--- title: "Witches' Downhill" url: "https://www.belalp.ch/en/witches-downhill" description: "Belalp Witches' Downhill đŸ”„ Experience this spectacular ski race, packed with action, excitement and a unique atmosphere in the Aletsch region. Find out more now!" language: "en" breadcrumb: "Root > Blatten-Belalp > Destination Blatten-Belalp > Events > Belalp Witch > Witches' Downhill" --- 16.01.2027 WITCHES' DESCENT ================ - THE BELALP WITCHES' DESCENT --------------------------- During one week in January everything revolves around the theme of witches in the ski resort Blatten - Belalp. The Belalp Witches is a week-long event that reaches its undisputed climax on Saturday with the Belalp Witches' Downhill. In the run-up to the big Witches' Downhill, however, various other races are held during the week and with the Witches Nights and the Witches' Children's Festival, the spectators are also offered a comprehensive supporting program. The Belalp Witch goes back to an old Valais legend. According to this legend, a witch once wreaked havoc here. In memory of these old times, the Belalp Witches' Downhill was created more than 43 years ago. Be a part of the 44rd Witches' Downhill on January 17, 2026, and let yourself be enchanted by the mystical atmosphere on the Belalp! Whether as a racer or dressed up witch. We look forward to your participation. INFORMATION ABOUT THE RACE **Registration for the Witches' Downhill** You can register via our homepage! Your registration will be automatically confirmed by email. Participation in the Belalp Hexe in the ‘Racers’ category is only possible on skis; snowboards are not permitted. Skis and snowboards are permitted in the ‘Witches’ category. **Entry Fee** CHF 70.00 per person **Participant Limitation** For organizational reasons, the number of participants in the "Witches" category is limited to 1'000. Each team leader is required to inform their team about the rules. **Technical Data** Length: 12 km Start: 3'100 m above sea level Finish: 1'300 m above sea level Elevation difference: 1'800 m **The following slopes and facilities will be closed:** Gratlift No. 4 HĂ€x (lower section), No. 15 Race Slope, No. 16 LĂ€gnipiste, No. 21 TĂ€llipiste, No. 23 Stafel Slope, No. 28 Bruchegg–Mountain Station Road, Weisse Meile, Dynafit course and the valley descent will also remain closed. **Extra trips – Belalp cable cars:** From Blatten: 23.50 \| 00.50 \| 01.50 \| 02.50 (Sat only) From Belalp: 00.10 \| 01.10 \| 02.10 \| 03.10 (Sat only) - DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS? WE HAVE THE ANSWERS. - What is the Belalp Witches' Downhill Race? The Belalp Witches' Downhill Race is organised by the Belalp Witches' Association. The Belalp Witches' Downhill Race is a popular ski race that was first held in 1983. The race starts at Hohstock (3,118 metres above sea level) and finishes in Blatten (1,322 metres above sea level). - How much is the entry fee? The entry fee for racers is CHF 70.00. There are sliding scale rates for witch groups: By 15.11.2026: CHF 50.00 By 15.12.2026: CHF 60.00 Until registration closes: CHF 70.00 The day ticket for Saturday can be booked directly on the registration portal for CHF 30.00. - Is there a limit on the number of participants? For organisational reasons, the number of participants in the ‘Hexen’ category is limited to 1,000. There is no limit on the number of participants for racers. - Where are the start and finish of the Belalp Witches' Run? The start is at Hohstock (3,118 metres above sea level) and the finish is in Blatten (1,322 metres above sea level). In exceptional circumstances, the organising committee may change the route. Part of the route is identical to the existing ski slope. However, this will not be specially prepared. - What are the technical details? **Length:** 12 km **Start:** 3,100 m above sea level **Finish:** 1,300 m above sea level **Elevation difference:** 1,800 m - When can the course be viewed? The race course for the Hexenabfahrt will be marked from Thursday onwards. It will remain open for viewing until 15.00 on Friday. Race training is prohibited. Failure to comply with this rule will result in disqualification! From Friday at 15.00 until the start of the race, the course will be closed to all participants. - How are the control gates regulated? Passing through the control gates is mandatory. Between 8 and 16 control gates will be set up. Additional control gates will only be set up if safety requires it. (Control gates: RED – Directional gates: BLUE). The route from TĂ€tschen to the finish in Blatten is binding. Blind spots will be additionally monitored by marshals. - What does waving the black flag