Sierre-Zinal

View on map
Sports & AdventureSierre/Zinal
DatesDates TBA · Usually AugustCheck locally before booking
DurationSummerEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forCompetition, enduranceSierre-Zinal's identity comes from its
Language["fr"]Currency: CHF
CategorySports & AdventureFestival type
The story

Sierre-Zinal in Sierre/Zinal

Sierre-Zinal is a mountain trail ultramarathon running 31 kilometers from Sierre up through the Val d'Anniviers to the village of Zinal, gaining about 2,200 meters of elevation past five peaks over 4,000 meters. Founded in 1974, it has become one of the most competitive fixtures in mountain running, part of the Golden Trail World Series. Expect elite and amateur runners together, village checkpoints along the route, and Zinal as the natural gathering point at the finish.

Sierre-Zinal is a mountain trail race that climbs out of the Rhone valley town of Sierre and finishes 31 kilometers later in the alpine village of Zinal, gaining roughly 2,200 meters of elevation along the way through the Val d'Anniviers.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Sierre-Zinal's identity comes from its nickname, the Course des 5 4000s, earned because five alpine peaks above 4,000 meters, including the Weisshorn and Zinalrothorn, remain visible from sections of the route, a panorama that has made the race a benchmark event in mountain running rather than just another trail marathon

02

The mystery stays covered

Its field mixes elite athletes competing for course records within the Golden Trail World Series against thousands of amateur runners who apply for a limited number of entry spots each year, since demand routinely outpaces availability

03

The city starts moving

The course itself, climbing out of the Rhone valley through villages like Chandolin and St-Luc before dropping into Zinal, gives spectators a genuine alpine setting rather than a roadside sideline

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The race's defining tradition is its nickname

Water and renewal

Living ritual

the Course des 5 4000s

The sacred route

Living ritual

tied to the five 4

The local code

Living ritual

000-meter peaks visible from the route

Tradition 5

Living ritual

and the village-by-village crowd support through Chandolin

Tradition 6

Living ritual

St-Luc and the other Val d'Anniviers communities

Tradition 7

Living ritual

which turn what could be a remote mountain course into a genuinely local event each finishing runner passes through

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually August

Getting around

For Sierre-Zinal, plan transport around the exact Sierre/Zinal venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.

What to wear

If you plan to walk any section of the course to watch, treat it as a genuine mountain hike: trail running or hiking shoes with real grip, moisture-wicking layers rather than cotton, a light...

Safety

Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.

Where to stay

For Sierre-Zinal, stay near the part of Sierre/Zinal you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

["fr"] · CHF

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map47.37 N, 8.55 EOpen in Google Maps

Sierre/Zinal, Valais, Switzerland

Nearest airportGVA — Geneva
TransportFor Sierre-Zinal, plan transport around the exact Sierre/Zinal venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.
Stay areaFor Sierre-Zinal, stay near the part of Sierre/Zinal you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Sierre/Zinal via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Sierre/Zinal, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for August.Compare faresFestival gearIf you plan to walk any section of the course to watch, treat it as a genuine mountain hike: trail running or hiking shoes with real grip, moisture-wicking layers rather than cotton, a light waterproof shell since alpine weather changes fast, and a hat and sunscreen for exposed sections above the treeline. Runners themselves race in trail shoes, minimal packs and layered kit built for a 2,200-meter climb, not standard road-race gear.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Switzerland and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Sierre-Zinal?

Sierre-Zinal is listed for August · Summer. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Sierre-Zinal take place?

The festival is listed in Sierre/Zinal, Switzerland. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Summer is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Sierre/Zinal, Valais, Switzerland

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLsierre-zinal.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually August
Source statusOfficial source linked
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