From 13 to 19 April 2026, the Patrouille des Glaciers once again brought together hundreds of ski mountaineering enthusiasts in the heart of the Valais Alps. This iconic race, notably linking Arolla to Verbier, represents a unique challenge combining endurance, preparation and true team spirit.
This year, the Piguet Galland team, composed of Simon Fumeaux, Romain Geinoz and mountain guide Olivier Messerli, took part in Route A (Arolla – Verbier), a demanding 29.6 km course with 2,200 metres of elevation gain.
Setting off at dawn, the team quickly found their rhythm in the early hours of the race, progressing efficiently through the night despite heavy traffic on the first sections.
The result: an arrival in Verbier in 5 hours and 51 minutes, exceeding their initial target.
Yet beyond the performance itself, it is above all the way it was achieved that stands out.
“An immense sense of joy and pride in having maintained a strong pace all the way to the finish,” Simon shared upon arrival.
As is often the case in high mountain environments, the race did not unfold exactly as expected.
While the team felt strong at the start, the real challenge lay in maintaining that intensity over time, while staying focused during the more technical sections.
“The challenge was to sustain the pace and remain focused during the key moments. By the time you reach the finish, you realise how quickly everything has unfolded.”
Some sections proved particularly demanding, especially between the Tsena Réfien pass and the Barma hut, where conditions made progress more difficult: frozen snow, poor visibility and terrain that made it hard to maintain a steady rhythm.
Beyond the physical challenge, the Patrouille des Glaciers is, above all, a collective experience.
It is in the most difficult moments that this team spirit truly comes into its own.
“During the ascent of the Rosablanche, I felt completely drained. The support of my teammates was decisive.”
A powerful reminder of the essence of the race: moving forward together, adapting constantly and supporting one another throughout.
While the effort is ever-present, the beauty of the route remains one of the most striking aspects of the experience.
Among the most memorable moments, Simon recalls the ascent of the Rosablanche at sunrise:
“The atmosphere, the view of the Dent Blanche and the Matterhorn… it’s a striking moment. Both demanding and incredibly motivating.”
A suspended moment in time, where the sporting challenge meets the raw power of the Alpine landscape.
No sooner had they crossed the finish line than a new idea began to take shape.
“Absolutely. With the ambition to improve our result… or perhaps take on the longer course next time.”
As is often the case with challenges of this kind, the experience does not end at the finish line, it opens the door to new ambitions.