From April 13 to 19, 2026, a new edition of the Patrouille des Glaciers will take place, one of the most iconic ski mountaineering races in the world. Linking Arolla to Verbier, this legendary high-mountain traverse demands endurance, preparation, and a true team spirit.
On this occasion, several employees will take on the challenge as part of the Piguet Galland team.
Through a series of profiles, we invite you to discover the people who make up this human and sporting adventure.
First, meet Simon Fumeaux, Compliance Officer at Piguet Galland, for whom the mountains are an integral part of his balance.
Depuis ce départ alpin, les équipes progressent à travers un itinéraire spectaculaire qui les conduit successivement au col de Tsena Réfien, au Pas du Chat, à La Barma, puis vers la Rosablanche, avant de franchir le col de Momin et le col de la Chaux. Après ce long parcours d’altitude, les patrouilles rejoignent les Ruinettes, avant d’entamer la dernière descente vers Verbier.
The Piguet Galland team will start on Route A, also known as the “small patrol,” which connects Arolla to Verbier. This route is already particularly demanding and is considered a real achievement for the teams that take it on.
For several days, the village of Arolla, nestled in the Val d’Hérens, becomes a true meeting point for the patrols coming to take on the challenge.
From this alpine start, teams progress along a spectacular route that leads them successively to the Col de Tsena Réfien, the Pas du Chat, La Barma, and then towards the Rosablanche, before crossing the Col de Momin and the Col de la Chaux. After this long high-altitude course, the patrols reach Les Ruinettes, before beginning the final descent to Verbier.
My name is Simon, I’m 31 years old and I work as a Compliance Officer at Piguet Galland. In practical terms, I support various teams on regulatory and risk management matters.
My role mainly consists of bringing clarity to sometimes complex topics and ensuring that we move forward in compliance with the regulatory framework. It’s a job that requires precision, but also a lot of interaction. I particularly appreciate this cross-functional aspect.
The mountains have always been part of my balance. Having grown up not far from Arolla, this race holds a special meaning for me.
When the opportunity arose to take part with the Piguet Galland team, it felt natural: it’s a way to connect a sporting challenge with a collective adventure.
Beyond the sporting challenge, it’s really the collective preparation that gives meaning to this adventure.
Training together regularly and improving as a team creates a real sense of cohesion. It’s also an opportunity to get to know each other better and to learn from one another: everyone brings their experience, advice, and their own approach to effort.
This diversity is a real asset, as it enriches the group dynamic.
First and foremost, it inspires respect. Between Arolla and Verbier, there is something very authentic: powerful landscapes, but also sections that require focus and humility.
For me, it’s a route filled with memories, which makes the experience even more special.
I try to keep my approach simple: consistency, uphill training, and ski mountaineering whenever possible.
I don’t try to overdo it, but rather to stay consistent. Being used to long formats, I know that the mental aspect is essential: accepting the pace, managing more difficult sections, and continuing to move forward even when the feeling isn’t ideal.
It’s a good exercise in balance.
Yes, quite naturally.
In a rope team, you move forward together, each with your own responsibilities. It requires trust, communication, and constant attention to others.
In our profession, it’s similar: relationships are built over time, with reliability and transparency. We’re not looking for immediate impact, but for long-term solidity.
I would choose: moving forward together.
Performance matters, of course, but it’s above all the group dynamic and shared trust that give meaning to the adventure.