09Apr2010 Untamed Switzerland
Pontresina, Switerland
On Point Foundation Volunteer Athlete Mark Lattanzi and Sara Dallman will be at it again during this awesome race.
Untamed Switzerland is a 3-day Alpine Stage Race; each day is a fresh challenge of orienteering, trekking, and snowshoeing that showcases some of the best mountain terrain through the heart of the Alps. The navigation and route selection is a considerable mental challenge. The staggering elevation and rugged trail selection put the physical body to the test. Combining these elements together makes for an amazing 3-day journey you will never forget; this is more an adventure than a race!
About the 2010 Edition
Race Quick Facts
- Race Dates: April 9 – 11, 2010
- Solo Competitors or Teams of 2, 3, or 4 people
- Host Location is Pontresina, Switzerland
- Flights into Zurich recommended; logistical assistance provided
- Approximately 70 k total distance with plenty of climbing (several thousand meters)
- Participants must qualify based on prior orienteering, endurance sports, or adventure racing experience
- Online registration for the 2010 edition can be done here. Registration price is $420 per person*
*The registration price includes all your maps and course materials for 3 days of stage racing based from the Swiss mountain village of Pontresina, train tickets and transit expenses for each stage, traditional Swiss dinner the evening after the first stage, technical base layer (co-branded Marmot/Untamed Switzerland), event photos, post-race party, and an unforgettable journey through the Swiss Alps!
More Information
This is a tough 3-days of mountain navigation and trekking; the terrain can be challenging with lots of snow and exposed stretches far away from civilization. Participants should be fit, prepared for the swings in weather, and competent with map and compass.
Those looking for a casual hiking trip through the mountains should look elsewhere. Those looking for an Alpine adventure experience combining orienteering and high Alpine trekking will find Untamed Switzerland to be an unforgettable journey.
The following is a summary of the the 2009 stages; this will give you an idea for what is in store for 2010.
- Stage 1: A mountain top start, high in the Swiss Alps. The summit of Mt. Stanserhorn is where the 2009 edition of the race kicks off! Just because the start is on top, however, doesn’t mean the racing is all downhill for Stage 1. Key Stage 1 Stats: 19 km distance (optimal route); 1,050 m ascent; 2,400 m descent.
- Stage 2: The “dragon mountain” of Pilatus is the focus for the 2nd stage; high mountain valleys, and some absolutely staggering climbs are the hallmarks of this stage — a guaranteed leg burner! Key Stage 2 Stats: 18 km distance (optimal route); 1,917 m ascent; 1,222 m descent.
- Stage 3: Plenty of fun forest orienteering, with a few mountain lakes (frozen over for us!) add spice to this day. Racers will use the mountain cable car system to pick optimal routes up and down the rocky terraces surrounding Engelberg. Key Stage 3 Stats: 20 km distance (optimal route); 1,231 m ascent; 1,231 m descent.
All stages offer jaw-dropping views and will be a considerable mental and physical challenge.
Do not forget to come support On Point Foundation “ImONPoint.org” Athletes as they race around the USA for disabled service members.
