Zermatt To Host World's Longest Downhill Race

Nothing like an early season DH to get the quads screaming and the blood pumping - right? Well, Patrick Thorne, of snow24.com says to find your way to Zermatt, Switzerland on December 14th and enter the open-to-all 'Infinity Race.'

You may think naming a race "Infinity" is a little presumptuous, but I think a 10k downhill translates quite easily into infinity. Starting from the top of the resort's lifts at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise - Europe's highest lift-served point at 12,500ft and ending in Zermatt village, racers will descend 7,217 vertical feet via Garten, Furgg and Furi covering 6.25 miles.

Zermatt officials have even dubbed it "The World's Biggest Drop" and I don't think they'll get much challenge on that claim.

The race, which will have a Le Mans style start, is open to all and even families can win the event. For example, when a child under the age of 12 takes part, their time is divided by three. Competitors are welcome on skis, snowboard or telemark. Anyone wanting to take part in the race can register online at www.infinity-zermatt.com and a preview of the race course will be available the day before the event, on December 13. Entry is free to lift pass holders.

The fact that the race is being held so early in the season and is of such height and length is a great promo highlighting Zermatt's world-beating lift-served vertical and season-long snow quantity, especially at the start of winter. If you get a chance, check it out - if you need a sherpa to carry your skis I'm free that Sunday!

_{Photo © Zermatt Bergbahnen}