Swiss Alps 100.
The 160K is the centrepiece of the Swiss Alps 100: a loop out of Fiesch through high mountain terrain that takes in the Aletsch Glacier and three suspension bridges and adds up to more than 9,000 m of climbing. Preparing for it means preparing for a night and a second day in the mountains, not for a long run.
Swiss Alps 100 2027: Course, Elevation & Route Profile
Straight out of the Sport Resort in Fiesch the course climbs steeply for almost seven kilometres and roughly 1,150 m, and barely past 20 km the next ascent of more than 1,000 m begins. At km 38 comes the steepest ramp of the day, just under four kilometres averaging over 20 percent. From there the route stays above 2,000 m for a long stretch before dropping back down to the valley floor by km 80.
The second half belongs to three shorter climbs between km 85 and 96 and then to the big one from km 104: close to six kilometres and over 1,100 m of gain with more than 100 km already in your legs. Another high section around 2,400 m follows, with a final climb at km 120, before a long descent from about km 134 brings you back to Fiesch at around 1,060 m.
Start and finish share the same spot in Fiesch, and in between you are in alpine terrain the whole way, moving between the valley floor and glacier country. The Aletsch Glacier and three suspension bridges are part of the route and make it more than a sequence of passes. With the steep ground split almost evenly between up and down, the loop is decided on the descents as much as on the climbs.
| Start | Length | Ø | Max. | Gain | Cat. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| km 0 | 6.8 km | 17.1 % | 29.1 % | +1,155 m | HC |
| km 21.6 | 5.4 km | 18.9 % | 37.2 % | +1,017 m | HC |
| km 38.5 | 3.9 km | 20.4 % | 58.6 % | +786 m | Cat. 1 |
| km 85.3 | 3.6 km | 14.1 % | 31 % | +509 m | Cat. 2 |
| km 89.7 | 2.9 km | 11.4 % | 21.5 % | +332 m | Cat. 2 |
| km 93.6 | 2.7 km | 17.6 % | 39.5 % | +466 m | Cat. 2 |
| km 103.9 | 5.9 km | 19.5 % | 42 % | +1,147 m | HC |
| km 120.3 | 3.7 km | 19.3 % | 37.1 % | +715 m | Cat. 1 |
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 Alps 100.
Start under control
The first 40 km stack three big climbs back to back, and that is where much of the field overdraws its account. Take the first ramp out of Fiesch as if the whole race were still ahead of you, because it is: hike as soon as the gradient reaches double figures, and keep your effort at a level you could still hold after 30 hours.
Hold your rhythm
The race is decided between km 85 and 110. After the lowest point of the loop come three climbs in quick succession and then the 1,100 m from km 104, which most runners only reach after a night in the mountains. If you can still climb steadily here, you pick up the places that were lost up front.
Spend what is left
The trap is on the descents. More than 30 percent of the course drops steeply, and running downhill hard early to bank time costs you the quads you need for the final long descent into Fiesch. Descend under control, and eat consistently on the long high sections before hunger arrives.
Training plan for Swiss Alps 100: 12-week build
Build the base
For most age-group runners the 160K means 35 to 45 hours on the move, so at least one night without sleep. The effort is mostly low-intensity aerobic work but never steady: almost 60 percent of the course is steep, up or down, and flat ground makes up barely six percent. What it asks for is strong, sustained uphill hiking rather than running pace.
Train race pace
The decisive phases come late: the climb from km 104 with more than 1,100 m of gain, and the long descent from the last high section down to the valley. So train with back-to-back long mountain days on which the hardest climb comes at the end, and build in steep downhill work so your quads can still brake after 130 km.
Rehearse the course
Much of the loop runs between 2,000 and 2,500 m. If you live at low altitude, training days at that height before August pay off, as does having already used your kit for a night in the high mountains in training, headlamp and poles on steep trails included.
Arrive fresh
The rest is fuelling and mindset: test in training what you can eat over 30 hours, and practise night sections so the night in the high mountains does not catch you unprepared.
Courses
Download the Swiss Alps 100 course as a GPX file for your watch or bike computer.
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Everything about Swiss Alps 100.
How long is Swiss Alps 100?
Swiss Alps 100 is 159.4 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 Alps 100 have?
Swiss Alps 100 has around 9,335 m of elevation gain over 159.4 km. That affects pacing, muscular load, and preparation for late-race sections.
What is the route profile of Swiss Alps 100?
Swiss Alps 100 is classified as Mountainous, averaging 58.8 vertical metres per kilometre. 6% of the route is flat, 16% climbs moderately (2 to 6%) and 29% is steeper than 6%.
What climbs does Swiss Alps 100 have?
The hardest climb of Swiss Alps 100 starts at kilometre 0, runs for 6.8 km at an average of 17.1% and gains 1,155 metres. Cycling-convention rating: HC. 8 climbs are mapped in total.
Is Swiss Alps 100 a loop course?
Yes, Swiss Alps 100 is laid out as a loop: start and finish are in the same place.
Is there a GPX file for the Swiss Alps 100 course?
Yes. The Swiss Alps 100 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 Alps 100?
Preparation for Swiss Alps 100 should account for 159.4 km, 9,335 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 Alps 100?
The pacing strategy for Swiss Alps 100 should reflect 159.4 km, 9,335 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 Alps 100 2027 take place?
Swiss Alps 100 2027 takes place on August 6, 2027.
Where does Swiss Alps 100 2027 take place?
Swiss Alps 100 2027 takes place in Fiesch, Switzerland.
Which distances does Swiss Alps 100 offer?
Swiss Alps 100 offers 5 distances — 160K: 159.4 km; 100K: 100.8 km; Vertical: 10 km; 50K: 51.6 km; Matterhorning: 33.3 km.
How do I register for Swiss Alps 100?
Registration runs through the organiser: swissalps100.com. YOUB shows you the course, elevation profile and training plan for your preparation.
