The Fondation Patrouille des Glaciers and the Swiss Army officially announced the 2026 edition of the legendary ski mountaineering race on Thursday in Martigny, featuring a first: a dedicated category for all-female teams. The event will take place from April 13 to 19, 2026. Registration is open from September 1 to 30, 2025.

The Patrouille des Glaciers 2026 (PdG) was officially launched on Thursday, May 8, 2025, with a new poster and promotional video. Philippe Rebord, President of the Fondation PdG, and Brigadier Christian Sieber, Commander of the PdG, presented the upcoming edition of the iconic race in the presence of guests and media representatives in Martigny.

Teams can register for the PdG 2026 via the official website www.pdg.ch from September 1 to 30, 2025. The official regulations, containing all essential information, will be published on the website in mid-August 2025.

Each patrouille consists of four members, including one designated as a reserve. If the number of registrations exceeds the available quota, the remaining starting slots will be allocated by lottery in late November or early December 2025. Swiss and foreign military patrols, as well as civilian teams accompanied by certified mountain guides, will be given priority.

The order of registration has no influence on the selection or admission of patrols. All entries will be reviewed in October and November 2025.

A dedicated category for women

This historic and internationally renowned military competition is held every two years. It is open not only to military patrols but also to civilian participants – ranging from elite athletes to well-prepared amateur skiers.

Teams may choose between two routes: the full course from Zermatt to Verbier (57.5 kilometers with 4,386 meters of elevation gain) or the shorter “Petite Patrouille” from Arolla to Verbier (29.6 kilometers with 2,200 meters of elevation gain).

Starting in 2026, women – who have been eligible to compete since 1986 – will, for the first time, have their own competition category with a separate ranking. Previously, all-female teams were ranked in the mixed civilian category.

The organizers will continue their successful partnership with the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) in 2026. As in past years, the Patrouille des Glaciers will count towards the overall standings of the SAC Swiss Skimo Cup, the national series of major ski mountaineering races.

Strengthened collaboration between the fondation PdG and the Swiss Army

The closer collaboration between the Fondation Patrouille des Glaciers and the Swiss Army, intensified in 2023 and will be further expanded. The shared objective is to ensure the sustainable development and long-term future of this storied race.

The Swiss Army remains responsible for the organization, logistics, and safety along the course and for all participants. Founded in 2021, the Fondation Patrouille des Glaciers handles coordination and activities at the start and finish locations, material logistics, and historical archiving. It also enhances the race’s overall coordination and marketing efforts. “This partnership between the Army and the foundation is proving its worth,” said Philippe Rebord, President of the Fondation PdG. “Together, we are not only preserving the PdG, but also evolving it for the future.”

In addition to the existing cooperation agreement between the Army and the Fondation PdG, which runs through 2028, a new framework agreement has been signed between the Federal Department of Defence (DDPS) General Secretariat and the Canton of Valais. “This agreement secures the organization of the PdG through 2034,” emphasized Frédéric Favre, former State Councillor of the Canton of Valais.

A major milestone in preserving the race’s legacy is the new partnership with the Valais State Archives, which will now centralize and preserve all historical documents related to the Patrouille des Glaciers.

Taking environmental responsibility seriously

In the spirit of environmental responsibility, three clean-up days are held along the course after each edition of the race. Furthermore, participants are encouraged to use public transportation: the registration fee includes a second-class public transport ticket for round-trip travel between their home and the start or finish location.

New in 2026, supporters of participants will also benefit: thanks to a partnership with Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and the SwissPass Alliance, they can purchase discounted tickets for their round trips.

Through these initiatives, the PdG aims to fulfill its commitment to the alpine environment and contribute to making this major sporting event more sustainable.