Trails made for running and mountains made for gawking

The Via Valais Backstory

Running all throughout Switzerland while producing our Run the Alps Switzerland guidebook for much of 2017, the Valais region proved to be the absolute best trail running we’d done in the Alps. The Via Valais originated from the idea to link up some favorite trails we discovered. As we began connecting our runs on maps, creating a runner’s haute route began to take shape. Janine, Kim, and I headed back to the Valais, and began exploring connector trails in areas we weren’t familiar with.

In the fall of 2018, once we thought we had it, we set out on what is now the 6 day version. The route was fantastic, and we saw that we were on to something. But, we didn’t have the right starting point. Our goal was to start in Verbier, but the first days were tough to configure for the best running trails and overnights. It took us a couple of weeks of running a lot of trails that didn’t pass quality control. We finally landed on the first overnight being at the Cabane d’Essertze after loving the route to get there. The final piece of the puzzle then was the best option to get from Evolène up to Cabane des Becs de Bossons. Finally, as the winter’s first snow started to fall, we found the final passage, through the Pas de Lovégno.

With ALPSinsight: The Alps Mountain Sport & Trail Running Resource building momentum, we were excited to design a multi-day route as part of our online resource.

A whole lot has happened since we announced the Via Valais, posted the guide to our site, and began sharing our photos and experiences from it. Now, seven years later, it truly has become the Runner’s Haute Route. Thanks to a lot of media (samples: Outside Magazine & Run), runners are coming from all over the world to do it.

And so, we want to share important updates and information about the route to help those planning a 2026 trip.

Via Valais Stage 7 Route Change

Late this fall, we stopped in at the Topali Hut for a cup of hot tea on a cold day. While chatting with the hutkeeper, Anja, she let us know that a new trail was being built from just below the Schöllijoch to connect with the Randa descent trail. The old trail, which turned to the south near the Topali Hut, was experiencing too much rock fall, and that trail is now closed. The old trail is now shown as closed on SwissTopo, and the new trail is visible.

We’ve changed both the full route GPX track and stage 7 GPX track that are included in our Via Valais package. If you got the tracks prior to November 2025, feel free to email for an updated track.

*Same goes for the 6-Stage route. This trail change is on your stage 4.

Chased by a thunderstorm on the way to the Schöllijoch

Valais Trail Closures

In the early summer of 2025, a massive storm toppled a lot of trees in the Valais. As a result, there were many trail closures throughout the region. The Via Valais was mostly spared, but some sections were closed. By late fall, the entire route seemed open.

This just serves as a reminder that things change quickly, and that the closure of a key trail can completely change a big section of the route. This may well impact a running group’s hut reservations.

Please keep an eye on our social media, any warnings we post on the Via Valais guide, or feel free to check in with us.

Finally, we’ve noticed that when using a translator on German language sites, like SwissTopo, warnings for trail closures typically report “Stone Chipping” as the reason for closure. This implies work is being done. But the German “steinschlag” is the original word being translated – which means rockfall. Something very different. Please take the warnings seriously.

Last day, last call to stay out late for a dash up the Mettelhorn bonus peak

Via Valais Community Page

Along with our online guide to the Via Valais, there is a Community page with nearly 100 posts from people talking about the route – trip reports, advice, condition reports, and inquiries about how things work. It is a useful tool – have at it, and also let us know how your trip goes!

Via Valais Guided & Self Guided Trips

If you want to skip all the logistics and just show up to run, we suggest checking in with our partners at Run the Alps. They offer a guided group tour on a modified, easier, version of the full route, and self-guided packages where they handle all your logistics, bookings, baggage transfers, and provide support throughout your trip.

Early starts make for early finishes and afternoon chill at the Cabane de Moiry

Our Via Valais Tips

We ran the full 9-Stage Via Valais with a group of friends in the summer of 2024. It was our first time doing it start to finish without having to venture off to check some side trail or peak. Even with all our experience on the same trails, doing the entirety of the route was even better than we realized. Throughout the route we kept notes about things we experienced to pass along:

Stage 1 and 2 are long and you have to keep moving to make it to the next hut in time for dinner. This is especially challenging on the first days – running with a heavy pack, everything is new and exciting, and you want to stop and look around at all the new views.
Don’t pass up fountain soaks if you happen to be out in a heatwave.
L’Etoile (Stage 2 bonus peak) is maybe one of our most favorite spots. Can you squeeze it in before dinner?
We love the Coop in Evolene and Täsch for parking lot picnics and resupplies.
No matter how badly you want to sleep in and enjoy the hut breakfast, don’t. Set your alarm, get up early, and do the Pigne de la Lé for sunrise. It’s only about 2.5 hours up and down, so you can still make breakfast at the Moiry Hut.
Le Besso, in Zinal, is our favorite hotel breakfast.
Instead of staying in Randa, we continued up to Täschalp due to that summer’s trail closures, it was a fun overnight stop with a great dinner.
Lemonade in Zmutt and ice tea at the Trift Hotel are a must on a hot day as you make your way to the finish in Zermatt.
Stage 9 – The Mettlehorn is a worthy bonus peak even on a long final day. Push to get this one done.
It’s all so good!

Via Valais Route Flyover

Finally, our friends at Map Director created a Via Valais flyover. The route is fun to see as it unfolds in the Swiss landscape. We hope it inspires your own experience.