Race preparation guide
Davos Trail 2026: complete FR + EN Diamond guide
This Davos Trail guide uses the Davos X-Trails Diamond as reference: 68.37 km from Davos with about 3,309 m of ascent and descent during the 24-25 July 2026 weekend. It is a major Swiss alpine route, more technical and higher than a simple runnable 68K.
Race overview
The Diamond crosses the Dischma valley, Scaletta Pass, Sertig Pass, Panorama Trail, Monstein and returns to Davos. The profile requires long climbing, clean descending and focus in weather-exposed terrain.
Davos makes logistics easier with trains, hotels and alpine-resort services. Swiss costs mean lodging, food and transfers should be planned early instead of improvised in race week.
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Prepare a 68 km alpine race like a short ultra: long hiking climbs, technical descending, runs above 2,000 m if possible and nutrition tested for six to ten hours.
Practise weather management. A warm valley day can become cold or windy on the passes, so jacket and warm layer are not decorative.
Davos Trail mandatory gear
Check the final Davos X-Trails list. For the Diamond, aim for a light but complete alpine kit.
- Waterproof or robust windproof jacket, warm layer, hat/buff, gloves and emergency blanket.
- Charged phone, personal cup, ID, whistle and small cash/card reserve.
- 1 to 1.5 L water capacity, food for long sections and electrolytes.
- Stable alpine-trail shoes, anti-blister socks and poles if allowed and well practised.
- Route track on watch or phone, plus power bank if GPS autonomy is limited.
Swiss alpine terrain requires reliable gear even below 100 km.
Three coherent gear choices for Davos
Davos combines passes, fast descents and alpine weather: prioritise stability and protection.
S/LAB Ultra 12
Precise carry for jacket, water, food and safety kit without bounce.
Open brand pageMafate X
Useful protection for long descents and rocky alpine trails.
Open brand page3-piece Carbon Folding Trail Running Poles
Helpful on passes if you have already automated stowing and pushing.
Open brand pageThese are direct links to the brands' official product pages for now. Awin Decathlon, Salomon and HOKA links can be activated later once the advertiser programs are approved on the publisher account.
Logistics to solve early
The 2026 Davos X-Trails weekend is listed for 24-25 July. The Diamond lists 68.37 km, start and finish in Davos, with 3,309 m of ascent and descent.
TrailCompanion has a Davos X-Trails catalogue row, used for the prep link. Still check the official page for the exact current-edition profile.
Transport: Zurich, Landquart then Davos
The simplest airport is Zurich. From the airport or Zurich HB, take the train to Landquart, then the Rhätische Bahn to Davos Platz or Davos Dorf.
Swiss trains are reliable, but book lodging near your stop and check return times after the race. A car is rarely necessary if you sleep in Davos.
Accommodation: Davos Platz or Davos Dorf
Davos Platz is practical for services, restaurants and race-centre access. Davos Dorf also works if your hotel is close to a station or local bus.
Mountain hotels, apartments and hostels fill quickly in summer. Book early and ask for early breakfast or permission to prepare your own food.
Davos race-week timeline
D-10
Book Swiss trains, lodging and check official gear.
D-4
Reduce volume, prepare jacket/warm layer and test bottles.
D-1
Arrive in Davos, collect the bib and walk ten minutes to absorb travel.
Start
Stay easy until the first big pass and eat before hunger.
Passes
Put the jacket on early if wind rises and descend without burning the quads.
Finish
Plan dry clothes and return to lodging by foot, train or local bus.
Turn the guide into action
Davos rewards Swiss-style preparation: simple but precise transport, budget planned ahead, serious alpine kit and patient pacing. Respect the passes and the Diamond becomes a superb Graubünden mountain day.
Davos Trail FAQ
How long is the Davos X-Trails Diamond?
The 2026 profile lists 68.37 km.
How much elevation is there?
The Diamond lists about 3,309 m of ascent and 3,309 m of descent.
What is the 2026 date?
The Davos X-Trails weekend is listed for 24-25 July 2026.
Which airport should I use?
Zurich is most practical thanks to trains via Landquart to Davos.
Where should I stay?
Davos Platz or Davos Dorf, ideally near a station or the race centre.
Is the course technical?
Yes. It is an alpine route with several passes, variable weather and long descents.
Is this guide linked to the catalogue?
Yes. It uses the Davos X-Trails catalogue slug available in TrailCompanion while keeping the current official numbers in the guide content.
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