Glacier Patrol: the 2012 race was cut short due to snow conditions, even though the skiers race at night when the snow is more stable (photo ©2012 Patrouille des Glaciers / Steve Fellay)
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – The famed Glacier Patrol, one of the world’s toughest high mountain trail ski races, has been called off at Arolla due to the instability of the snow.
There have been no accidents, the Swiss Army, which organizes the race reported early Saturday, but not all information about the skiers was in yet.
The racers were turned shortly before 04:30 Saturday 28 April after a safety team checked the snow conditions because of the suddenly warmer weather that continued through the night.
The last time a race was begun and cancelled was in 2002.
More than 600 teams, just over one-third, began the race in Arolla and Zermatt before being turned back.
The closing programme will be held in Verbier, as planned, at 16:00 and the Patrouille Swiss acrobatic air team will put on its scheduled show at 17:00 Saturday.