mean? considerably. Failure to comply will result in disqualification! The instructions of the marshals must be strictly followed. Participants undertake to adjust their speed to the conditions and to drive with caution. In addition, the general FIS rules apply, in particular FIS rule no. 2 (control of speed and driving style). - What does the racing equipment for the racers look like? Wearing a crash helmet (BFU tested) is mandatory for all participants, including those in costume. Compliance with the helmet requirement will be checked at the start. Only participants with skis will be admitted. The race must be completed with both skis, which can be strapped on or carried to the finish line. Race numbers must be worn in a clearly visible manner during the race. Registrations received after 1 December cannot be guaranteed to have the participant's name printed on them. Equipment can only be collected with the race number. - What is the racing equipment for the witches? Wearing a crash helmet (BFU approved) is compulsory for all participants, including those in costume. Compliance with the helmet requirement will be checked at the start. Participants with skis and snowboards are permitted. The race must be completed with both skis, which can be strapped on or carried to the finish line. Equipment that can move independently (sledges or similar vehicles) may not be carried. - How is the starting order for the racers determined? Where possible, start numbers are allocated based on the best results achieved over the last three years (overall rankings for women and men). The last 30 start numbers on the start list start at the beginning of the race as star riders. Start numbers are allocated by Datasport. No correspondence will be entered into regarding the allocation of start numbers. Legal recourse is excluded. Explanations regarding the allocation of start numbers can be found on our website . - How is the starting order determined for the witches? Participants who dress up as witches are referred to as ‘witches’. All participants in a witch group start together. The witch groups start after the racers. The number of participants in the witch category is limited to 1,000 starting places. The allocation of starting places is carried out by the organising committee. Participants in costume who register in the wrong category (not the witches category) will not be allowed to start. - When will participants be disqualified? Participants in both categories will be disqualified if a) they start under a false name b) they fail to pass through the control gates (RED) c) they fail to follow the instructions of the marshals d) they ignore the black flag e) they do not wear a helmet f) they do not comply with g) they register in the wrong category (witches/racers) - What about insurance/liability? The Belalp Hexe Organising Committee (Belalp Hexe Association) accepts no liability towards any participants/competitors or spectators for damage caused or culpably caused by participants/competitors or assistants. The Belalp Hexe Organising Committee also accepts no liability for any negligence. Accident and liability insurance is the responsibility of each individual participant.. - Where is the race office located and when is it open? Where is the race office located and when is it open? The race office is located opposite the Belalp Bahnen AG valley station. On the 1st floor of the Beltour GmbH building. The race office is open from Thursday evening to Saturday morning. Opening hours: Thursday: 16.00 to 17.30 Friday: 08.00 to 11.00 / 16.00 to 19.00 Saturday: 07.00 to 10.00 Timeline Historical winners Wizard Reber Mathias Rufener Kilian Rufener Kilian Reber Mathias no race (COVID 19) no race (COVID 19) Zumtaugwald Thomas Escher Christoph Escher Christoph Antonin Samuel Bellwald Emanuel Zumtaugwald Thomas Moser Markus Moser Markus Escher Christoph Moser Markus Moser Markus / Plaschy Didier Salzmann Mathias Moser Markus Salzmann Mathias Salzmann Mathias Zumtaugwald Thomas Naoni Tiziano Moser Markus Walker Christian KĂ€lin Pius Moser Markus Page ArsĂšne Salzmann Christian Walker Christian Walker Christian Zuber Robert Page ArsĂšne Zuber Robert Bellwald Hans-Peter Kummer Emil no race Grossniklaus Ueli Schmidhalter Claude Alain Bellwald Hans-Peter Grossniklaus Ueli Ruppen Gerhard Tresch Walter Frankiny Martin Sorceress Eiholzer Nicole Wenger Arianne Brawand Tanja Eiholzer-BĂ€rtschi Nicole no race (COVID 19) no race (COVID 19) BĂ€rtschi Nicole BĂ€rtschi Nicole MĂ€chler Nadin MĂ€chler Nadin MĂ€chler Nadin BĂ€rtschi Nicole BĂ€rtschi Nicole BĂ€rtschi Nicole BĂ€rtschi Nicole Rubi Marianne Rubi Marianne Rubi Marianne Zeiter Karin Rubi Marianne Baumgartner