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For runners, walkers and anyone who enjoys being outdoors, autumn is an ideal time to discover the Helsana Trails in Geneva Canton.
For runners, walkers and anyone who enjoys being outdoors, autumn is an ideal time to discover the Helsana Trails in Geneva Canton.
With signposted routes designed for jogging, walking and hiking, the Helsana Trails make it easy to leave the city streets behind and enjoy exercise in a more natural setting.
With signposted routes designed for jogging, walking and hiking, the Helsana Trails make it easy to leave the city streets behind and enjoy exercise in a more natural setting.
Across Switzerland, there are more than 360 Helsana Trails at over 120 locations, with routes ranging from 1 to 25 kilometres, with the Geneva trails ranging from 2 to 15 kilometres. The trails are free and available throughout the year.
Across Switzerland, there are more than 360 Helsana Trails at over 120 locations, with routes ranging from 1 to 25 kilometres, with the Geneva trails ranging from 2 to 15 kilometres. The trails are free and available throughout the year.
Autumn is made for trail runningRunning on a trail is different from running on pavement.Leaves, roots, gravel and changing surfaces require your feet and legs to constantly adjust. Running on unpaved paths can provide a full-body workout and challenge stamina, coordination and concentration.
This is one reason an autumn trail run can feel so different from a standard road run. You are not simply moving from point A to point B. You are responding to the terrain, watching the path ahead and adapting your pace. And if a section becomes steep or slippery, there is nothing wrong with slowing down or walking. In fact, it is recommended to incorporate brisk walking into trail running and easing the pace when the terrain becomes steep or fatigue sets in.
A trail for every kind of dayNot every workout needs to be a personal best. Some days you might want a brisk 30-minute walk. On another day, you may feel like running several kilometres. Or perhaps you simply want to get outside after spending hours at a desk.
The Helsana Trail concept accommodates all of these. Because the routes are circular, you don't need to worry about finding your way back to your starting point. Each trail location has signposted loop routes, some combine to create longer outings.
That makes it easy to adjust your exercise according to your energy, your available time and the weather.
WalkingWalking is perhaps the easiest way to discover the trails. You can choose a shorter route, keep a comfortable pace and enjoy the surrounding landscape without worrying about speed.
It's also an excellent option for people who are returning to exercise or simply want to make their daily routine more active.
Nordic walkingThe trails are also suitable for Nordic walking. The combination of walking and poles provides a more active full-body workout while still allowing you to enjoy the outdoors.
RunningFor runners, the different route lengths make the trails useful for both shorter training sessions and longer outings. Instead of repeatedly running the same urban circuit, you can vary your distance and surroundings.
And because the routes are marked, you can concentrate more on your rhythm and less on navigation.
The Three Helsana Trails in VernierJust outside the city, Vernier offers three Helsana Trails, making it an excellent place to run, walk or Nordic walk in Geneva Canton. The three circular routes are approximately 2.3 km, 5.7 km and 10.7 km, so there is an option whether you are looking for a short easy run or a longer training session.
The Three Helsana Trails in VersoixFurther north in the canton, Versoix has three Helsana Trails based around the Versoix Sports Centre. They offer significantly longer distances than the Vernier routes: approximately 6.1 km, 8.8 km and 15.3 km.
This is one reason an autumn trail run can feel so different from a standard road run. You are not simply moving from point A to point B. You are responding to the terrain, watching the path ahead and adapting your pace. And if a section becomes steep or slippery, there is nothing wrong with slowing down or walking. In fact, it is recommended to incorporate brisk walking into trail running and easing the pace when the terrain becomes steep or fatigue sets in.
A trail for every kind of dayNot every workout needs to be a personal best. Some days you might want a brisk 30-minute walk. On another day, you may feel like running several kilometres. Or perhaps you simply want to get outside after spending hours at a desk.
The Helsana Trail concept accommodates all of these. Because the routes are circular, you don't need to worry about finding your way back to your starting point. Each trail location has signposted loop routes, some combine to create longer outings.
That makes it easy to adjust your exercise according to your energy, your available time and the weather.
WalkingWalking is perhaps the easiest way to discover the trails. You can choose a shorter route, keep a comfortable pace and enjoy the surrounding landscape without worrying about speed.
It's also an excellent option for people who are returning to exercise or simply want to make their daily routine more active.
Nordic walkingThe trails are also suitable for Nordic walking. The combination of walking and poles provides a more active full-body workout while still allowing you to enjoy the outdoors.
