Having a crew to help a runner is very beneficial to the runner on these difficult courses. 9 of the 13 aid stations are accessible to the crew and are located in very beautiful places for the crew to enjoy. This event is a great experience for both the runners and the crews.
Due to the location of some of the aid stations, it is highly recommended that the crew drive. Public transportation in Switzerland is excellent, but does not run to all aid stations and does not run at night. If a car is not an option, please use the public transportation website to plan your crew's needs during the race.
It's best to buy the Aletsch Explorer Pass, which allows you to use all Aletsch Arena cable cars and the local train between Mörel and the Fürgangen suspension bridge. With this pass you can support your runner at Kühboden, Riederfurka, Eggishorn, and Mühlebach and you don't need to take your car.
After your runners have started, you can walk 1km to the Fiesch-Eggishorn AG cable car, which will take you to the Kühboden aid station. It's only a 7-minute gondola ride, and along the way you might even see your runner making their way up the mountain.
Once there, just walk to the Hotel Restaurant Alpina, which is right next to the arrival building.
The Eggishorn is the finish line for the Vertical. Families and friends are encouraged to watch their runner cross the finish line. They can also enjoy an incredible 360-degree view of the Swiss Alps, including the Matterhorn and Aletsch Glacier.
To get there, simply follow the directions to the Kühboden aid station. But once you get to Fiescheralp, you'll have to change to another cable car that will take you to Eggishorn.
Since going from Kühboden to Riederfurka takes longer, there is a chance that you will miss your runner on the first pass, as there are only 8.8km between Kühboden and the Riederfurka aid station. But you'll see him/her when he/she comes back at 41.2km.
First go to Mörel and then take the cable car Ried-Mörel Riederald (West) which goes to Riederalp West. Once there, it's a 1km walk (150m climb) to the Berghotel Riederfurka, which is the aid station. Follow the course markings.
The Bellwald aid station is easy to reach. From Fiesch it's a 9.4km drive up the valley to the beautiful village of Bellwald. Park your car at the main parking lot in the village.
Once you have parked your car, walk about 40 meters to the aid station (orange line), which is located in the multi-purpose hall in the center of the village.
The Reckingen aid station is 13km from the start line. Once you arrive in Reckingen, find a legal parking spot. They will check and you will get a ticket if you park illegally.
The aid station is located in a private home that is off limits to runners and crews, so please do not ask to use their bathroom.
Blitzingen is another easily accessible aid station. From Fiesch, just go up the valley for about 8.5 km. After you drive into the Blitzingen village turn right and go downhill. You will cross the train tracks and go over a short bridge.
Turn right at the end of the bridge and park your car. The aid station is right there.
The drive to Chäserstatt is almost identical to the drive to the Mühlebach aid station. Parking at the Chäserstatt aid station is a bit limited, but you'll find a spot as all the runners are spread out at this point.
Once you get there, head over to the Chäserstatt Restaurant for a delicious local wine or cold beer and something to eat. This restaurant is sponsoring this aid station, so please return the love.
This is also one of the aid stations with a killer view.
Binn is not only easy to get to, it's an incredibly beautiful village. There are restaurants and a grocery store. At one point you'll go through a narrow tunnel that's 2km long. The tunnel looks narrow, but no worries. Just drive. If a car is coming towards you, it's just wide enough for you to cross. If it's a truck or bus, you'll have to wait in one of the few waiting areas along the tunnel.
When you get to Binn, go to the lower parking lot. You will have to pay to park there and they will check you and give you tickets. From the parking lot it's a very easy 300 meter walk (orange line). Just walk into the village and find the little bridge. Then follow the signs.
Getting to Mühlebach is very simple. You drive to the Aid Station Location, but you can't park there because the aid station is in the garage of a private house and there is no parking. Instead, you'll drive another 300 meters to a large parking lot and then walk back to the aid station (orange line on the map).
All 50km, 100km, and 160km runners will pass by this aid station. Bring your chair and cheer on the runners as they come through this aid station.
Rosswald is the farthest aid station and the most difficult to get to. Due to the difficulty of getting there, you will not be able to bring many items for your runner.
The drive from the start line to the valley station of the Rosswald cable car is 26 km. Then you have to take the cable car to Rosswald. This is the easy part.
From the top of the cable car you have to walk to the aid station (orange line). This walk is 1.5 km long and you'll climb 300 meters! You will not be able to take much with you, especially no coolers and such.
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