The first races of the Patrouille des Glaciers departing from Zermatt and Arolla scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday are canceled. The organizers cite the weather conditions which jeopardize the safety of patrol officers and staff on the course. Weekend races are maintained.
The weather situation and the latest forecasts for Tuesday evening, Wednesday and Thursday, as well as the opinions of specialists, lead to the cancellation of the Z1 and A1 races, indicates the Patrouille des Glaciers Monday evening in a press release. These are the races scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, departing from Zermatt and Arolla respectively to reach Verbier.
A deterioration from the northwest causes temperatures to drop, with up to -25 degrees felt above 3000 meters. Wind gusts are expected up to 50 km/h on ridges and summits.
Despite this, at low altitude, the wet snow will not be able to consolidate sufficiently for patrols to pass. Another problematic point is that the clouds and fog expected all along the route from Tuesday to Thursday could prevent any medical evacuation by air during the race.
Weekend races maintained
The dates of the races scheduled for Friday and Saturday (Z2 and A2 races) are maintained. Patrol boats whose race is canceled will not be able to participate in the event at the end of the week, as the starting windows are full. The commander of the Patrouille des Glaciers shares the disappointment of the patrollers who prepared for this major meeting and counts on their understanding.
Nearly 4,900 runners registered for the legendary race across the snow-capped peaks. With more than 1,600 soldiers mobilized, the army is responsible for the entire organization of the race, and in particular the security of the course and the runners.
>> Watch the 7:30 p.m. report on the preparation of the Glacier Patrol: The Glacier Patrol represents quite a logistical challenge for the army. Report with the military / 7:30 p.m. / 2 min. / Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
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