The commander of the Patrouille des Glaciers gives absolute priority to the safety of the patrollers and the military and civilians working on the route. The weather conditions that prevailed after the cancellation of Tuesday’s races and the forecast for Friday night make it impossible to consider a departure as planned.
The weather disturbance forecast for Friday night will bring heavy snowfall to the route taken by the patrols. In addition, fog and clouds will prevent helicopters from flying normally and consequently any medical evacuations by air.
This decision has been taken in the hope that conditions, particularly visibility, will improve enough to allow the race to unfold on this Saturday night.
As a result:
For the races:
- The starts of races Z2 and A2 have been postponed by 24 hours.
- Due to the extremely low temperatures expected along the course, it is imperative to comply with point 11 of appendix 5 of the regulations concerning regulatory clothing. Ski goggles are also compulsory for participants in the A2 race. Checks will be carried out before the start. Without fully adhering to the regulatory equipment, the patrol will not be authorised to start.
For the official parties:
- The press conference (15:00), opening ceremonies (16:30 and 18:00) and prize-giving ceremony (14:30) are postponed by 24 hours.
- In any case, the PdG Village in Verbier will be open on Sunday 21th of April. Medals and souvenir prizes will be available for collection and the patroller’s dish will be served in the big tent.
Practical aspects:
- On Friday 19th of April, an additional advanced equipment control for the Z2 and A2 races will be held in Sion from 15:00 to 20:00.
- The equipment check on Friday 19th of April in Zermatt has been postponed by 24 hours.
- The Z2 patrols are invited to reach Zermatt only on Saturday 20th of April.
- Race numbers can only be collected on the race day in Zermatt (Z2) and Sion (A2).
- The tickets offered by the SBB/CFF remain valid for the days of the race.
