Altitude Training Camp for Sierre-Zinal

COMPLETE FOR 2026

Join us for a four-day acclimatization experience, where you’ll acquaint yourself with a segment of the Sierre-Zinal trail and navigate specific mountain paths under the guidance of an accomplished coach, Jérôme Vanderschaeghe. Accommodation and meals will be provided at the Cabane du Petit Mountet (2142m).

Wednesday, June 17 to Saturday, June 20, 2026:

4 days of comprehensive guided training, 3 nights with half-board at the Cabane, 3 organized lunch meals (lunch pack or restaurant), 1 entry to the pool and spa and assured registration for the Sierre-Zinal race.

Package Price: 750.- All Taxes Included

Bookings can be made using the form below (8 places available).

For further information:
petitmountet@bluewin.ch
or +41 79 549 73 86

The training camp is designed to suit everyone, regardless of fitness level or age. The only requirement is being able to run or walk Sierre-Zinal within a maximum of 6–7 hours.

Day 1 – Wednesday, June 17

Meeting point in Zinal at 2:00 PM at the Relais de la Tzoucdana.

Introduction and meet-and-greet with the coach
±1h30 outing to reach the Petit Mountet hut
Uphill technique session (running or hiking, with or without poles)

Luggage transport organized to the hut (drop-off at the municipal parking near the Relais de la Tzoucdana)

Day 2 – Thursday, June 18

Mobility and joint range session
Full-day trail hike/run at altitude
Downhill technique session: how to manage descents and reduce fatigue

Route selection depending on conditions, return to Petit Mountet in the afternoon

Day 3 – Friday, June 19

Training in two sessions (morning and afternoon) or full-day session depending on group preference
Flat-ground technique session: understanding interval training in preparation for Sierre-Zinal

Day 4 – Saturday, June 20

Descent to Zinal and bus transfer to Chandolin

Training on the Sierre-Zinal course: Chandolin–Zinal (±19 km / 650m ascent)
Access to pool and spa in Zinal
Final debrief and closing meal in Zinal

Luggage transport organized to Zinal

Throughout the stay, the coach will share his experience. Topics include:

Nutrition before, during, and after races
Effort management
How to plan a trail season and build a training plan

Stay in the cabin’s cozy, private rooms (no large dormitories), complete with showers and toilets on each floor.

Each evening, a menu will be offered for the evening meal, in addition to a hearty breakfast each morning.

Lunch arrangements are also made (either a takeaway picnic or restaurant).

Beverages are not included in the package.

Jérôme Vanderschaeghe, 36, father of two, is a Belgian trail and ultra-trail runner.

Based in the Val d’Anniviers since winter 2019, he works as a ski patroller at the Grimentz-Zinal resort in winter and dedicates himself fully to trail running during the summer season.

He has been practicing trail running for over 12 years and has competed extensively in Switzerland, Europe, and worldwide.

For several years, he has ranked among the top athletes in his discipline.

Career highlights:

Participation in the World Championships (marathon format)
Sierre-Zinal completed in 2h55
Multiple victories in trail races in Switzerland, France, and Belgium
Podium at Restonica Trail by UTMB (110 km)
Podium at Ultra-Trail Cape Town (South Africa)
Diagonale des Fous: 7th place in 2022 and 5th place in 2025

Jérôme looks forward to meeting you and sharing his experience, knowledge, and passion for trail running to help you approach Sierre-Zinal in the best possible conditions.