Tour du Cervin / Matterhorn

Summary

A running tour following the high, wild trails around the iconic Matterhorn, from Grächen to Zermatt on the Tour du Cervin!

This is a journey of cultural and linguistic contrasts making an anticlockwise circumnavigation of the Matterhorn and a host of other majestic 4000’ers including the Bishorn, Weisshorn, Zinal Rothorn, Dent d’Hérens, Dent Blanche and Mont Collon . The route takes us through the German speaking Turtmantal into the French speaking Val d’Anniviers and Val d’Herens before the high glacial crossing into the Italian valleys of Valpelline and Valtournenche. A last crossing of the Col du Theodul brings us back into the spectacular Matter valley.

This is ideal training and preparation for the UTMR, both stage race and ultramarathon, as well as other multi-day or ultramarathon races.

This is where Lizzy fell in love with the mountains, come and join her!

Training camp director: Lizzy Hawker (instruction in English). Please email for further information or advice.

Dates

13 – 18 August 2025 (meet on Wednesday evening, depart Monday morning)

Please note: this is a four day tour starting in Grächen and finishing in Zermatt. If you are interested in extending the tour to finish in Grächen we can offer that too, with a couple of beautiful (and more or less challenging) route choices! Just email us to inquire!

Cost

1350 CHF (based on a minimum of four participants, maximum of ten).

Route details

Level

Experienced – this is for experienced mountain trail runners looking for a challenge. There are options to shorten the route on the 1st, 2nd and 4th days by using public transport or uplift. We will explain the next day’s route and options to you each evening. 

Itinerary

Day 1

• Arrivals
• We meet at your hotel in Grächen at 18:00 to discuss the plan for the days ahead and to check kit. I introduce you to the village and we eat together at a local restaurant in preparation for an early start the next day.

Day 2

• Stage I: Running tour from Grächen to Zinal ca. 47.5 km, +3160m, -3114m
• Overnight in Zinal with a meal in a local restaurant

Day 3

• Stage II: Running tour from Zinal to Arolla ca. 33.8km, +2625m, -2277m
• Overnight in Arolla with a meal in a local restaurant

Day 4

• Stage III: Running tour from Arolla to Cervinia (IT) ca. 36.2 km, +2629m, -2620m
• Overnight in Cervinia with a meal in a local restaurant

Day 5

• Stage IV: Running tour from Cervinia to Zermatt ca. 40 km, +2404m, -2806m (this stage can also be shortened!)
• Overnight in Zermatt with evening meal in a local restaurant

Day 6

• Breakfast, individual advice and departures

Included

• 4 day running tour led by Lizzy Hawker, with training tips and discussions
• UIAGM mountain guide for the glacier crossing into Italy
• 5 nights bed and breakfast accommodation in shared/twin rooms
• baggage transfer from start to finish of each running stage

Arrival

Grächen is easily reached by public transport from Geneva, Zurich and Milan airports. Please see sbb.ch/en for information, timetables and price. There are easy train connections to St Niklaus and then a connecting post bus to Grächen Zentrum.

Insurance

Insurance in case of accident, emergency or illness etc. is the responsibility of the participant. You must have personal accident insurance sufficient to cover the cost of search and evacuation in Italy and Switzerland, valid for the duration of the running camp.  Please bring your insurance document with you. We also recommend that you take out a normal travel insurance to cover cancellation.

Equipment

A recommended kit list will be sent to you on receipt of your booking. Bags will be transported from start to finish of each day’s stage – so we only need to run with a rucksack with what is needed for the day. Please note that you will need to carry sufficient clothing for alpine trails and mountain weather conditions!

Extensions

If you would like to extend your time in these beautiful mountains we are happy to offer suggestions. Please do email us to ask.