[Patrouille des Glaciers - Analysis of Course Times].

 Backcountry skiing has become more and more popular. The development of skis and equipment has been impressive and suggests that achieving a good performance level is much easier today than it was in the past. Taking the most popular backcountry skiing race in Switzerland, the "Patrouille des Glaciers (PDG)", we addressed the question as to whether this development has led to faster course times over the past ten years and what recommendations can be made for participants.  The average course times for the original course Zermatt - Arolla - Verbier were calculated over the past ten years for two cohorts (top-ten and median), separated by category.  Contrary to expectations, a tendency towards an increase of average course times was detected over the past ten years. The majority of participants need about 12 hours to complete the whole course, which indicates the high overall performance level of PDG skiers. Furthermore, it is assumed that the optimal age for such ultra-performances is around 40.  Due to the increasing demand to participate, it is assumed that organisers tend to admit an ever larger number of alpinists for participation. In consequence, the race is attended by more and more leisure athletes, leading to an increase of average course times over the past ten years. Nevertheless, the majority of participants only need about 12 hours for the whole course of 110 performance kilometres, which requires adequate training. This should be kept in mind by those who consider taking part.