00 and on Saturday 20rd of July at 09:00.
More information will be in the roadbook.
In Montreux we have a parking zone nearby (free of charge) for the runners that want to leave their car the whole week of the event (from Friday 19th onwards. More information in the roadbook.
DIFFICULTY
★ ★ ★ ★ ★: Extreme, it is the challenge of a season or even of a lifetime! Challenge yourself!
PACER
Runners are allowed to have one or more pacers to accompany them, starting from Gstaad base camp (approx. 60 km) to the finish line in Montreux.
THE MAGIC OF THE EKIDEN
The term 'ekiden' originates from two Japanese characters, 'eki' (駅), meaning station, and 'den' (伝), signifying conveyance. Essentially, it symbolizes the relay of information or movement from one station to another. This concept draws from historical modes of transportation, with the inaugural ekiden road relay taking place in Japan back in 1917.
The original ekiden involved a marathon distance of 42.195km, divided among six team members who each cover varying distances ranging from 5km to 10km. However, there exists a multitude of formats. In 2024 we invite teams (3 to 5 athletes per team) of trail runners to do the Crossing Switzerland 390 km as a team, where each member must do at least one of the stages. There will be at least one, but possibly 2 stages where the whole team runs together. More details in the Race section of the Ekiden.
The true essence of ekidens lies in the collaborative team dynamic. Participants collectively conquer the iconic Crossing Switzerland distance (or an equivalent stretch) alongside their teammates. The relay includes brisk, relatively short legs as well as segments tailored for ultra trail runners. What unites all participants is the 'tasuki' or sash, passed from one runner to the next, spanning the entire distance through the combined efforts of every team member
The term 'ekiden' originates from two Japanese characters, 'eki' (駅), meaning station, and 'den' (伝), signifying conveyance. Essentially, it symbolizes the relay of information or movement from one station to another. This concept draws from historical modes of transportation, with the inaugural ekiden road relay taking place in Japan back in 1917.
The original ekiden involved a marathon distance of 42.195km, divided among six team members who each cover varying distances ranging from 5km to 10km. However, there exists a multitude of formats. In 2024 we invite teams (3 to 5 athletes per team) of trail runners to do the Crossing Switzerland 390 km as a team, where each member must do at least one of the stages. There will be at least one, but possibly 2 stages where the whole team runs together. More details in the Race section of the Ekiden.
The true essence of ekidens lies in the collaborative team dynamic. Participants collectively conquer the iconic Crossing Switzerland distance (or an equivalent stretch) alongside their teammates. The relay includes brisk, relatively short legs as well as segments tailored for ultra trail runners. What unites all participants is the 'tasuki' or sash, passed from one runner to the next, spanning the entire distance through the combined efforts of every team member
Since 2017, you may be familiar with the MXSKY, a sort of Sierre-Zinal à la Vaudoise? This new Crossing Riviera is the younger sister, full of character and exceptional panoramas while retaining similar characteristics over around 30km.
After the ascent through the old town of Montreux, which precedes the 1,055 steps of the never ending Telegraph Trail, it's on to Nirvana at over 2,000 metres at the Rochers de Naye. And it doesn't stop there? The return journey will take you through the Grottes de Naye and further around the magnificent Dent de Jaman. All that's left is to dive towards Lac Léman figurly and almost literally. After the breath-taking and exotic Gorges du Chauderon, a new route will take you to the beach of Clarens a lake, musical and fulfilling finale. And now you can take your well-deserved plunge into the water of Lac Léman.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
DEPARTURE
Clarens (Montreux) Omni-sport centre Pierrier, Sunday July 28, 2024 at 08h30
ARRIVAL
Clarens beach (Montreux), Omni-sport centre Pierrier
RACE BIB DISTRIBUTION
Saturday 28 July from 17h00 to 19h30 (Place du Marché, Montreux)
Sunday 28 July from 06h00 to 08h00 (Clarens, Omnisport Centre Pierrier)
REFRESHMENT POSTS
Liboson d’en Haut, Rochers de Naye, Haut de Caux
MAXIMUM TIME
Montagne d’Amont, after 4hrs of racing
Finish : 9hrs of racing
MANDATORY EQUIPMENT
Water reserve (0.5 litre minimum), waterproof jacket with hood (10,000 mm/h), personal drinking cup, survival blanket, whistle, food reserve, mobile phone working in Switzerland switched on.
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
Gloves, spare T-shirt, cap or bandana, sunglasses, sun cream
PERSONAL BELONGINGS
Participants can leave their personal belongings at the start in Clarens on Sunday morning and collect them on arrival.
The organiser accepts no responsibility for the loss, damage or theft of any valuables.
CAR PARK & TRANSPORTATION
Un plan de transport sera disponible quelques jours avant la course
DIFFICULTY
★★★ With similar characteristics to the classic Sierre-Zinal, CROSSING RIVIERA is not only perfect training for it, but also a real objective, and even a first foray into longer distances on terrain that can be described as playful.
