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Ambassador Jonathan Schmid

On the Trail with a Series Champion

He is a top runner and trail running ambassador for the destination. Together with a team of dedicated mountain runners, Jonathan Schmid helps us find the perfect trails for you.

He prefers to train somewhere in Adelboden – why go anywhere else? For Jonathan Schmid – one of Switzerland’s leading mountain runners – the adventure begins right on his doorstep. Believe it or not, there is a network of over 300 kilometres (over 180 miles) of footpaths from the banks of the Engstlige river to vantage points high above Adelboden. Beginners and experienced runners alike will easily discover their favourite routes here. For Jonathan, it’s Hörnliweg: “This view is unique and you have plenty of choices. If you still have enough strength, the Tschenten is not far away, but if your legs are tired, you can break off above the village and take a shortcut.” Flexibility at every level is what trail running is all about.

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Heading up a traditional event

At least once a year, Jonathan’s path takes him from the Mineral Spring up to Sillerenbühl, together with around 1,000 other runners on the Vogellisi Mountain Run. For him, this is a matter of honour. As Organisation Committee President, he is responsible for the annual event – already in its 22nd year – and he can rely on a dedicated team of helpers. As a top runner, he wants to give something back to the mountain running scene and has already organised several big events in Adelboden, including the Swiss Mountain Running Championships (2020 & 2022) and the European Masters in 2023 with around 600 participants from all over the continent.

 

Success with a brand-new series

Since 2022, “Wildstrubel by UTMB” has been another fixture in the trail running calendar. With around 4,500 runners spread over four different races, this competition series is already one of the most popular in the world. When athletes rave at the finish line that the route from Crans-Montana to Kandersteg, Adelboden, Lenk and back is one of the most beautiful in the Alps, it is as if we have rolled out the red carpet for the sporting world. “The UTMB has been the most incredible experience of my career,” says Jonathan, who completed the 108 km, including 6000 metres in altitude, in just 12 hours and 35 minutes.

 

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Tips from athletes

Broad valleys and impressive mountain ranges. These are Jonathan Schmid’s favourites.

 

Where are you going to run?

There is plenty of variety on the region’s running trails: Discover our Fortuna Trails here – these routes are among the most beautiful in our region. Get some helpful running tips from the pros, too.