Bernina Ultraks.
The Bernina Glaciers Marathon is a high-alpine mountain run over 42 kilometres with around 2,650 metres of climbing in constant ups and downs between 1,800 and nearly 3,000 metres. Preparing for the Bernina Glaciers Marathon means bracing less for a marathon distance than for a long day in thin mountain air with several extremely steep ascents and equally steep descents.
Bernina Ultraks 2027: Course, Elevation & Route Profile
The Bernina Glaciers Marathon is a 42-kilometre loop with around 2,650 metres of climbing, starting and finishing in Pontresina. The first long climb arrives just after four kilometres: more than five kilometres averaging roughly eleven per cent lift you into high-alpine terrain, followed by two short, very steep ramps to the high point just below 3,000 metres. Here you cross the glacier world around the Morteratsch and Pers glaciers, partly over moraine scree, partly on passages secured with spikes and by mountain guides where snow remains.
After a long descent back to around 2,100 metres, the decisive climb of the day waits at kilometre 23: almost four kilometres averaging 18 per cent and 710 metres of gain up to the Diavolezza station. A further steep pitch near kilometre 32, at over 20 per cent, tests tired legs before the final descent leads back to Pontresina. The route runs along the UNESCO World Heritage line of the Rhaetian Railway, with views of Piz Bernina and Piz Palü. Two big mountain blocks, with technical ground above 2,000 metres in between.
| Start | Length | Ø | Max. | Gain | Cat. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| km 4.5 | 5.5 km | 10.6 % | 47.1 % | +584 m | Cat. 2 |
| km 11.6 | 2.1 km | 15.8 % | 28.2 % | +335 m | Cat. 2 |
| km 14 | 1 km | 22.5 % | 43.7 % | +225 m | Cat. 3 |
| km 23.2 | 4 km | 18 % | 42.3 % | +710 m | Cat. 1 |
| km 27.4 | 0.7 km | 9.5 % | 17.8 % | +69 m | — |
| km 28.9 | 1.1 km | 8.6 % | 17.3 % | +93 m | Cat. 4 |
| km 32.6 | 1.6 km | 20.2 % | 42.4 % | +324 m | Cat. 2 |
| km 34.8 | 0.5 km | 14.6 % | 24.6 % | +73 m | — |
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 Bernina Ultraks.
Start under control
At almost 63 metres of climbing per kilometre and pitches over 40 percent, a steady hard tempo is impossible; the race is a chain of steep ascents and descents you have to meter one at a time. The first big climb from kilometre 4.5 (a good five kilometres, averaging over 10 percent) tops out near 3,000 metres; here the altitude dictates how much reserve you keep.
Hold your rhythm
Don't spend yourself in the first half, because the real centrepiece is the categorised climb from kilometre 23: nearly four kilometres at 18 percent on average and over 700 metres of gain in one go, deep into the race. Whoever can still march rather than crawl here makes the result. On the steep ramps use a committed power-hike with poles and spare your legs for the technical descents, which the thin air and the length make doubly demanding.
Spend what is left
The biggest trap is a too-ambitious first climb; at altitude, every excess of intensity is punished mercilessly later. Eat and drink early and regularly; the long day demands a stable energy supply.
Training plan for Bernina Ultraks: 12-week build
Build the base
For most age-group athletes the marathon means six to nine hours of effort, almost entirely aerobic but rarely steady. The climbing falls into two large blocks plus several short, very steep ramps above 20 per cent that you can barely run, so efficient power-hiking belongs firmly in your training.
Train race pace
The decisive section is the long climb at kilometre 23: 710 metres of gain at an average of 18 per cent, after more than twenty kilometres already in your legs. Lose your strength here, or on the steep pitch near kilometre 32, and you lose a lot of time. Train uphill efforts at the end of long runs, when your legs are already pre-fatigued.
Rehearse the course
The descents matter just as much. Around 2,650 metres of downhill, often over scree and moraine, load your quads and joints heavily. Technical downhill running under fatigue protects against the classic second-half collapse. Plan long sessions with clearly back-loaded climbing, get used to uneven alpine ground, and adapt to the thinner air near 3,000 metres.
Arrive fresh
A high-summer start at altitude brings rapid weather changes: heat in the lower sections and cold on the glacier crossings can occur in the same run, so tune your kit and fuelling accordingly.
Courses
Download the Bernina Ultraks course as a GPX file for your watch or bike computer.
Let YOUB adapt your plan for Bernina Ultraks dynamically
Ben connects your goal, the course, current load, recovery, and calendar. Your plan stays pointed at race day even when real life is not perfectly plannable.
Everything about Bernina Ultraks.
How long is Bernina Ultraks?
Bernina Ultraks is 42.2 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 Bernina Ultraks have?
Bernina Ultraks has around 2,600 m of elevation gain over 42.2 km. That affects pacing, muscular load, and preparation for late-race sections.
What is the route profile of Bernina Ultraks?
Bernina Ultraks is classified as Mountainous, averaging 62.9 vertical metres per kilometre. 6% of the route is flat, 21% climbs moderately (2 to 6%) and 29% is steeper than 6%.
What climbs does Bernina Ultraks have?
The hardest climb of Bernina Ultraks starts at kilometre 23.2, runs for 4 km at an average of 18% and gains 710 metres. Cycling-convention rating: Cat. 1. 8 climbs are mapped in total.
Is Bernina Ultraks a loop course?
Yes, Bernina Ultraks is laid out as a loop: start and finish are in the same place.
Is there a GPX file for the Bernina Ultraks course?
Yes. The Bernina Ultraks 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 Bernina Ultraks?
Preparation for Bernina Ultraks should account for 42.2 km, 2,600 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 Bernina Ultraks?
The pacing strategy for Bernina Ultraks should reflect 42.2 km, 2,600 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 Bernina Ultraks 2027 take place?
Bernina Ultraks 2027 takes place on July 3, 2027.
Where does Bernina Ultraks 2027 take place?
Bernina Ultraks 2027 takes place in Pontresina, Switzerland.
Which distances does Bernina Ultraks offer?
Bernina Ultraks offers 4 distances — Bernina Glaciers Marathon: 42.2 km; Corvatsch: 30 km; Steinbock: 16 km; GoVertical: 6.5 km.
How do I register for Bernina Ultraks?
Registration runs through the organiser: bernina.ultraks.com. YOUB shows you the course, elevation profile and training plan for your preparation.
