Overview
Untamed Switzerland is a 3-day Alpine Stage Race; each day is a
fresh challenge of orienteering, trekking, and snowshoeing that showcases some of the
best mountain terrain through the heart of the Alps. The navigation and route
selection is a considerable mental challenge. The staggering elevation and rugged trail
selection put the physical body to the test. Combining these elements together makes for an
amazing 3-day journey you will never forget; this is more an adventure than a race!
We've collected some of the best photos from our previous editions of Untamed Switzerland;
play the video below to see some of the action:
Frequently Asked Questions
- Question: What activities are involved in the stages?
Answer: Each stage is different, but stages revolve around orienteering and trekking. In higher snowy
areas, snowshoes willbe necessary. In lower areas, trail running shoes may be appropriate. The weather is
unpredictable so it's impossible for us to say exactly what conditions will be like for the race. For 2010,
we've arranged for a significant sledding descent on one stage -- the sleds will be provided by us and
staged at the appropriate location.
- Question:
Is the scenery really as beautiful as it looks?
Answer: Yes -- possibly better! Here is a link
to some photos we took during some course scouting earlier in
the winter -- lots of sun, snow, and mountains!
- Question:
Where is the host hotel?
Answer: Hotel specifics are available under the "Suggested Lodging" section to the right (in yellow)
For more about the host location in general, click here
to visit the official Pontresina website.
- Question:
Do you have a suggested itinerary?
Answer: Registered participants will get emails detailing instructions for travel,
contacts, and a complete agenda. We suggest racers arrive to Switzerland no later than mid-morning
Thursday April 8th as there is an orientation the evening of April 8th at the host hotel -- and the
train ride from Zurich airport is 3-4 hours.
-
Question: How do I get to Pontresina?
Answer: Pontresina is on a high altitude terrace deep in the Alps. Zurich is your best
air travel option (although there is a pricey regional airport -- the highest airport
in Europe -- 4 km from Pontresina). Milan, Basel, and Geneva are also airports worth
considering. Trains leave for Pontresina regularly from Zurich, and the train ride to Pontresina
is a wonderful way to see the Alps; the train ride is 3-4 hours. We help racers with the
Swiss travel arrangements, so rest assured that you have locals available to help make for a smooth trip.
Racers arriving the morning of April 8th can plan to travel with us on the train from Zurich to Pontresina.
Here is a link to a
map of Pontresina and Switzerland.
- Question:
Is this a suitable trip for non-racers (friends/family)?
Answer: Yes -- Pontresina is a town of about 2,000 people and has a modern spa/pool complex and several
stores and restaurants. The Swiss train system is excellent, and visits to St. Moritz and the beautiful
Engadine Valley can easily be done from Pontresina. Those wanting to follow along with the race
will have several options, including cable car access to mountain tops and other options for seeing each
stage as it progresses.
- Question:
Is there a mandatory gear list for this race?
Answer: No. We do furnish a "common sense" list of items for participants, so you know what to bring,
but we don't have a formal gear list.
For example, we suggest all racers have a compass, snowshoes, sunglasses, hydration bladder, fleece top, etc.
Ultimately, however, it's up to you to decide what to bring based on the conditions of each stage etc.
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About the 2010 Edition
Race Quick Facts
- Race Dates: April 9 - 11, 2010
- Solo Competitors or Teams of 2, 3, or 4 people
- Host Location is Pontresina, Switzerland
- Flights into Zurich recommended; logistical assistance provided
- Approximately 70 k total distance with plenty of climbing (several thousand meters)
- Participants must qualify based on prior orienteering,
endurance sports, or adventure racing experience
- Online
registration for the 2010 edition can be done here. Registration price is $420 per person*
*The registration price includes all your maps and course materials for 3 days of stage
racing based from the Swiss mountain village of Pontresina, train tickets and transit
expenses for each stage, traditional Swiss dinner the evening after the first stage,
technical base layer (co-branded Marmot/Untamed Switzerland),
event photos, post-race party, and an unforgettable journey through the Swiss Alps!
Suggested Lodging
We have identified our official host hotel to be the Pontresina Station hotel; next door to this host hotel
is a very affordable
hostel if you're OK with more casual lodging.
Both lodging suggestions are very convenient to the Pontresina train station (just across the street) and so
either one will make a great base for 2010 Untamed Switzerland.
More Information
This is a tough 3-days of mountain navigation and trekking; the terrain can be challenging
with lots of snow and exposed stretches far away from civilization.
Participants should be fit, prepared for the swings in weather, and competent with map and compass.
Those looking for a casual hiking trip through the mountains should look elsewhere. Those looking
for an Alpine adventure experience combining orienteering and high Alpine trekking will
find Untamed Switzerland to be an unforgettable journey.
The following is a summary of the the 2009 stages;
this will give you an idea for what is in store for 2010.
- Stage 1: A mountain top start, high in the Swiss Alps. The summit of Mt. Stanserhorn is
where the 2009 edition of the race kicks off! Just because the start is on top, however,
doesn't mean the racing is all downhill for Stage 1. Key Stage 1 Stats: 19 km distance
(optimal route); 1,050 m ascent; 2,400 m descent.
- Stage 2: The "dragon mountain" of Pilatus is the focus for the 2nd stage; high mountain
valleys, and some absolutely staggering climbs are the hallmarks of this stage -- a guaranteed
leg burner! Key Stage 2 Stats: 18 km distance (optimal route); 1,917 m ascent; 1,222 m descent.
- Stage 3: Plenty of fun forest orienteering, with a few mountain
lakes (frozen over for us!) add spice to this day. Racers will use the mountain cable car
system to pick optimal routes up and down the rocky terraces surrounding Engelberg. Key
Stage 3 Stats: 20 km distance (optimal route); 1,231 m ascent; 1,231 m descent.
All stages offer jaw-dropping views and will be a considerable mental and physical challenge.
Get in touch with us to receive
the Untamed Switzerland Prospective Racer packet (PDF with agenda and lots
of particulars to assist in planning.)
Let us know if we can answer more questions or provide you with additional information
(use our Contact Us page).
May your maps always be dry!
/Grant (Feb 2010)
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