How to train for Tour des Stations
Tour des Stations winds through the Swiss canton of Valais, connecting famous ski resorts and tackling the gravel summit of Col de la Croix-de-Coeur.
Entries: Registration opens in winter with several challenging route distances.
What Tour des Stations demands
Extreme vertical climbing across steep alpine grades, including unpaved mountain pass sectors and prolonged descents.
Your preparation roadmap
24 weeks recommendedWinter on the trainer
Simulate ultra-endurance climbing with sustained zone 2 and tempo blocks on the indoor trainer.
4x20 min at low threshold power with minimal rest on high trainer resistance.
7 hours outside with steady fuelling of 80 g carbs per hour.
3x12 min low-cadence climbing (55 rpm) simulating the gravel pass of Croix-de-Coeur.
30 min at 88% FTP at the end of a 3-hour indoor endurance session.
Routes (approximate, recent editions)
- Ultrafondo — about 242 km and 8,848 m climbing, Everesting in a single day
- Marmotte Granfondo Valais — about 133 km and 4,700 m climbing
- Mediofondo — about 74 km and 2,850 m climbing
Key climbs & sectors
- Col du Lein
- Col de la Croix-de-Coeur
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Tour des Stations?
Extreme vertical climbing across steep alpine grades, including unpaved mountain pass sectors and prolonged descents.
How many weeks do I need to train for Tour des Stations?
We recommend 24 weeks of structured training to build a durable aerobic base, sustained climbing or gravel power, and event-specific stamina.
Can I prepare for Tour des Stations indoors on a trainer?
Simulate ultra-endurance climbing with sustained zone 2 and tempo blocks on the indoor trainer. High-quality interval workouts and threshold blocks are often more time-efficient on an indoor trainer.
What are the key climbs and sectors of Tour des Stations?
Col du Lein, Col de la Croix-de-Coeur. Official routes can vary across editions — always verify current course details on the official website.
When do entries open for Tour des Stations?
Registration opens in winter with several challenging route distances. Consult the official site at https://tourdesstations.ch for entry details and registration openings.
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TrainCraft is not affiliated with Tour des Stations. Route figures and elevations are approximate and based on recent editions. Always verify current routes, dates and entry regulations on the official Tour des Stations website.