What is the Patrouille des Jeunes?

A ski mountaineering race for teams of two, open to 10 to 20-year-olds, on the Verbier ski area. It is inspired by the Patrouille des Glaciers and follows part of its final stretch. A real start, skins, climbs, descents and a finish line to cross together.

When does the Patrouille des Jeunes take place?

Every two years, in spring, during Patrouille des Glaciers week.

Who can take part in the Patrouille des Jeunes?

All young people aged 10 to 20, beginners and regulars alike. Teams can be all-female, all-male or mixed.

Which course should I choose?

There are three, and the age of the older team member determines the category. The discovery course, open to 10 to 20-year-olds, is perfect for a first time. All courses start at Les Ruinettes and finish in Verbier.

Do I need ski mountaineering experience to take part in the Patrouille des Jeunes?

Not for the discovery course : it’s designed for beginners. For the other courses, it’s best to have a few skin outings already in your legs. You also need to be comfortable skiing on all types of slopes.

How do I register for the Patrouille des Jeunes?

Online, via the link published on pdjverbier.ch . Registration usually opens at the start of the year and closes a few days before the race. If you’re taking part with your school, the school handles registration : no need to sign up again, to avoid duplicates.

What equipment do I need for the Patrouille des Jeunes?

Touring skis, skins, poles and touring boots, plus the safety equipment required by the rules. Avalanche transceivers are checked at the start, and random checks may take place at the finish.

Patrouille des Jeunes

Patrouille des Jeunes in Verbier : ski mountaineering for the next generation

Every two years in spring, the Patrouille des Jeunes brings young people aged 10 to 20 to Verbier for a sporting challenge in the heart of the mountains. In teams of two, participants discover ski mountaineering on three courses adapted to their age and level, between Les Ruinettes, La Chaux, the foot of the legendary Bec des Rosses and Verbier. Adrenaline, team spirit and the joy of the mountains guaranteed!

WhatSport
Ski mountaineering

WhenApril
Every 2 years

WhereLes Ruinettes
La Chaux
Verbier

A race for every level

Inspired by the legendary Patrouille des Glaciers, the Patrouille des Jeunes gives the next generation a taste of a real ski mountaineering race. Teams can be all-female, all-male or mixed, and choose their course based on the category of the oldest team member. From the discovery course to the more demanding route, everyone can take on a challenge that suits them :

Long course – U18 and U20 : approx. 800 m of ascent and 1,466 m of descent
Short course – U16 : approx. 620 m of ascent and 1,286 m of descent
Discovery course – ages 10 to 20 : approx. 280 m of ascent and 940 m of descent

All courses start at Les Ruinettes and finish in Verbier. Part of the route follows the final stretch of the Patrouille des Glaciers, giving young racers their own taste of the atmosphere and emotions of a legendary race.

Much more than a race

The Patrouille des Jeunes is as much about fun as performance. Racing as a pair, moving through the mountains, pacing your effort and crossing the finish line together : team spirit is at the heart of the experience.

The discovery course offers an accessible first introduction to the sport, while the U16, U18 and U20 courses let young people who already know ski mountaineering test themselves on more demanding routes. A way to discover or develop a discipline that combines skiing, endurance and mountain adventure.

Throughout the winter, various initiatives also help young people to get started or improve in ski mountaineering, notably through the activities and training sessions offered by Mountain Performance and regional partners.

The crew behind the Patrouille des Jeunes

Organised by the Mountain Performance association with the support of the State of Valais and the Commune of Val de Bagnes, the Patrouille des Jeunes helps introduce ski mountaineering to new generations and nurture the sport’s young talent.

Mountain Performance also supports young athletes as they progress and acts as a regional performance centre of the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC). The Patrouille des Jeunes is part of a real drive to develop ski mountaineering among young people, right in the heart of Verbier’s vast mountain playground.