Swiss Cycling Alpenbrevet.
The Platintour at the Swiss Cycling Alpenbrevet crosses five Alpine passes and about 7,100 metres of climbing on a loop back to Andermatt. What defines it is the distribution rather than the total: the Nufenen, its high point, comes at kilometre 114, leaving more than 150 kilometres and two further passes still to ride. Also known as Alpenbrevet and Alpenbrevet Andermatt.
No date has been announced for the next edition yet. The course, elevation and route profile are from the most recent edition.
Swiss Cycling Alpenbrevet: Course, Elevation & Route Profile
The route drops out of Andermatt before the Susten begins at kilometre 12. It climbs in two steps (8.9 kilometres at 7.4 percent, then after a brief easing another 4.2 kilometres at 7.8 percent) cresting at kilometre 29 at 2,236 metres, followed by a long descent into the Haslital.
The Grimsel starts at kilometre 69, again in two stages at roughly seven percent, with the summit at kilometre 83 at 2,160 metres. Through Gletsch and the Goms valley the route reaches the Nufenen: after an opening ramp at kilometre 101, the hardest sustained climb of the day begins at kilometre 105: 8.95 kilometres averaging 9.1 percent for 813 metres of gain. The top at kilometre 114 is the loop's highest point at 2,475 metres.
From there the character changes. Some 90 kilometres of descent and valley road through Ticino to Biasca separate the Nufenen from the Lukmanier, which climbs far more evenly from kilometre 206 over 11 kilometres at 5.2 percent. After the descent to Disentis only the Oberalp remains: 5.25 kilometres at 7.6 percent from kilometre 252, topping out at 2,041 metres, then eleven kilometres of descent back to the start.
| Start | Length | Ø | Max. | Gain | Cat. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| km 12.1 | 8.9 km | 7.4 % | 14.7 % | +661 m | Cat. 1 |
| km 21.2 | 4.2 km | 7.8 % | 14.9 % | +325 m | Cat. 2 |
| km 68.8 | 4.4 km | 7 % | 16.6 % | +304 m | Cat. 3 |
| km 77.8 | 5.4 km | 7 % | 15.1 % | +375 m | Cat. 2 |
| km 101.1 | 3.6 km | 8.6 % | 15.6 % | +310 m | Cat. 3 |
| km 105.3 | 9 km | 9.1 % | 13.3 % | +813 m | HC |
| km 206.4 | 11 km | 5.2 % | 11.8 % | +574 m | Cat. 2 |
| km 251.7 | 5.3 km | 7.6 % | 11.9 % | +401 m | Cat. 2 |
Climb categories follow the road-cycling convention and rate the terrain itself (length and gradient) regardless of sport: Cat. 4 marks the easiest rated climbs, Cat. 1 the hardest, and HC (hors catégorie, “beyond categorization”) is reserved for the most brutal ascents. Short climbs below the Cat. 4 threshold stay unrated.
How to pace Swiss Cycling Alpenbrevet.
Sit in early
At 26.5 metres of climbing per kilometre with only twelve percent genuinely flat, the Platintour is a sequence of long, even ascents, each one costing between 40 and 90 minutes unbroken. Set the intensity accordingly: an effort you could repeat eight times, not one that makes the first pass fast.
Ration your effort
The Nufenen at kilometre 105 is the hardest climb, but it is not where the day is decided. That happens on the Lukmanier from kilometre 206; at 5.2 percent it is the friendliest gradient of the loop, yet it arrives after more than 200 kilometres and 5,000 metres of climbing. Riders still turning a steady gear there will also bring the Oberalp home.
Race the finale
The real trap sits between the two: the 90 kilometres of valley road through Ticino. After the Nufenen they feel like recovery, and that is exactly where fast groups burn riders down. Ride the section deliberately controlled, and eat there for what the Lukmanier will ask.
Training plan for Swiss Cycling Alpenbrevet: 12-week build
Build endurance
For an age-group rider the Platintour means roughly ten to fourteen hours in the saddle. The demand is aerobic and even throughout: there are no attacks and little positioning, just eight long climbs worked through for hours in endurance to low-threshold zones. Holding a moderate output steady for a very long time matters far more here than any peak number.
Train the climbs
The race is decided late. The Nufenen at 9.1 percent over almost nine kilometres is the single hardest demand, but the Lukmanier at kilometre 206 and the Oberalp at kilometre 252 ask you to climb with more than 5,000 metres already in the legs. Five long descents from above 2,000 metres add a full day of concentration and handling.
Ride race-specific
Preparation should therefore include long rides with the climbing loaded towards the end, vertical gain in the final hour rather than the first. Repeated 45-to-90-minute climbs at endurance intensity complement this well, because that is what each pass actually costs.
Arrive fresh
Two things are routinely underestimated: altitude, with three passes above 2,000 metres and the Nufenen close to 2,500, and fuelling across ten hours or more. Both belong in long training sessions rather than being tried for the first time on race day.
Courses
Download the Swiss Cycling Alpenbrevet course as a GPX file for your watch or bike computer.
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Everything about Swiss Cycling Alpenbrevet.
How long is Swiss Cycling Alpenbrevet?
Swiss Cycling Alpenbrevet is 267 km long. That distance shapes how much aerobic endurance, pace durability, and race-specific work belong in the training plan.
How much elevation gain does Swiss Cycling Alpenbrevet have?
Swiss Cycling Alpenbrevet has around 6,800 m of elevation gain over 267 km. That affects pacing, muscular load, and preparation for late-race sections.
What is the route profile of Swiss Cycling Alpenbrevet?
Swiss Cycling Alpenbrevet is classified as Mountainous, averaging 26.5 vertical metres per kilometre. 12% of the route is flat, 32% climbs moderately (2 to 6%) and 12% is steeper than 6%.
What climbs does Swiss Cycling Alpenbrevet have?
The hardest climb of Swiss Cycling Alpenbrevet starts at kilometre 105.3, runs for 9 km at an average of 9.1% and gains 813 metres. Cycling-convention rating: HC. 8 climbs are mapped in total.
Is Swiss Cycling Alpenbrevet a loop course?
Yes, Swiss Cycling Alpenbrevet is laid out as a loop: start and finish are in the same place.
Is there a GPX file for the Swiss Cycling Alpenbrevet course?
Yes. The Swiss Cycling Alpenbrevet course is on this page as a free GPX download — ready to import into Garmin, Wahoo, Komoot, Strava or any other app that reads GPX.
How should I prepare for Swiss Cycling Alpenbrevet?
Preparation for Swiss Cycling Alpenbrevet should account for 267 km, 6,800 m of elevation gain, current training load, and available training time. An adaptive plan helps place key sessions without ignoring recovery and real life.
What pacing strategy works for Swiss Cycling Alpenbrevet?
The pacing strategy for Swiss Cycling Alpenbrevet should reflect 267 km, 6,800 m of elevation gain, and your current fitness. Start controlled and keep margin for sections where the profile or fatigue makes target pace harder.
When does Swiss Cycling Alpenbrevet next take place?
No date has been announced for the next edition yet. The most recent one was held on September 5, 2026.
Where does Swiss Cycling Alpenbrevet take place?
Swiss Cycling Alpenbrevet takes place in Andermatt, Switzerland.
Which distances does Swiss Cycling Alpenbrevet offer?
Swiss Cycling Alpenbrevet offers 4 distances — Platintour: 267 km; Goldtour: 212 km; Silbertour: 107 km; Bronzetour: 68 km.
How do I register for Swiss Cycling Alpenbrevet?
Registration runs through the organiser: alpenbrevet.ch. YOUB shows you the course, elevation profile and training plan for your preparation.