RunningFor runners, the different route lengths make the trails useful for both shorter training sessions and longer outings. Instead of repeatedly running the same urban circuit, you can vary your distance and surroundings.
And because the routes are marked, you can concentrate more on your rhythm and less on navigation.
The Three Helsana Trails in VernierJust outside the city, Vernier offers three Helsana Trails, making it an excellent place to run, walk or Nordic walk in Geneva Canton. The three circular routes are approximately 2.3 km, 5.7 km and 10.7 km, so there is an option whether you are looking for a short easy run or a longer training session.
- The 2.3 km blue route starts at the Bois-des-Frères Sports Centre and takes you through woodland as well as briefly along the Rhône river. It is the shortest of the three and is a good choice for an easy run, a warm-up or a relaxed walk.
- The 5.7 km green route starts near the Givaudan factory, close to the Chèvres footbridge and for the most part, follows the River Rhône. This route gives you a longer outing while taking you through some of Vernier's greener areas.
- For a proper training run, the 10.6 km yellow route also starts at the Bois-des-Frères Sports Centre and passes through woodland and along the river. It is the longest of the three and provides a substantially longer circuit through the area.
The Three Helsana Trails in VersoixFurther north in the canton, Versoix has three Helsana Trails based around the Versoix Sports Centre. They offer significantly longer distances than the Vernier routes: approximately 6.1 km, 8.8 km and 15.3 km.
- The 6.1 km blue route is the shortest option and passes near the towns of Mies and Tannay in Canton Vaud.
- The 8.8 km green route, combining road and forest trails gives you a little more distance and time outdoors, making it a good middle-distance option for regular runners.
- For experienced runners or anyone looking for a longer outing, the 15.3 km yellow route is the most ambitious of the three. It gives you the opportunity to spend considerably more time exploring the countryside around Versoix and Collex-Bossy.
What to wear for an autumn runFor an ordinary outing, your equipment can be as simple as:
In terms of clothing, layering in autumn season becomes important, and a good autumn running outfit might include:
Don't let a little rain stop youOne of the pleasures of autumn running is learning to accept changing weather.
A light shower doesn't necessarily mean cancelling your run. With the right clothing and footwear, a damp trail can actually make the experience more atmospheric.
However, conditions matter. Wet leaves, mud and slippery surfaces can make trails more challenging, so reduce your pace and pay attention to your footing. If the weather is particularly poor, choose a shorter or easier route instead.
The Helsana Trails are maintained and checked by local trail administrators, but runners should always consider current conditions before setting out. The routes are available throughout the year, so autumn is very much part of the intended trail-running season.
Track your progress with Helsana+If you enjoy combining exercise with a little extra motivation, Helsana+ can also complement your trail routine.
The former standalone Helsana Trails app was discontinued in April 2024. Helsana moved the trail-related activity into the Helsana+ app, where users can collect Plus points through all sports and everyday activities that they do.
That can add a fun incentive to keep moving throughout autumn — especially as the days become shorter and staying motivated can become more difficult.
- Comfortable walking or running shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Water
- A charged phone
- A route downloaded or checked beforehand
In terms of clothing, layering in autumn season becomes important, and a good autumn running outfit might include:
- Breathable running top
- Lightweight long-sleeve layer
- Running tights or comfortable running trousers
- Lightweight windbreaker or rain jacket
- Running socks suitable for cooler weather
- Trail-running shoes if the route is muddy or uneven
- Reflective elements or a head torch for darker mornings and evenings
Don't let a little rain stop youOne of the pleasures of autumn running is learning to accept changing weather.
A light shower doesn't necessarily mean cancelling your run. With the right clothing and footwear, a damp trail can actually make the experience more atmospheric.
However, conditions matter. Wet leaves, mud and slippery surfaces can make trails more challenging, so reduce your pace and pay attention to your footing. If the weather is particularly poor, choose a shorter or easier route instead.
The Helsana Trails are maintained and checked by local trail administrators, but runners should always consider current conditions before setting out. The routes are available throughout the year, so autumn is very much part of the intended trail-running season.
Track your progress with Helsana+If you enjoy combining exercise with a little extra motivation, Helsana+ can also complement your trail routine.
The former standalone Helsana Trails app was discontinued in April 2024. Helsana moved the trail-related activity into the Helsana+ app, where users can collect Plus points through all sports and everyday activities that they do.
That can add a fun incentive to keep moving throughout autumn — especially as the days become shorter and staying motivated can become more difficult.
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