Eva Baumgartner Eva Eggenschwiler Sandra BĂ€hler Katja Eggenschwiler Sandra Fux Silvia Imstepf Nicole Ruppen Monika Salzmann Nicole Salzmann Nicole Salzmann Nicole Imstepf Nicole Hauft Erika Imstepf Nicole Imstepf Nicole Moreillon Francine no race Feuz AngĂ©lique Stoller Vreni Sonderegger Christine Gertsch Therese Eggel Eliane MĂŒhlemann Rösli Team classification – Belalp Cup Team Niedersimmental Team Niedersimmental Simmental Mix Niedersimmental no race (COVID 19) no race (COVID 19) Gasser Sport Blatten-Belalp Walliserfroinda Walliserfroinda Walliserfroinda Niedersimmental Gasser Sport BlattenBelalp Postauto Wallis SC Niedersimmental Postauto Wallis SC Niedersimmental Postauto Wallis Gasser Sport Blatten Belalp SC Niedersimmental I Sporthaus Blatten Racing Team SC Niedersimmental I Postauto Oberwallis Los Furtos Los Furtos Postauto Oberwallis SC Trachlau Los Furtos Dirty Six Dirty Six Dirty Six Postauto Oberwallis RedPanthers Postauto Oberwallis Red Panthers Red Panthers Fahrschule Zimmermann I no race SC Matten Fahrschule Zimmermann I Red Panthers SC Matten Red Panthers SC Matten II Bergfalke Belalp The most beautiful witches of recent years 1 Sandwitches 2 Magic Gols Hexen 3 Stierenberg Hexen 4 Baccardi Hexen 5 Schenkenbergerhexen 6 Stöggubröhner 7 Don Promillo HĂ€xe 8 Old Witches 1 Schenkenbergerhexen 2 Hedera Helix Hexen 3 Grim Fandango 4 Melchaa Tobel HĂ€xe 5 GratzughĂ€xe 6 Sandwitches 7 Bebbi-HĂ€xe 8 Die Tifigu 1 Adams Family 2 Schneekristall HĂ€x 3 Di Tifigu 4 Schenkenbergerhexen 5 StierenbĂ€rg HĂ€xe 6 Baccardi HĂ€x 7 Sandwitches 8 ChaotuhĂ€xe 1 Schenkenberg Hexen 2 Jubi-HĂ€xe 3 StĂ€gu-Brönner 4 Chaotu-HĂ€xe 5 Adams Family 6 Di Tifigu 7 Gim-Fandango 8 Bacardi-HĂ€x no race (COVID 19) no race (COVID 19) 1 Mystic HĂ€xe 2 Alpji-Bruje 3 Schenkenberger Hexen 4 StierebĂ€rg HĂ€xe-Farnern 5 Schneeflöckli-HĂ€xe.ch 6 Eichörnli 7 BĂ€rg-HĂ€xe 8 HĂ€xu-Zirkel 1 Melchaatobel HĂ€xĂ€ 2 StierenbĂ€rg HĂ€xe - Farnern 3 GIVE PEACE A JEANS HÄXE 4 D'Kupferhexe 5 Porggetschoti HĂ€xe 6 Feuerwehr Oberbuchsiten 7 ChaotuhĂ€xe 8 Golden Girls 9 Hexenpost 10 Stögubrönner - Heimberg 11 Kameradu HĂ€xe 12 Fassdauben Hexen- Aare/Frick 13 Alpji Brujie 14 Lyonercarver Dilsburg 15 Eichhörnli - Hexen 1 BAR-ROCK HEXEN 2 Adams Family 3 Alpji Bruje 4 StierenbĂ€rg HĂ€xe - Farnern 5 Schneeflöckli-Hexe.ch 6 Snow Witches-Moosseedorf 7 Döltschi Teachers Hexen 8 SSC Schenkenberger Hexen 9 NorohĂ€xe 10 Uwatlichi 11 Porggetschoti HĂ€xe 12 Fassdauben Hexen Aare/Frick 13 BoozuhĂ€xe fam Wallis 14 SKL Hexen - Luthern 15 Kameradu HĂ€xe 1 IschhĂ€xa 2 Stierenberger HĂ€xe - Farnen 3 Alpji Bruje 4 Eichhörnli - Hexen 5 BuechibĂ€rger-HĂ€xe 6 Bebbi HĂ€xe - Basel 7 Schneeflöckli-Hexe.ch 8 Stögubrunner - Heimberg 9 Hexenschuss 10 Fassdauben Hexen Aare/Frick 11 Porggetschoti HĂ€xe 12 Snow Witches - Moosseedorf 13 SSC Schenkenberger Hexen 14 Buschi 15 NIL\_Hexen The artists of the witch masks A piece of Swiss stone pine, an artistic hand and the witch masks and other various prizes that the winners of the Belalp Witches' Downhill can take home are ready. A beautiful souvenir of a successful race - a lot of work in advance for Atelier Manus, which has been producing around 60 different prizes for the popular popular downhill race for over 20 years. Atelier Manus in Brig-Glis is a foundation that promotes the professional and social integration of people with limited opportunities. The foundation promotes the quality of life of people with limitations by offering a wide range of training and work opportunities as well as integration measures. The workshop consists of various production facilities, including a carpentry workshop and a wood sculpting workshop. This is exactly where the witch masks are produced every year. Markus Spitz is one of the employees in the wood sculpture. Originally from Germany, the trained sculptor has lived in Switzerland since 1991 and in Valais since 1994. Together with a colleague, he is responsible for the witch masks. From a piece of Swiss stone pine wood he conjures up the typical winning prizes of the Belalp witch. Swiss stone pine is used because it is very soft and easy to work with. Markus Spitz produces around two witch masks in one working day. The prizes for the warlocks are more elaborate and therefore take more time: "I first start with the rough work, which is the fastest and easiest. At the end, the difficult passages are made, such as the face or the hands," explains the sculptor. At the end, the prizes are painted and partially decorated with a base. "None of the masks or warlock prizes look the same at the end." The beautiful prizes from the hands of the employees of Atelier Manus can be admired during the Witches' Week in Blatten.