Gemmi Run – The Classic

The Gemmi Run is one of the most legendary trail running routes in Leukerbad. Starting at the Gemmi valley station, the route leads over the ...

The trail run starts in Leukerbad at the valley station of the Gemmi cable cars. After a short warm-up run through the village, you enter directly into the challenging switchback path of the Gemmi wall. This historic path was once used by pack animals and today offers a spectacular backdrop for trail runners. During the ascent, enjoy breathtaking views of Leukerbad and the Rhone valley.

Once you reach the top of the Gemmi Pass, the finish is only a few meters away at the mountain station of the Gemmi cable car. There you can not only enjoy the satisfaction of having completed one of the most famous mountain running routes in Switzerland – but perhaps also a well-deserved reward!

Valley Station Gemmi Cable Cars

The Gemmi Run starts at the valley station of the Gemmi cable cars. From there you first run through the village towards the Gemmi Pass. The path gradually becomes steeper before it transitions into the legendary mule track.

After the first switchbacks, the challenging ascent through the imposing Gemmi wall begins. The narrow path winds through numerous hairpin bends up the steep rock face. Here you reach the checkpoint where your time is recorded. During the ascent, spectacular views open up of Leukerbad and the Rhone valley – but the focus remains on your own endurance and footwork.

At the top, you leave the narrow rock wall and reach the high plateau of the Gemmi Pass. The trail now becomes flatter, and the last meters lead you past the Wildstrubel mountain hotel to the mountain station of the Gemmi cable car, where the challenge ends.

Here you can catch your breath, enjoy the view, and – if you have broken the time limit – receive your well-deserved reward: a free descent with the Gemmi cable car and free entry to the Leukerbad thermal baths.

Gemmi Lodge