Switzerland · Vaud
Distance
50 km
Date
Entry fee
—
€ / km
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Xtratrail Lavaux 50km — Trail Running Through Switzerland's UNESCO Vineyard Landscape
The Xtratrail Lavaux threads 50 kilometres through one of Europe's most distinctive race settings: the UNESCO World Heritage terraced vineyards above Lake Geneva. Starting in the historic lakeside village of Lutry, the course winds through Vaud's vineyard stairways and pre-alpine forest, with the Alps, the Jura, and the shimmering surface of Lac Léman visible for much of the route. With 2,100m of gain over 50km — 42m per kilometre — gradients stay accessible.
Only 3% of the course exceeds 20% incline, making this a race where scenery sets the agenda. Finisher numbers tell the growth story: 71 in 2023, 145 in 2024, 160 in 2025, a 125% jump in two years. Five concurrent distances from 5km to 50km draw runners, walkers, and families to what amounts to an annual wine-country trail festival. At 70–90 CHF entry, it is exceptional value for Switzerland — and one of the few races anywhere where the terrain itself carries UNESCO recognition.
Elevation and Terrain
Total Meters
2,100m
D+/KM
42.0m/km
For context, the Tor des Géants 330 loop has 73 D+/km.
Avg Uphill Gradient
11.5%
Avg Downhill Gradient
-12.3%
Uphill gradient distribution
| 2–5% | 4.9 km | |
|---|---|---|
| 5–10% | 5.7 km | |
| 10–15% | 4.1 km | |
| 15–20% | 2.0 km | |
| 20%+ | 3.0 km |
Route Profile
AnalysedTerrain breakdown
| 39.6% | Uphill |
|---|---|
| 23.4% | Flat |
| 37.1% | Downhill |
Terrain
XtraTrail Lavaux – 50 km 50km Top Climbs
Top Climbs
| 1 | 3.3 km · 425 m gain starts km 5 · avg 12.8% · max 44.9% |
|---|---|
| 2 | 5.5 km · 329 m gain starts km 19 · avg 6.0% · max 39.6% |
| 3 | 4.6 km · 181 m gain starts km 0 · avg 3.9% · max 36.4% |
Top descents
| 1 | 6.1 km · 538 m drop starts km 29 · avg -8.8% · max -49.7% |
|---|---|
| 2 | 5.7 km · 258 m drop starts km 8 · avg -4.5% · max -93.8% |
| 3 | 2.8 km · 193 m drop starts km 26 · avg -7.0% · max -49.6% |
Xtratrail Lavaux 50km: Course Profile and Elevation Breakdown
What is the Xtratrail Lavaux 50km course profile?
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The XTRA 50 covers 50 kilometres with 2,100 metres of elevation gain — a vertical density of 42 metres per kilometre. The course features 16 sustained climbs; the biggest single ascent gains 425 metres over 3.3km. Only 3 percent of the course exceeds 20 percent gradient, making it significantly more accessible than most Swiss mountain races. Flat sections account for 23.4 percent of the route — more than the DiscoverTrailRaces database average — consistent with the lakeside and vineyard terrace character of the terrain.
Is Lavaux a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Terraced Vineyards Above Lake Geneva
Is the Lavaux a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
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Yes. The Lavaux viticultural terraces were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, recognised for their exceptional cultural landscape of terraced vineyards cultivated above Lake Geneva since the 11th century. The Xtratrail Lavaux 50km runs directly through this protected landscape from Lutry, making it one of the very few trail races in the world to traverse a UNESCO-inscribed cultural landscape.
How Much Does Xtratrail Lavaux Cost? 70–90 CHF Entry Fees
How much does Xtratrail Lavaux cost to enter?
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Entry fees for the XTRA 50 follow a tiered structure at 70, 80, or 90 CHF — Swiss francs, not euros — depending on registration timing. This is exceptional value for a Swiss ITRA-certified event (1.09 ITRA points awarded). Check xtratraillavaux.ch for the 2026 registration window and current tier pricing.
What Distances Are Available at Xtratrail Lavaux? From 5km to 50km
What distances are available at Xtratrail Lavaux?▼
Five distances are offered: XTRA 50 (50km, D+ 2,100m), XTRA 34 (34km, D+ 1,561m), XTRA 20 (20km, D+ 870m), XTRA 10 (10km, D+ 350m — also available as Nordic Walking and Walking), and XTRA 5 / XFUN 5 (5km). Children's races of 1km and 2km (XKIDS) are held in Lutry town, making this a full family and multi-level festival event.
When Is Xtratrail Lavaux 2026? May 30 in Lutry, Vaud
When is Xtratrail Lavaux 2026?▼
The 2026 edition takes place on 30 May 2026, starting in Lutry on the northern shore of Lake Geneva, Vaud, Switzerland. Finisher numbers have grown from 71 in 2023 to 160 in 2025 — a 125 percent increase in two years. The multi-distance format creates a festival atmosphere across all skill levels. Confirm course format, cutoff times, and mandatory kit requirements at xtratraillavaux.ch before registering.
XtraTrail Lavaux – 50 km 50km GPX
Getting to XtraTrail Lavaux – 50 km
Nearest airport
Geneva (GVA)
Notes
Start: ~1–1.5 hrs / Public transport: Strong (train to Lausanne/Vevey + local); car optional / Accommodation: Excellent (Lausanne/Vevey/Montreux) but pricey in peak season
