The Swiss Canyon Trail takes place in a region where the effects of climate change are particularly visible. Summer heat waves, severe droughts, and a lack of snow in winter illustrate the changes facing this region. Located near La Brévine, often nicknamed "the Siberia of Switzerland," the trail operates in an environment where climate change also has a direct impact on local infrastructure, particularly ski resorts. One of these, once open from December to March, now operates only a few days a year.

Over its 30 years of existence, the Swiss Canyon Trail has witnessed these developments. More recently, the race itself has had to contend with events, such as violent storms, that threaten to disrupt or even cancel its smooth running. While these phenomena are natural, their intensity and frequency are increasing with increasingly shorter return periods, a direct reflection of global climate change.

Aware of these challenges, the Swiss Canyon Trail strives to be a responsible player by minimizing its environmental footprint. Each year, it seeks to improve its sustainable practices and limit its greenhouse gas emissions. While the event alone cannot reverse the climate trend, it aims to serve as a model and pioneer in sustainability for other races of similar stature.

By now becoming part of a global framework, the Swiss Canyon Trail offers a unique experience to runners from all corners of the globe. At the same time, it actively raises awareness of climate issues within its international community, highlighting the importance of collective action and shared responsibility in the face of these challenges.

The Swiss Canyon Trail (SCT) is committed to refining its carbon neutrality plan in the coming years. While it is not a particularly greenhouse gas (GHG) emitting event, certain associated activities, such as transportation and indirect electricity use, generate emissions that must be reduced or offset as much as possible.

The main challenge lies in the environmental impact of transport. Thanks to its international reputation, the SCT attracts trail runners from all over the world, which generates significant air traffic, with the environmental consequences that this entails. While it remains difficult to completely eliminate the use of aircraft while maintaining the global dimension of the event, the SCT is seeking to implement compensatory measures. Furthermore, it will actively encourage participants and spectators to favor more sustainable means of transport, such as the train, for those who can (Trail by Train Tour).

With this in mind, the SCT will expand its carpooling network and improve access to rail transportation. Various innovative tools are currently being developed, including a "Trail to Train" calculator to optimize participants' journeys, as well as a dedicated carpooling platform. These initiatives aim to reduce the impact of air and car travel, while facilitating more environmentally friendly alternatives.

With these measures, the Swiss Canyon Trail aims to become a model of sustainable event on an international scale, reconciling sporting performance, preservation of the planet and awareness of its global community.

Adopting eco-friendly concepts, such as using reusable tableware, providing local food, and limiting and sorting waste, are essential measures for maintaining a positive ecological dynamic. Along the route, these initiatives help protect fragile biodiversity by reducing the negative impacts of human activities.

Additionally, using local food products reduces transportation distances, which limits greenhouse gas emissions and supports regional producers. These choices promote a sustainable approach that respects both ecosystems and local communities.

By integrating these practices into its organization, the Swiss Canyon Trail affirms its commitment to minimizing its ecological footprint while raising awareness among participants and spectators of the importance of responsible behavior.

Biodiversity preservation is a major issue for the region where the Swiss Canyon Trail takes place. The development of industrial and residential areas is gradually transforming agricultural land into built-up areas, reducing natural spaces every year.

While the race showcases the beauty of these landscapes, it also puts a strain on the environment. The trails used, often identical from year to year, have a direct impact on the local soil, flora, and fauna. Aware of these effects, the Swiss Canyon Trail is committed to minimizing its ecological footprint and promoting biodiversity.

To offset, or even surpass, the event's impact, the SCT seeks to actively participate in various conservation projects. These initiatives aim to protect local ecosystems while educating runners and spectators about the importance of preserving the region's natural wealth. Through these actions, the Swiss Canyon Trail is not only a sporting event, but also a vehicle for protecting and promoting biodiversity.

In collaboration with the environmental authorities of the cantons of Neuchâtel and Vaud, the Swiss Canyon Trail aims to actively contribute to local initiatives for the preservation and enhancement of the environment. The objective is to finance concrete projects while participating in their development and implementation.

For this 30th edition, and for the years to come, the SCT wishes to initiate or support one or two projects per year. These actions aim to raise awareness among runners and spectators of the richness of this region and the beauty of its wild nature.

To strengthen this approach, the SCT wants to offer anyone the opportunity to get directly involved in these projects, financially or even physically. The development of these projects is currently under discussion.

Together, let's make this sporting adventure an opportunity to preserve and celebrate the unique environment, on and off the course, for which the Swiss Canyon Trail is famous.

The forest landscapes, vast pastures, deep gorges, and Jura ridges offer an exceptional and unique natural setting. Running on these trails is like immersing yourself in a world where humanity finds its rightful place: small in the face of the immensity of the surrounding nature. The majestic trees, the breath of the wind, and the murmur of the waters create a symphony that accompanies each step of the runner.

The preservation of this natural beauty is made possible by the respect of those who participate. Each runner plays a key role by staying on marked trails, avoiding trampling fragile flowers, leaving no waste behind, and respecting the wildlife in silence, without disturbing wild animals. This responsible attitude allows everyone to enjoy an authentic and harmonious experience in the heart of this unspoiled nature.

With a bit of luck, runners will have the opportunity to observe rich and discreet wildlife or witness unforgettable natural spectacles, such as a golden sunrise or the shimmering colors of the forests in autumn.

Since its inception, the Swiss Canyon Trail has consistently emphasized one core value: the joy of running in the heart of nature. More than just a race, the SCT is a sensory and emotional adventure where each runner can reconnect with what matters most and leave with lasting memories.