After the ascent through the old town of Montreux, which precedes the 1,055 steps of the never ending Telegraph Trail, it's on to Nirvana at over 2,000 metres at the Rochers de Naye. And it doesn't stop there? The return journey will take you through the Grottes de Naye and further around the magnificent Dent de Jaman. All that's left is to dive towards Lac Léman figurly and almost literally. After the breath-taking and exotic Gorges du Chauderon, a new route will take you to the beach of Clarens a lake, musical and fulfilling finale. And now you can take your well-deserved plunge into the water of Lac Léman.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
DEPARTURE
Clarens (Montreux) Omni-sport centre Pierrier, Sunday July 28, 2024 at 08h30
ARRIVAL
Clarens beach (Montreux), Omni-sport centre Pierrier
RACE BIB DISTRIBUTION
Saturday 28 July from 17h00 to 19h30 (Place du Marché, Montreux)
Sunday 28 July from 06h00 to 08h00 (Clarens, Omnisport Centre Pierrier)
REFRESHMENT POSTS
Liboson d’en Haut, Rochers de Naye, Haut de Caux
MAXIMUM TIME
Montagne d’Amont, after 4hrs of racing
Finish : 9hrs of racing
MANDATORY EQUIPMENT
Water reserve (0.5 litre minimum), waterproof jacket with hood (10,000 mm/h), personal drinking cup, survival blanket, whistle, food reserve, mobile phone working in Switzerland switched on.
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
Gloves, spare T-shirt, cap or bandana, sunglasses, sun cream
PERSONAL BELONGINGS
Participants can leave their personal belongings at the start in Clarens on Sunday morning and collect them on arrival.
The organiser accepts no responsibility for the loss, damage or theft of any valuables.
CAR PARK & TRANSPORTATION
Un plan de transport sera disponible quelques jours avant la course
DIFFICULTY
★★★ With similar characteristics to the classic Sierre-Zinal, CROSSING RIVIERA is not only perfect training for it, but also a real objective, and even a first foray into longer distances on terrain that can be described as playful.
15 KM WITH 700 M D+ or 8 KM WITH 300 M D+
Smoke on the Water and Trails
The spirit of the Giants of Music has floated over Montreux for decades, so join this event where sporting effort will be combined with good sound and rhythm throughout the course.
Start in front of the Freddie Mercury statue for the most rock'n'roll trail in Switzerland and the rest of the world. A unique experience, at dusk, to discover the 'mountain side' of the Pearl of the Riviera.
Whether you're looking to immerse yourself in the world of trail running, blow your brains out, or just have fun with friends in an extraordinary musical atmosphere along the route, this is the place to be.
Bring your disguises and moustaches, and Freddie will be waiting for you for a night of madness that will continue on Clarens beach, finishing in front of a concert by one of Queen's best cover bands.
WE WILL ROCK YOU!
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
DEPARTURE
Montreux, place du marché, Saturday July 27, 2024 at 20h00
ARRIVAL
Clarens beach (Montreux), Omni-sport centre Pierrier
RACE BIB DISTRIBUTION
Saturday 27 July from 17h00 to 19h30 (Place du Marché, Montreux)
REFRESHMENT POSTS
Caux (only for the Rocks 15)
MAXIMUM TIME
Finish : 3.5 hrs of racing
MANDATORY EQUIPEMENT
Water reserve (0.5 litre minimum), personal drinking cup, survival blanket, mobile phone working in Switzerland switched on.
RECOMMENDED EQUIPEMENT
Headlamp with spare batteries (if running for more than 2 hours), Waterproof jacket with hood (10,000 mm/h) depending on the weather.
PERSONAL BELONGINGS
Participants can leave their personal belongings at the start in Montreux on Saturday morning and collect them on arrival.
The organiser accepts no responsibility for the loss, damage or theft of any valuables.
CAR PARK & TRANSPORTATION
Most of Montreux's underground car parks (www.cartoriviera.ch/parkings/) offer a reduced rate from 7pm. There are also free overnight parking spaces a few hundred metres from the Place du Marché.
For those who can, think about carpooling or using public transport. That's the spirit of the Trail!
DIFFICULTY
★(★) the 15km course already has the characteristics of a real trail, with some changes in altitude, some technical sections but not too many and even some steps - in short, the perfect combination for beginners. The 7km version will give you an even more reasonable taste of it.
Smoke on the Water and Trails
The spirit of the Giants of Music has floated over Montreux for decades, so join this event where sporting effort will be combined with good sound and rhythm throughout the course.
Start in front of the Freddie Mercury statue for the most rock'n'roll trail in Switzerland and the rest of the world. A unique experience, at dusk, to discover the 'mountain side' of the Pearl of the Riviera.
Whether you're looking to immerse yourself in the world of trail running, blow your brains out, or just have fun with friends in an extraordinary musical atmosphere along the route, this is the place to be.
Bring your disguises and moustaches, and Freddie will be waiting for you for a night of madness that will continue on Clarens beach, finishing in front of a concert by one of Queen's best cover bands.
WE WILL ROCK YOU!
