The legendary ski mountaineering race would not be the same without the thousands of spectators who come to cheer on the valiant roped parties between Zermatt and Verbier. But how does one experience the race up close and literally hear its pulse beat?

General information

Verbier, the deliverance for all the patrols who cross the finish line after kilometres of effort and mountains of difference in altitude; and where the public can congratulate them on Wednesday, 17 April and Sunday 21 April, all day long, from 7 am onwards.

Access

Preferably by train to Le Châble, then by gondola to Verbier. The organizers and the Commune suggest spectators use public transport for their comfort and safety.

1. Using public transport and Skilift opening hours

The ski lift facilities will open early on race days. (Le Châble-Verbier, Médran, and Chaux Express from 04:30, Siviez from 04:45, Jumbo and the Gentianes cable car from 05:00). Further information.

Half-fare or general season tickets are valid on this section. Please consult the CFF timetable.

The Verbier Express (from Geneva) and the Vosalpes Express (from Fribourg) will also be running on Saturday 20 April and Sunday 21 April, enabling visitors to make the Geneva-Le Châble journey without changing trains. Further information.

2. By car

From 4 am to 7 am, vehicles will be directed to the Curala cable car car park in Le Châble, and access to Verbier by road will be possible from 7 am. When parking, please obey the signs and the instructions of the police, security guards and volunteers). Further information.

Please note that depending on how busy it is, you may have to wait a little while to get to your destination. Thank you for your understanding.

PdG village programme and events

Several events are planned in Verbier, find out more here.

General information

Spectators will be able to follow the PdG commander’s ceremony at the station’s Place de l´Église at 4.30  pm or 6 pm via a live stream. Starts will be staggered every 45 minutes from 10 pm onwards at the Place de la Gare on Tuesday April 16 (race Z1) and Saturday April 20 (race Z2).

Access

We strongly recommend that you use public transport to get to Zermatt. Swiss Railways timetables can be consulted here.

If you’re coming by car, you’ll need to park your vehicle in Täsch, then take the Täsch-Zermatt rail shuttle. Timetables and information here.

General information

The public is expected in Arolla for the start of the A1 (Wednesday 17 April) and A2 (Sunday 21 April) races from 3:30 am. Patrol replenishment teams coming from Zermatt can also get to Arolla, where a special area has been set aside for them.

Access

We recommend that you take public transport, including the bus from Sion. Timetable available here.

Parking spaces are available at Evolène and Les Haudères. Please follow directions given by the people in charge there. The shuttles start on race nights at midnight and finish the following day at 6.00 am.

Shuttle bus stops

• Evolène (Bus stop near the traffic circle next to the Coop store)
• Les Haudères (Bus stop near the bridge at the end of the village)

The road between Les Haudères – Arolla is closed from midday on race eve to midday on race day (from Tuesday to Wednesday, respectively from Friday to Saturday – or 24 hours later if the race is postponed). Only local residents, emergency vehicles and military vehicles may use this road.

Skilift opening hours

Monday 15 April:

• Fontanesses 1 open from 8 am to 9.30 am

Tuesday 16 April:

• Fontanesses 1 open from 8 am to 9.30 am

Wednesday 17 April:

• Fontanesses 1 open from midnight to 5.30 am  (or 8 am, depending on attendance)
• Yurt opens at 2 am

Thursday 18 April:

• Fontanesses 1 open from 8 am to 9.30 am

Friday 19 April:

• Fontanesses 1 open from 8 am – 9.30 am

Sunday 21 April:

• Fontanesses 1 open from midnight to 5.30 am  (or 7 am, depending on attendance)
• Yurt opens at 2 am

SECURITY RESTRICTIONS

The PdG command is solely responsible for the safety of the patrols, as well as the military personnel and contractors working on the course. It is strongly advised against for anyone else to be on the course between AROLLA and VERBIER due to the aforementioned risks. The army declines any responsibility in this regard.

To experience the race live, nothing could be simpler. Download the PdG app, which will give you all the live directions and allow you to follow all the competitors.