Swiss Canyon Trail
Swiss Canyon Trail 111K
Couvet (Val-de-Travers) → Couvet
Race guide
Updated 29 June 2026
The Swiss Canyon Trail 111K is a demanding point-to-loop ultra set in the Jura mountains of western Switzerland, starting and finishing in Couvet in the Val-de-Travers. Despite the "111K" branding, the course measures 115 km with 5021 m of cumulative ascent, threading through one of Switzerland's most distinctive landscapes: deep limestone canyons, rolling alpine pastures, forested ridgelines and the dramatic natural amphitheatre of the Creux du Van. With a high point of just 1600 m the race never ventures into true alpine territory, but the relentless up-and-down character of the Jura plateau — compounded by the sheer length of the day — means every runner must take the elevation seriously. The course loops through six checkpoint sectors before returning to Couvet, with a final cut-off of Saturday 03:00 at the finish line.
Course & Terrain
The route begins at the Couvet sports centre (731 m) and immediately sets about climbing into the Jura. The first major checkpoint at Noiraigue (20 km, 1342 m) signals that the opening section is an extended ascent of around 600 m, establishing early that this race rewards those who hike efficiently on the uphills. From Noiraigue the course climbs to the Creux du Van and Le Soliat (32 km, 842 m) — the dramatic cirque is the emotional centrepiece of the race — before descending to Môtiers at 52 km (1191 m), which marks the halfway crew point. The second half mirrors the character of the first: a long climb to Buttes (72 km, 1350 m), another crew access point, then on through the Chasseron sector (92 km, 1151 m) before the final descent back into Couvet. Underfoot surfaces mix compact Jura limestone tracks, rooty singletrack through beech forest and open grassy ridges; technical rocky sections appear particularly around the canyon rim at Creux du Van.
Decisive Climbs & Where the Race Is Won or Lost
Two stretches determine the outcome for most runners. The opening 20 km climb to Noiraigue (gaining roughly 600 m to reach 1342 m) sets the tone: going out too hard here — especially in the warmer months — can cripple the back half. The second critical zone is the climb from Môtiers (52 km, 1191 m) up toward Buttes (72 km, 1350 m) at the point when fatigue is compounding. This 20 km stretch in the heart of the race, between kilometres 52 and 72, is where many runners see their pace collapse. The Chasseron sector at 92 km (1151 m) represents a final significant climb with only 23 km remaining; anyone who has over-extended themselves before this point will find the ridge crossing unexpectedly costly. The descents back to valley level — particularly the final run into Couvet — are long enough on tired quads to demand technical respect rather than just a free ride home.
Pacing & Fuelling Strategy
With 115 km and 5021 m of climbing, a sensible approach is to divide the race into three phases anchored around the crew points. Phase one runs start to Môtiers (52 km): keep effort aerobic throughout, hike all steep climbs and arrive at the halfway crew point with reserves intact. Phase two, Môtiers to Chasseron (52–92 km), is where the race is actually run: this 40 km stretch through Buttes is the best window to push if you have legs. Phase three, Chasseron to the finish (92–115 km), becomes pure management — stay on top of calories, keep moving on the flats and protect the quads on descent. Crew access at Môtiers (52 km), Buttes (72 km) and the finish (115 km) gives three windows to refresh drop bags and receive support; plan specific food, shoe and kit changes for each. Aim for 200–300 kcal per hour from checkpoint food and personal carries, and stay ahead of sodium loss especially if conditions are warm.
Conditions to Expect
The Jura plateau has a markedly continental climate with significant day-to-night temperature swings. Summer race editions typically start warm but ridge-level conditions at 1400–1600 m can feel considerably cooler, and exposed sections near Le Soliat and the Chasseron sector are vulnerable to wind. Afternoon thunderstorms are a genuine Jura summer hazard; limestone rock becomes dangerously slippery when wet, which is a critical consideration on the canyon rim trail around Creux du Van. Night sections — almost all runners beyond a mid-field pace will be moving in the dark after Buttes (72 km) — demand a reliable primary headtorch and a backup. Fog is common on the higher plateau, particularly in early morning, so familiarity with the route markings around the Chasseron sector (92 km) is important. Carry a wind and waterproof shell from the start regardless of the forecast.
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Checkpoints & cut-offs
✓ Course data verified against the official source (2026-07-05) · official source
0 km · 731 m · Fri 05:00
12.3 km · 728 m · —
20.3 km · 1339 m · —
30.6 km · 748 m · —
41.2 km · 1586 m · Fri 13:30
47.9 km · 634 m · —
57.8 km · 1293 m · —
65 km · 1223 m · Fri 18:00
72.8 km · 1156 m · —
77.4 km · 1081 m · Fri 21:30
86.1 km · 1186 m · —
91.9 km · 1151 m · —
97.7 km · 970 m · Sat 02:45
105.3 km · 1057 m · —
110.9 km · 1064 m · —
115.4 km · 731 m · Sat 09:00
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