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
DEPARTURE
Montreux, place du marché, Saturday July 27, 2024 at 20h00
ARRIVAL
Clarens beach (Montreux), Omni-sport centre Pierrier
RACE BIB DISTRIBUTION
Saturday 27 July from 17h00 to 19h30 (Place du Marché, Montreux)
REFRESHMENT POSTS
Caux (only for the Rocks 15)
MAXIMUM TIME
Finish : 3.5 hrs of racing
MANDATORY EQUIPEMENT
Water reserve (0.5 litre minimum), personal drinking cup, survival blanket, mobile phone working in Switzerland switched on.
RECOMMENDED EQUIPEMENT
Headlamp with spare batteries (if running for more than 2 hours), Waterproof jacket with hood (10,000 mm/h) depending on the weather.
PERSONAL BELONGINGS
Participants can leave their personal belongings at the start in Montreux on Saturday morning and collect them on arrival.
The organiser accepts no responsibility for the loss, damage or theft of any valuables.
CAR PARK & TRANSPORTATION
Most of Montreux's underground car parks (www.cartoriviera.ch/parkings/) offer a reduced rate from 7pm. There are also free overnight parking spaces a few hundred metres from the Place du Marché.
For those who can, think about carpooling or using public transport. That's the spirit of the Trail!
DIFFICULTY
★(★) the 15km course already has the characteristics of a real trail, with some changes in altitude, some technical sections but not too many and even some steps - in short, the perfect combination for beginners. The 7km version will give you an even more reasonable taste of it.
Event video
Organiser's description
CROSSING SWITZERLAND is a unique adventure of almost 400 kilometres that crosses the Alps from east to west between the Principality of Liechtenstein and the shores of Lake Geneva at Montreux.
In between, you'll discover some of the country's most emblematic places: the famous North Face of the Eiger, the Engelberg resort dominated by its Titlis peak, Lauterbrunnen and its much-photographed Trümmelbach waterfall, the UNESCO-listed Lake Oeschinen and the magnificent traditional residences of Gstaad and Château-d'Oex.
You'll cover the Via Alpina, 2 countries and 7 Swiss states, cross 14 Alpine passes and find 20 aid stations that will allow you to cross the finish line in less than 184 hours, not far from the Freddie Mercury statue in Montreux.
The race is also available in DUO or EKKIDEN format (relay teams of 3, 4 or 5 runners).
For those who prefer shorter distances, CROSSING RIVIERA (32km) offers the chance to discover the breathtaking scenery around Montreux, including a climb to the Rochers de Naye, 2,000 metres above Lake Geneva.
CROSSING ROCKS, on the other hand, is a reminder over 15km and 8km of the omnipresence of music in Montreux - "we all came down to Montreux", as Deep Purple sang - with a trail featuring musical artists all along the route, which starts in front of the statue of Freddie Mercury. WE WILL ROCK YOU!
In between, you'll discover some of the country's most emblematic places: the famous North Face of the Eiger, the Engelberg resort dominated by its Titlis peak, Lauterbrunnen and its much-photographed Trümmelbach waterfall, the UNESCO-listed Lake Oeschinen and the magnificent traditional residences of Gstaad and Château-d'Oex.
You'll cover the Via Alpina, 2 countries and 7 Swiss states, cross 14 Alpine passes and find 20 aid stations that will allow you to cross the finish line in less than 184 hours, not far from the Freddie Mercury statue in Montreux.
The race is also available in DUO or EKKIDEN format (relay teams of 3, 4 or 5 runners).
For those who prefer shorter distances, CROSSING RIVIERA (32km) offers the chance to discover the breathtaking scenery around Montreux, including a climb to the Rochers de Naye, 2,000 metres above Lake Geneva.
CROSSING ROCKS, on the other hand, is a reminder over 15km and 8km of the omnipresence of music in Montreux - "we all came down to Montreux", as Deep Purple sang - with a trail featuring musical artists all along the route, which starts in front of the statue of Freddie Mercury. WE WILL ROCK YOU!
Location
Montreux, Vaud, Switzerland
Crossing Switzerland by Montreux Trail
CS
Crossing Switzerland
CROSSING SWITZERLAND is a 400km east-west crossing of the Swiss Alps from the Principality of Liechtenstein, with around 25,000m of ascent and 14 Alpine passes. The route also takes in iconic places such as Eiger North Face, Lauterbrunnen, Engelberg, Gstaad and, of course, a magnificent finish on the shores of Lake Geneva in Montreux. This incredible route is also available as a relay of 10 sections (from 76 to 8 km) in teams of 3, 4 or 5 runners: CROSSING SWITZERLAND EKIDEN. For those who prefer shorter distances, CROSSING RIVIERA (32km) offers the chance to discover the breathtaking scenery around Montreux, including a climb to the Rochers de Naye, 2,000 metres above Lake Geneva. CROSSING ROCKS is a reminder - over 15km and 8km - of the omnipresence of music in Montreux - "we all came down to Montreux", as Deep Purple sang - with a trail featuring musical artists all along the route, which starts in front of the statue of Freddie Mercury. WE WILL ROCK YOU!
On Find a Race
Since
2024
Events
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