The Patrouille des Glaciers is an exceptional race from Zermatt to Verbier or from Arolla to Verbier in one stage depending on the category. This unique race is characterized by its length, its high average altitude and the profile of its itinerary. Participating demands not only a real mountaineering experience and mastery of the extreme conditions encountered, but also a thorough physical and moral preparation.

The competitor satisfies these minimal competence criteria :

1. regularly practice excursions and races on mountains
2. is a very good skier
3. knows how to ski roped
4. is very well trained
5. is capable in normal conditions of doing :
6. Zermatt-Schöbiel in 3 h 00*
7. Zermatt-Arolla in 7 h 30**
8. Arolla-Riedmatten in 1 h 45* *:maximal time
9. Arolla-Verbier in 8 h 30** **:average times

This race is run in civilian or military patrols of three competitors. It is open to male, female or mixed patrols.