The Austrian Armed Forces achieved a historic double victory at this year's "Patrouille des Glaciers," which took place in the Valais Alps from April 15th to 16th, 2026. On the prestigious high-altitude route from Zermatt to Verbier, two teams from the Austrian armed forces prevailed against international competition.
The victorious patrol, consisting of Corporals Paul Verbnjak, Nils Oberauer, and Johannes Lohfeyer, covered the 61-kilometer distance and the more than 4.200 meters of elevation gain in a time of 6 hours, 47 minutes, and 6 seconds. Just a few minutes behind, another Austrian Armed Forces trio secured second place, allowing Austria to successfully defend its title from 2024.
Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner praised the success as proof of the troops' high level of alpine expertise. The "Patrouille des Glaciers" is considered one of the toughest ski mountaineering races in the world and demands not only peak physical performance but also profound technical skills in extreme terrain. The race, held every two years, is primarily organized by the Swiss Army. Around 1.100 army personnel, along with support contingents from Germany, France, Italy, and Austria, ensured the smooth running and safety of the high-alpine glacier traverses.
The event's historical roots stretch back to 1943, when the Swiss Mountain Brigade 10 explored the route to test the soldiers' operational readiness under the most adverse conditions. Today, its military origins have evolved into a major sporting event where camaraderie and endurance take center stage. Teams must consist of three people who must cross the finish line together. The next edition of the race is scheduled for 2028, with the Austrian Armed Forces entering preparations as the clear favorite after their recent triumph.
Beyond the sporting achievement, the event underscores the close military cooperation in the Alpine region. The collaboration between different nationalities in securing the route and in logistics is considered important training for cross-border disaster relief and alpine rescue operations. For the Austrian soldiers, this renewed success confirms the professional training they receive at the Mountain Warfare Center and in the high-altitude companies, which enjoy an excellent international reputation.