13th Arosa Trailrun 2026

Mountain running through spectacular alpine terrain

Dates: September 12, 2026
Location: Around Arosa and surrounding mountain trails
Best for: Trail runners, mountain running enthusiasts, endurance athletes, hiking enthusiasts seeking a challenge, outdoor fitness lovers, scenic course seekers

Overview: what is Arosa Trailrun?

The Arosa Trailrun is a mountain running event that takes participants through some of the most spectacular alpine terrain in the Graubünden region. The 2026 edition marks the 13th year of this challenging and scenic race, inviting trail enthusiasts to embark on an unforgettable journey through the Swiss Alps. The event offers four distinct trails designed for various skill levels, from the 15km introductory course to the demanding 54km ultra distance. Each route showcases Arosa's dramatic mountain landscapes while testing runners' endurance, technical skill, and mental determination on genuine alpine trails.

Unlike road races, trail running involves significant elevation gain, technical terrain including rocky paths and steep climbs, and the unpredictable element of mountain weather. The Arosa Trailrun attracts serious mountain runners alongside recreational trail enthusiasts who want to challenge themselves in a stunning natural setting. The event combines competitive racing with the shared experience of exploring high alpine trails on foot.

Dates and programme

Programme and times

The Arosa Trailrun takes place on a single day, September 12, with different start times for each distance category. Longer distances typically start earlier in the morning to allow adequate time for completion, while shorter courses may begin mid-morning or later.

The four trail distances

Choose from four distinct trails designed for various skill levels:

• AT15: A great entry-level race, perfect for trail beginners looking to tackle 15 kilometers with 976 meters of elevation gain.
• AT22: A middle-distance challenge ideal for half-marathon lovers, offering excellent elevation training for your next city marathon. This route covers 22 kilometers with 1,321 meters of elevation gain.
• AT33: A 32.8km long route that highlights the best alpine features of the main race with 2,138 meters of elevation.
• AT54: The main race for seasoned trail runners, featuring long climbs and a breathtaking 360° panorama of Arosa. This 54.3km long trail includes 3,456 meters of elevation gain.

Best time to go: If you're running, arrive at the start area well before your wave begins to collect race materials, warm up, and prepare mentally. If you're spectating, strategic viewing points along the courses offer opportunities to see runners at different stages, though exact locations and access vary by route. The finish area typically has the most atmosphere throughout the day as runners complete their challenges.

Race organizers provide detailed course maps, elevation profiles, cut-off times, and aid station locations in pre-race information sent to registered participants. Study this information carefully as mountain trail running requires more preparation and self-sufficiency than road racing.

What to expect

The experience

Expect genuine mountain trail running with significant elevation changes, technical terrain, and exposure to alpine conditions. Courses follow established hiking trails and mountain paths, ascending to high alpine areas with spectacular views before descending back toward Arosa. You'll run on everything from smooth forest paths to rocky technical sections requiring careful foot placement. Aid stations provide water, food, and support at intervals, but runners must be largely self-sufficient between stations.

The atmosphere combines serious athletic effort with camaraderie among participants. Fellow runners often encourage each other on difficult sections, and volunteers at aid stations provide vital support and motivation. The physical challenge is substantial. All distances involve sustained climbing and the altitude adds difficulty even for fit runners. However, the scenery and sense of achievement make the effort worthwhile. September mountain weather can range from beautiful sunshine to cold, wind, or rain, sometimes within the same day.

Who it's for

The Arosa Trailrun suits experienced trail runners and mountain enthusiasts with solid fitness levels. The AT15 distance is accessible to strong recreational runners comfortable with mountain terrain and elevation gain, making it an excellent entry point for those new to trail running. The AT22 appeals to half-marathon runners looking to add elevation challenge to their training. Longer distances like the AT33 and AT54 require specific trail running experience, endurance training, and comfort with extended time in alpine environments. Ultra-distance participants tackling the AT54 need comprehensive preparation for the physical and mental demands of over 50km in mountains with significant elevation.

The event is less suitable for flat-road runners without trail experience, beginners to running generally, or anyone uncomfortable with technical terrain and exposure. Trail running requires different skills and fitness than road running. Spectators who enjoy mountain hiking and don't mind walking to viewing points will find the event exciting to watch, though following runners throughout entire courses is impractical.

Practical tips

Train specifically for trail running with elevation gain if you're participating. Road running fitness alone doesn't prepare you adequately for mountain trails. Wear proper trail running shoes with good grip and ankle support. Dress in technical layers appropriate for mountain weather, as conditions can change rapidly. Carry mandatory equipment specified by race organizers, typically including emergency supplies, phone, and additional clothing.

Study the course profile and plan your pacing carefully. Mountain races always take significantly longer than equivalent road distances due to elevation and terrain. Start conservatively and don't exhaust yourself on early climbs. Use trekking poles if allowed and if you're comfortable with them. They can significantly help on steep ascents and descents. Fuel and hydrate regularly throughout the race. Don't wait until you feel hungry or thirsty. Respect cut-off times at checkpoints. They exist for your safety and event logistics.

