Picture a razor-thin line between courage and madness, where skiers transform into human rockets, hurtling down nearly 2,000 vertical meters of pristine Swiss mountainside. This is the Inferno Race – not just a competition, but a pilgrimage for those who dare to dance with gravity’s most unforgiving rhythms. Since 1928, this legendary event has beckoned the world’s most audacious amateur skiers to test their limits on a 14.9-kilometer descent that has become the stuff of winter sports mythology. More than a race, it’s a rite of passage that separates the merely adventurous from the truly extraordinary – a high-altitude ballet where split seconds separate triumph from disaster, and where ordinary people can become alpine legends. Welcome at the Inferno Ski Race: A Century-Old Skiing Quest & the World’s longest ski race!



A Hellish Descent
Imagine hurtling down a 14.9-kilometer ski course, dropping nearly 2,000 meters in elevation, all while surrounded by the breathtaking Swiss Alps. This is the Inferno Race, a legendary event that has been challenging skiers for almost a century. Established in 1928 by Sir Arnold Lunn, a British skiing pioneer, the Inferno Race began as a daring adventure for just 17 intrepid skiers. Today, it has grown into the world’s largest amateur ski race, attracting 1,850 participants from over 20 countries.


This spectacular annual event is so popular that participation has to be limited to “only” 1850 competitors – a few hundred applicants are still being rejected each year. The course covers 14.9 kilometres of contrasting terrain and topography, and is open to the skiing public at other times of the year. So even if you can’t get yourself a spot in the race you can still ski this amazing ski run.



The World’s Longest Ski Race
The Inferno is the world’s longest amateur downhill ski race at 14.9 kilometers, starting from the Schilthorn at 2,970m and finishing in Lauterbrunnen at 800m. It is almost four times as long as the world’s longest professional ski race which is the Lauberhorn downhill in Wengen.
- Longest Professional Race: Lauberhorn (4.270 km)
- Longest Amateur Race: Inferno (14.9 km)
- Typical World Cup downhill courses: 2 miles (3.2 km) or less3
Interesting additional fact: The Lauberhorn race features top speeds approaching 160 km/h mking it also the fastest race and it includes challenging sections like the Hundschopf, a 60m jump over a rock nose.
Start at the World’s steepest cable car
If that is not enough the to reach the race’s starting point you firstly have to take the world’s steepest cable car. Ascending the breathtaking Schilthorn via a cable car with an incredible 159.4% gradient, racers are transported to a starting point near the iconic Piz Gloria – famous from the James Bond film “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”. From this dramatic vantage point, skiers then navigate the legendary 14.9-kilometer course, which includes passing the world’s steepest ski slope, the Direttissima. This black run, with an astonishing 88% incline, provides an adrenaline-fueled challenge that is steeper than renowned slopes like Austria’s Streif and the Swiss Wall, making the Inferno Race not just a competition, but an ultimate test of skiing prowess in one of the most spectacular mountain landscapes on earth.
The 81st International Inferno Races: A Multi-Event Challenge
Even though the downhill is the main event the Inferno Races, scheduled generally around the January 22-25 weekend, offer a comprehensive skiing challenge that goes far beyond a single downhill event. Participants will compete across multiple disciplines, with an exciting combined ranking system that rewards overall performance.
Event Lineup and Ranking System
The races include four main events:
- Wednesday: Night Cross-Country Race through the village of Mürren
- Thursday: Giant Slalom
- Friday: A unique “devil’s parade” adds a festive atmosphere
- Saturday: Legendary Inferno Downhill Race
The combined ranking works through a point-based system where athletes accumulate points across different events. Participants must complete all events to qualify for the overall ranking, with points awarded based on performance in each discipline. The final ranking considers times and points from cross-country, giant slalom, and downhill races.


The Inferno Race Course: A Technical Marvel
The main event, the Inferno Downhill Race, begins beneath the Kleine Schilthorn, winding its way through the Engetal Valley to the Schilthornhütte cabin. Skiers then face the formidable Kanonenrohr, a sheer slope that tests even the most skilled racers. From there, the course snakes down to Winteregg and, in particularly snowy years, all the way to the valley floor in Lauterbrunnen.
What makes the Inferno truly unique is its sheer scale. At 14.9 kilometers, it’s nearly five times longer than the average Olympic downhill course. This grueling distance, combined with the varied terrain, creates a true test of endurance and skill. Competent skiers complete the course in around 30 minutes, with the winners blazing through in less than 15 minutes – a feat that seems almost superhuman.


Records and Achievements
The race has seen impressive performances over the years. Back in 1928, a tweed-suited Englishman won it with a time of 1 hour 12 minutes…
The present record is held by a 40-year-old Swiss racer called Kuno Michel – in 2013 this guy managed to complete the race in just over 13 minutes. The current female record is held but Nicole Bärtschi at 14 minutes 45 seconds.The current record holders as of 2025 are:
- Men’s Record: Kuno Michel (13:20.53 in 2013)
- Women’s Record: Marianne Rubi (14:34.22 in 2019)
Registration and Participation
- Open to men and women born in 2007 or before
- Registration closes on September 15, 2024
- Limited to approximately 1,850 participants
- Online registration available at www.inferno-muerren.ch
Note: The 2025 race will have a modified start location due to cable car construction, beginning at Seewlifuren in the Engetal valley.
A Living Legacy
The Inferno Race is more than just a competition; it’s a living piece of skiing history. It has played a crucial role in the development of alpine ski racing and remains a testament to the sport’s enduring appeal. The race’s popularity has soared over the decades. By 1980, organizers had to cap entries at 1,450 due to overwhelming demand. Today, hundreds of eager skiers are turned away each year, unable to secure a coveted spot in this bucket-list event.
As you stand at the starting line, you’re not just preparing for a race – you’re becoming part of a legacy that stretches back nearly a century. Whether you’re a seasoned racer or an ambitious amateur, the Inferno Race offers a unique opportunity to challenge yourself against one of the most iconic courses in skiing.
Just remember, as you plunge down the slopes of the Schilthorn, you’re following in the tracks of generations of skiers who have braved this “hellish” descent through an alpine paradise. The Inferno Race continues to be a testament to the enduring spirit of adventure and the timeless allure of the Swiss Alps.