Velogemel Race Schedule for Grindelwald Winter 2026 Details

The main championship race is scheduled for Sunday, February 1, 2026, in the Swiss village. This date is the absolute highlight of the winter sports season for everyone in Grindelwald. Most participants arrive several days early to practice their skills on the steep, icy tracks. The official practice runs begin on Friday and Saturday mornings for all registered riders.

Saturday afternoon features a public trial run for all registered competitors on the mountain. This allows racers to test the snow conditions on the famous Bussalp course before Sunday. The track is usually groomed to perfection by the professional local mountain crews each night. Expect the first practice sleds to start their runs around 10:00 AM on Saturday.

Race day officially kicks off with the opening ceremony at the finish area on Sunday. Local officials and organizers welcome the international crowd to the beautiful Bernese Oberland region. You can feel the excitement building as the first heat approaches the start line. The atmosphere is truly unique to this mountain village during the cold winter months.

Official Registration and Check-in Schedule

Registration opens at 8:00 AM at the Grindelwald Sports Center in the village center. You must bring your confirmation email and a valid photo ID to the desk. Staff will provide your official race number and a timing transponder for the race. Make sure to arrive early to avoid the long morning queues at the center.

If you have questions, learn how to enter the competition before you arrive. The registration desk closes strictly at 9:30 AM on the morning of the race. No late entries are accepted once the official timing system is set for the day. This ensures a fair start for all the athletes involved in the championship.

Competitors receive a special bus pass during the check-in process at the sports center. This pass grants you access to the athlete shuttles heading up to the Bussalp station. Buses depart from the main station every fifteen minutes starting at 9:45 AM sharp. The ride takes about twenty-five minutes through the beautiful and snowy pine forests.

You can find details on renting a velogemel if you do not have your own bike. Many local shops offer high-quality wooden bikes for the championship weekend for a fee. It is best to reserve your rental at least one month early for 2026. Prices for these unique wooden sleds are very reasonable for international tourists.

Race Categories and Start Sequences

The first competitive heat starts at 11:30 AM with the popular youth category. These young racers are often the fastest on the upper track sections during the day. They compete in age groups starting from eight years old and up for the title. It is a wonderful way to see the future of this traditional Swiss sport.

The women's category begins shortly after the youth races are finished on the course. Expect the first female racers to cross the line around 12:30 PM on Sunday. Competition is always fierce in this group among the talented local Grindelwald residents. They know every turn and bump on the Bussalp run from years of practice.

The men's open category is the largest group in the 2026 world championship race. Their heats start at 1:15 PM and continue for several hours on the mountain. You will see a wide variety of riding styles and techniques in this group. Some racers focus on speed while others prioritize smooth cornering on the icy track.

The senior and master categories conclude the individual timed events later in the afternoon. These experienced riders show incredible control on the steep and icy sections of the course. Most of them have participated in the championship for many decades in the village. Their runs are usually finished by 3:00 PM on the Sunday race day.

Best Viewing Times and Locations

Spectators should find their spots by 11:00 AM for the best views of the race. The finish area at Weidli offers a great party atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. You can watch the racers cross the line at high speeds in this area. There is also a large screen showing live race data for the fans.

Look for the best spots to watch racing along the famous and winding Bussalp road. The "Lochsteinen" corner is a favorite for those seeking dramatic action photos of the riders. It offers a wide view of the track and the surrounding mountain peaks. Be sure to stay behind the safety nets at all times for safety.

Walking to the mid-section takes about thirty minutes from the village center on foot. The path is groomed but can be slippery in the morning cold for visitors. Wear boots with good grip to stay safe on the snowy mountain trails. Many fans bring small sleds to slide down after the race is finished.

The final racers usually finish their runs by 3:45 PM on the Sunday afternoon. After this, the track opens back up for public sledding and walking for everyone. This is a great time to try the course yourself with a rental. Be careful on the ice as the snow can be very hard packed.

Evening Awards and Celebrations

The official prize giving starts at 5:30 PM in the village square on Sunday. Winners in every category receive their medals and traditional Swiss gifts from the town. It is a festive event with plenty of music and cheering for the athletes. The whole town comes together to celebrate the new world champions each year.

Many people head to the local bars for a celebratory drink after the ceremony. You can find more Grindelwald winter events happening on the same busy weekend. The nightlife in the village is very vibrant during the championship for all guests. Expect to see many people carrying their wooden bikes through the town streets.

Dinner reservations are essential for Sunday evening in the many mountain restaurants in town. Most places serve traditional fondue or raclette to the hungry race fans and families. It is the perfect way to end a long day in the cold snow. Make sure to book your table at least two weeks ahead of time.