France dominates Patrouille des Glaciers 2026 skimo competition in Switzerland

The 2026 edition of the ski mountaineering competition Patrouille des Glaciers came to a spectacular close this Saturday in Verbier, Switzerland. Racing in teams of three, a total of 4,356 athletes raced along the two demanding high-mountain routes, Zermatt–Verbier (57.5 km, +4386m, -4519m) and Arolla–Verbier (29.6 km, +2200m, -2728m).

In the men’s competition, victory went for the first time to a French trio composed of Xavier Gachet, Samuel Equy, and William Bon Mardion. After a spectacular head‑to‑head battle, they crossed the finish line 5 minutes and 18 seconds ahead of the Swiss team of Rémi Bonnet, Aurélien Gay, and Martin Anthamatten. Third place went to the Swiss team of Thomas Bussard, Robin Bussard, and Ludovic Lattion.

In the women's competition, it was the French team comprised of Axelle Gachet Mollaret, Margot Ravinel and Célia Perrillat Pessy who set a new record time of 7 hours 4 minutes 41 seconds, defeating the team led by Olympic champion Marianne Fatton, accompanied by Maëlle Minnig and Déborah Marti. Caroline Ulrich secured third place alongside Alessandra Schmid and Thibe Deseyn.

Two years after the frustrations of 2024, when three races were cancelled, this edition delivered a week full of joy and emotion. The celebrations were shared on Friday evening with Federal Councillor Martin Pfister, head of the Swiss Armed Forces; Corps Commander Benedikt Roos; and PdG race commander Brigadier Yves Charrière.

"After a 24‑hour postponement of the first starts, we all experienced an exceptional week," said Charrière after his first Patrouille des Glaciers. "Thanks to the commitment of our Armed Forces, the event ran perfectly for patrols from 31 countries. We can all be proud of this edition. The Patrouille des Glaciers remains a legendary race of the Swiss Alps, showcasing our country and bringing together military personnel and civilians alike. Together at the heart of the effort."

Info: www.pdg.ch