The Patrouille des Glaciers takes place between Tuesday 19th April – Saturday 23rd April 2016 starting in Zermatt and ending in Verbier. This year Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton cheer on little sister, Pippa Middleton, as she joins the Cooper-Shrosbree-Middleton-Young team!

For those not so familiar with The Patrouille des Glaciers, it has cemented itself as one of Europe’s legendary ski mountaineering races, and takes place every two years. The first Patrouille des Glaciers took place in 1943 and has military origins, meaning it is an extremely popular event with the Swiss Army in particular.

Other teams that regularly enter include the Police force, Mountaineering clubs and Border guards alongside many impressive athletes, however not everyone can compete. Participants who register for the competition must meet certain requirements which are listed on the official Patrouille des Glaciers website.

The high altitude and difficult alpine terrain, with glaciers and couloir climbs, are the main features of this unique competition and for this reason it has cemented itself as one of the most intense and exciting events in the alpine calendar! Approximately 1,625 teams with over 5,000 members will compete in the race setting off at 45 minute intervals starting from Zermatt and completing the race in Verbier after 4 gruelling days on the mountain.

As you can imagine, it is not for the faint hearted! Those who complete the event will cover 110 kilometres and 4,000 metres of altitude during their ascent and descent. Beginning at Bahnhofplatz in Zermatt (1,616m), the team then pass Zen Stecken at the end of the village and continue onto Stafel, Schönbielhütte, Stöckji, Tête Blanche (3,650m), Col de Bertol (3,268m) and Arolla. At this point participants who are taking part in the optional smaller race, join the race for the remaining 50km onto Verbier where teams are welcomed with celebrations.

A dangerous, exhilerating and exhausting ski race, we wish all those competing the very best of luck for tomorrow!

If you are interested in any of our luxury chalets in Zermatt or our luxury chalets in Verbier, or to enquire about booking a future ski chalet holiday please just contact us on +44(0)1202 203653 or email us – We would be delighted to help!