The Patrouille des Glaciers Race: Zermatt to Verbier

[ChrisC]

Now this is a race!

The Patrouille des Glaciers is a ski mountaineering race organized every two years by the Swiss Armed Forces, in which military and civilian teams compete. It takes place once every two years at the end of April, in the southern part of the canton of Valais, below the summits of the Pennine Alps.

I was in Zermatt in April 2018, and saw the setup, send-off festivities, and start at 10 PM. Very impressive!

The legendary race in the Alps | Patrouille des Glaciers

The legendary Patrouille des Glaciers 2024 is an international military race, open to civilian, elite and popular competitors organized by the Swiss Army

www.pdg.ch

https://www.instagram.com/patrouilledesglaciers_official/

 

[Tony Crocker]

This reminds me of the one between Crested Butte and Aspen, which I'm surprised actually took place this past March 29.

Both races start at midnight. The Euro one ends at Verbier not that long after dawn.

 

[ChrisC]

It was interesting to note that certain Swiss army trainees are actively encouraged/expected to enter the race.

Participation is voluntary, though it is highly encouraged for elite mountain troops and serves as a premier showcase of military proficiency. The race is organized by the Swiss Armed Forces and acts as a final test of training, endurance, and alpine skills for military personnel


I am also fascinated that Switzerland is one of the most highly militarized countries (especially in Europe). Required military service, 18 to 30+ years old, bomb shelters for the entire population, high rates of gun ownership, and the ability to destroy its infrastructure in a moment.

Finland, too; they do not mess around, located near Russia.

Neutrality is painfully earned, not a right.