Ultra Tour Monte Rosa 63km: The Mischabel 60 High-Alpine Loop From Grächen, 4,445m D+ Through Gsponer and Balfrin Höhenwege

The Ultra Tour Monte Rosa Mischabel 60 covers 63km in a loop (63.1km by checkpoint table) with 4,445m D+ and 4,445m D-. D+/km of approximately 70 m/km ranks 102nd of 390 European ultras for vertical density (top 26%). The course ranks 103rd of 390 for mountainousness (rank 1 = most mountainous; top 26%), with only 6.27% flat terrain. Maximum altitude is 2,724m at the Weissmeishütte (km 27). The biggest single climb is ranked 52nd of 390 European ultras (top 13%). The biggest single descent drops 1,338m at a -11.46% average gradient (rank 162/390). Field is capped at 200 starters. The race awards 3 ITRA points and holds UTMB Index status. Time limit: 16 hours. Race date: September 5, 2026.

The Mischabel 60 starts and finishes in Grächen (1,617m), Valais, Switzerland at 04:00 on September 5, 2026. The route begins with a sharp descent into the Saastal, reaching a low point near Raftgarten (~975m, km 11.3), before a major 1,200m climb onto the Gsponer Höhenweg leading to the Weissmeishütte (2,724m, km 27). The course then traverses to Almagelleralp before descending to Saas Fee (1,796m, km 42.3) — one of Switzerland's most famous car-free alpine resorts and a mandatory cutoff at 15:00. The second half runs the Balfrin Höhenweg (the more technical and exposed section) from Saas Fee through Hannigalp (km 59.3, 2,123m) before the final descent back to Grächen. The race was created by five-time UTMB champion Lizzy Hawker, who personally describes the Gsponer and Balfrin Höhenwege as some of the best trails she has run in the Alps. For the 2026 course map and GPX, visit ultratourmonterosa.com/mischabel-60.

The Mischabel 60 runs through high alpine terrain in the Mischabel massif, Valais, Switzerland. Only 6.27% of the course is flat; 93.73% runs at gradient through alpine paths, exposed ridgelines, and rocky high-altitude terrain reaching 2,724m. The Balfrin Höhenweg (Saas Fee to Hannigalp) is specifically noted as 'the more technical and exposed section'. The course starts at 04:00 in pre-dawn darkness and requires headtorches for the initial descent and climb onto the Gsponer Höhenweg. Some sections are 'long and wild' and require self-sufficiency in all weather conditions. The organisers state: 'This is not a beginner's Ultra' — mountain experience is required. Mandatory gear applies; check ultratourmonterosa.com for the full equipment list. 3 ITRA points are awarded for finishing.

The Mischabel 60 uses an experience-based pre-registration system: you must submit your mountain experience history before the organisers review your application and allow you to pay the entry fee. Registration is not a lottery — it is reviewed by the organising team. Entry fee is 150 EUR (€2.38/km). The race is not sold out as of the most recent update. Maximum starters for this distance: 200. The race is not open to beginners — relevant ultra or alpine mountain experience is expected. The Mischabel 60 holds UTMB Index status for 2026, meaning finishers earn UTMB Running Stones toward qualifying for UTMB World Series events. 3 ITRA points are awarded. Pre-registration is at ultratourmonterosa.com/pre-registration-mischabel-60. The sister distance at the same event is the 170km Ultra Tour (a multi-day traverse of the Monte Rosa massif). First edition of the Mischabel 60: 2021. 2026 = 6th edition.

Grächen is a mountain village in Valais, Switzerland at approximately 1,617m. The nearest major airports are Geneva (GVA), approximately 2–3.5 hours away, and Milan Malpensa (MXP), approximately 2–3 hours. Zürich (ZRH) is also accessible in approximately 3–4.5 hours. All three are classified as FAR. Swiss rail to Visp is the recommended public transport option; from Visp, bus connections reach Grächen (approximately 20–30 minutes). Car hire gives the most flexibility. Accommodation in Grächen is limited and expensive — book early, as the event runs September 2–5, 2026 (peak alpine September season). Registration check-in is on Friday, September 4, 2026 (16:00–19:00). The race starts at 04:00 on September 5. For travel and accommodation guidance, visit ultratourmonterosa.com/useful-information/travel.