Best ways to enjoy it

• Choose the distance that matches your actual ability and training, not your ambition. It's better to finish a shorter course strong and enjoying the experience than to struggle through or fail to complete a distance beyond your preparation. The AT15 offers a genuine mountain running challenge without the commitment of ultra distances.
• Recce sections of the course beforehand if possible. Familiarity with terrain and key climbs builds confidence and helps with pacing strategy. Even hiking parts of the course provides valuable insight.
• Focus on finishing rather than time for your first mountain race. If this is your first trail ultra or your first race in serious mountains, completing the distance is success. Worry about speed in future editions once you understand the demands.
• Soak in the scenery during the race. Yes, you're racing, but you're also running through spectacular alpine terrain. Brief moments of appreciation for your surroundings can provide mental refreshment during difficult sections. The AT54 panorama views are particularly stunning.
• Stay for the finish line atmosphere. Whether you've finished hours ago or you're still out on course, the finish area energy as runners complete their challenges is special and worth experiencing.

How to get there from Hotel Altein Arosa

Race start location (on foot recommended)

The race start and finish areas are located in or very near Arosa village center, within easy walking distance from Hotel Altein Arosa. Walk to the start area on race morning, allowing extra time for registration checks if needed, gear drop-off if provided, bathroom facilities, and pre-race preparation. The walk takes approximately 5 to 15 minutes depending on exact start location. Event signage and other participants will guide you.

For spectators

Spectating positions vary by course routes. Some viewing points require hiking to reach good vantage points where runners pass. Our reception can suggest accessible viewing locations and provide information about reaching them. The finish area is the easiest place to watch and support runners, with atmosphere building throughout the day as participants complete their distances.

By car

Parking may be more limited than usual on race day due to event logistics and road closures for runner safety. If you're staying at Hotel Altein Arosa, walk to the start and finish areas rather than driving. If you're visiting specifically for the race, check event information for designated parking areas and plan to arrive early. For runners, walking to the start prevents the complication of retrieving your vehicle after finishing an exhausting mountain race.

Make it a weekend: stay at Hotel Altein Arosa

The Arosa Trailrun is physically demanding, making Hotel Altein Arosa an ideal base for proper preparation and recovery. Arrive a day or two early to acclimatize to the altitude, walk or hike sections of the course, and prepare mentally. Fuel properly with breakfast on race morning, knowing you have a comfortable room to return to after the challenge. Post-race, you can recover in comfort, enjoy a warm shower, rest tired legs, and celebrate your achievement without facing travel. The hotel's location also means supporters can easily move between spectating points and comfortable rest areas while waiting for their runner to finish.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Arosa Trailrun in 2026?
September 12, 2026. This is the 13th edition of the event. All distances take place on this single day, with staggered start times for different courses. Exact start times for each distance category will be provided in pre-race information to registered participants.

What are the different distances available?
The event offers four routes: AT15 (15km, 976m elevation gain), AT22 (22km, 1,321m elevation gain), AT33 (32.8km, 2,138m elevation gain), and AT54 (54.3km, 3,456m elevation gain). The AT15 is ideal for trail beginners, the AT22 suits half-marathon runners, the AT33 showcases the best alpine features, and the AT54 is the ultimate challenge for seasoned trail runners with breathtaking panoramic views.

Is it suitable for families or beginners?
The Arosa Trailrun is a serious mountain running event and is not suitable for beginners to running or for young children. The AT15 distance is designed as an entry-level trail race and might be appropriate for fit teenagers with some running experience, but this is still a challenging mountain race with nearly 1,000 meters of elevation gain. Families can enjoy the event as spectators, watching at the finish area or hiking to viewing points along the courses to cheer runners.

What should I wear and bring?
Trail running shoes with good grip, technical running clothing in moisture-wicking layers, waterproof jacket, hat and gloves for high altitude sections, sunglasses, and sun protection. Carry mandatory safety equipment specified by race organizers, typically including emergency blanket, phone, whistle, and reserve clothing. Hydration pack or bottles, energy food and gels for fueling during the race. Check official race requirements for your specific distance, as longer courses have more comprehensive mandatory equipment lists.

Do I need mountain running experience?
For the AT15, strong recreational runners with basic fitness can participate, though some trail experience is helpful. The AT22 requires more experience with sustained elevation. The AT33 and AT54 absolutely require specific trail running experience, comfort with technical terrain, and training that includes significant elevation gain. If you're primarily a road runner, the AT15 is your best entry point, or gain trail experience on easier events before attempting the longer distances.

How do I register and prepare?
Registration opens months before the event through the official Arosa Trailrun channels. Popular distances can fill up, so register early. After registering, you'll receive detailed race information including course maps, elevation profiles, aid station locations, mandatory equipment lists, and cut-off times. Train specifically for mountain trail running with elevation gain, not just road mileage. Consider arriving in Arosa a day or two early to acclimatize to altitude and familiarize yourself with the terrain and village layout.

Challenge yourself in the mountains

The Arosa Trailrun offers an authentic mountain running experience that tests your physical limits while rewarding you with some of the most spectacular alpine scenery in Switzerland. Whether you're tackling your first 15km mountain race or pushing through the ultra-distance challenge with its breathtaking 360° panorama, the combination of athletic achievement and natural beauty creates memories that extend far beyond finishing times. Book your stay at Hotel Altein Arosa for race weekend and give yourself the advantage of comfortable accommodation, proper preparation time, and a perfect recovery base after conquering Arosa's mountain trails.

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