Trail running
Running makes you happy
New freedom: running off-road
Trail running is the new running trend. More and more runners are leaving the asphalt behind and trying their luck in the countryside. Often away from the usual paths. Nature is the main focus. And there is more than enough of that in Davos Klosters.
"Run, Forrest, run!" A call that every runner knows. What Tom Hanks does in his role as a model already existed in prehistoric times: running without wavering. Back then, hunters had no tools. They had no choice but to run after the animals to catch them. For hours. Until the hunted finally surrendered to their fate, exhausted. Whatever the case, trail runners and endurance athletes are in vogue today - and they like to train in Davos Klosters.
Different Paths to Runner's High
Anyone who runs here not only enjoys the view, but also benefits from the altitude training and the high alpine climate. And from the almost countless options for trail running: flow trails over gentle hills and steep, technical trails alternate. All you need are good running shoes, a thin windbreaker and possibly a running backpack. Good to know: If you enter alpine meadows or come across mother cows, our behavior tips will help you.
Sieben Tipps fürs Trailrunning
- 02
Wecken Sie Ihr inneres Kind
Road running is mostly monotonous: straight, always on the same surface. Trail running, on the other hand, is a playful sport. There are puddles, roots, stones. Vary your pace: sometimes faster, sometimes slower. In short: run like you did as a child.
- 03
Run with concentration
Trail running not only challenges your muscles, but also your mind. Lift your feet higher than on the road, be flexible, spontaneous and focused. It takes a little more energy, but once you're in the flow - one with yourself and nature - it's just an indescribably good feeling.
- 04
Experience consciously
Trail running is so fascinating because it is an experience of nature. When running on the road, you often glance at your watch. When running off-road, this makes little sense - because every tour is different and hardly comparable. Free yourself from the rigid running mode: stop sometimes and enjoy nature.
- 05
Small steps, big impact
Going uphill, your steps become shorter, your step frequency higher, and your arm work more intensive. Bring your upper body forward a little and run on your forefoot. And going downhill: slow down when it gets steep and take the occasional switchback. Keep your knees soft.
- 06
Equipment: less is more
Buy good running shoes. These will manage the balancing act between stability, flexibility and lightness. Speaking of which: leave the heavy hiking backpack at home. Only take the most important things with you: a rain jacket, cell phone, an energy bar and enough water - because tours can sometimes be longer than expected.
‘The mountains around Davos Klosters are my home base for trail running’
Local top athlete Jasmin Nunige tells us about her favorite tour in Davos Klosters and why running is so special here.
Jasmin Nunige, do trail runners find everything they need in Davos Klosters?
Absolutely. There are so many possible routes, you can really let off steam here. In short: the mountains of Davos Klosters are my home base for trail running.
What do you like about trail running?
That it's not primarily about time. Simply choose a route and follow the terrain - without pressure. Sometimes faster, sometimes slower. And enjoy nature at the same time. I particularly like the summer days when the mountain meadows are in bloom.
Your insider tip in Davos Klosters for trail runners?
The panorama trail on Parsenn. A beautiful trail with a high mountain feel at an average altitude of 2300 m - ideal for runners who also want to do altitude training. If your fitness levels drop, you can take a cable car back.
Which route do you often run?
My home route takes me to the Dischma valley in Davos. I never get bored. Quite the opposite. Every day is different. Sometimes the sun shines, sometimes the route is wet or there are cows outside.
“
“My home route leads to the Dischma side valley in Davos.
I never get bored.”
I never get bored.”
What do you recommend to a beginner?
Just don't overexert yourself. Kilometers run in the countryside are different than in the flat. Especially when it's steeply uphill, it can take an hour for four to five kilometers. And walking in between is definitely allowed (smiles).
Après-biking for mountain bikers, après-ski for winter sports enthusiasts. Where do trail runners meet in Davos Klosters? Directly on the trails. There you can quickly get into conversation with like-minded people, exchange ideas about the planned route or spontaneously find a running partner.
Finally: If Davos Klosters were a running shoe, what kind would it be? An Adizero Boost. An all-rounder - as varied and multifunctional as Davos Klosters: You can easily run a lap around the lake or complete a high alpine tour. This mix is what makes running here so special for me.
Tip: Via Grischuna – multi-stage trail from Davos Klosters to St. Moritz
The new multi-stage trail Via Grischuna leads in seven stages with a total of 165 kilometers and around 9000 meters of altitude from Davos Klosters to St. Moritz.
Wide, rocky valleys, crystal-clear lakes and sparkling white glaciers make Graubünden's mountains one of the most beautiful trail running backdrops in the world. With seven overnight stays including luggage transport and a well-planned route, the Via Grischuna belongs on every mountain runner's bucket list.
Tour tip: the three-day trail
On three scenically spectacular day stages, trail runners roam the mountains around Davos Klosters and the Prättigau.
Switch off and start running: With the first multi-day route for trail running in Graubünden, runners have a unique offer with spectacular daily stages, relaxing hotel overnight stays and regional catering.
Stage 1
Davos – Weissfluhjoch – Parsennfurgga – Casanna – Gotschnagrat – Contenser Schwendi – Klosters
Distance & vertical metres
- Distance: 17.1 km
- Ascent: 223 metres
- Descent: 1,703 vertical metres
Stage 2
Klosters – Madrisa Alp – Saaser Calanda – Rätschenjoch – Gafierjoch – St. Antönien
Distance & vertical metres
- Distance: 18.1 km
- Ascent: 1,216 vertical metres
- Descent: 1,684 vertical metres
Stage 3
St. Antönien – Carschinasee – Carschinahütte – Schweizer Tor – Verajoch – Gafalljoch – Golrosa – Bergstation Fanas
Distance & vertical metres
- Distance: 29.3 km
- Ascent: 1,733 vertical metres
- Descent: 1,447 vertical metres
Running training and trail running camps in Davos Klosters
Running training & trail running camps in Davos Klosters
Learn from the pros: Jasmin and Guy Nunige offer first-hand tips and tricks to help you improve your sporting success – whether you are an occasional runner or a top athlete.
Training together at «Trail2gether»
The "Trail2gether" running series starts on June 20th and aims at the "Madrisa Trail Klosters presented by Lowa" on August 19th, 2023. Joint training and tips on trail running await you.
