Taschalplauf is open running race that has long been popular in Tasch. Combining sport and pleasure, it features a traditional Alperfest or alpine celebration on the high pastures at Taschalp. The course of 7.64 kilometers incorporates a climb of 780 vertical meters, in a choice of categories there are running race, open race and Nordic walking. The event also features a traditional alpine festivity on the high pastures, a celebration of mass and refreshments with musical entertainment. This race is annual and occurs at the beginning of July with a mountain celebration for locals and visitors.
This is a medium length race starting at Tasch and ending at Taschalp with distance of 7.59 kilometers taking approximately 40 minutes. The highest point is at 2214 meters with an ascent of 1001 meters and descent of 241 meters. If you love to run and want to have a bit of competitive fun, you can’t miss this. Your family or friends will also have a splendid time cheering and celebrating with the locals. Runners and supporters can purchase various cheeses such as the Ziger soft cheese at Taschalp. To register this race just contact Tasch tourist office for more information.
More easy courses are Vita Parcours Randa. The Vita Parcours fitness trail leads through the forest area along the Wildibach river between Tasch and Randa. The Vita Parcours is an enjoyable fitness circuit for jogging enthusiasts. The lush forest on either side of the Wildibach river offers a beautiful setting for exercise. The route is varied, leading over grass, tree roots and around boulders, stopping at fitness stations at the prettiest locations in the mixed mountain woodland. This easy trail starts at Randa and ends at Randa with distance of 2.49 kilometers taking approximately 40 minutes. The highest point on this trail is at 1466 meters with an ascent of 106 meters and descent of 106 meters. This trail has grippy surface and few slippery places but has excellent shady area for runners to cool down.
Vita Parcours Zermatt is a fitness trail near Zermatt which extends along either side of the Zmuttbach river. It leads along footpaths through woods, over bridges and to pretty and secluded spots. Zermatt’s Vita Parcours is a jogging and fitness circuit at the foot of the Matterhorn. The lush forest between Zmuttbach river and Furi offers a beautiful setting for exercise. The route is varied, with the fitness stations at the beautiful locations in the mixed mountain woodland. The trail leads over meadows, past crags and over soft carpets of larch needles up to the hamlet of Furi.
This trail starts at Zermatt ending at Zermatt with distance of 2.70 kilometers taking approximately an hour. The highest point on this trail is at 1755 meters with an ascent of 215 meters and descent of 195 meters. You can start from Zermatt near Zen Stecken, then climb towards the bottom of the ski pistes. At Stegbrucke bridge, turn right and follow the signs through Blatten and to Zen Stecken.
For all trails, don’t forget to wear a suitable footwear such as proper running shoes, clothing suitable for the weather carrying waterproof and long sleeved shirt since the weather up in the mountains can change rapidly with cold winds and rain falling. Also don’t forget to take water since you can easily dehydrate. For Matterhorn Ultraks Trail, don’t forget to take mobile phone with GPS, a survival blanket and optionally, bring hiking poles if needed.
