SWITZERLAND for Léman hope

Open Water Swimming - The "Lake" edition

Includes, weather permitting, the Lausanne-Evian or reverse, classic crossing of Lac Léman (aka Lake Geneva), from Switzerland-France (13km).

Lac Léman (Lake Geneva) is one of the great freshwater swims in the world. You'll discover 33.3km of Lac Léman as you cross the same legendary stretch of water that has drawn writers, artists and explorers for centuries, with the stunning background of the Alps behind. Lord Byron the forefather of open water swimming made this his home for many months (and even stayed in of the main event hotels).

The Lake Edition runs in late July, when the water reaches its warmest for freshwater swimming (up to 26C). Four days and six swims take you from the beautiful waterside Château de Chillon, to the feet of the Montreux Jazz Festival's Freddie Mercury statue, along shores lined with UNESCO heritage vineyards, and to finish lines in quaint Swiss villages, and on to the signature crossing from Evian-les-bains (France) to Lausanne (Switzerland). It is the only fresh water venue in the series, and it is run for the benefit of local charity Léman Hope - so you'll also help leave a positive legacy from your swim.

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from CHF 1,500

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GREECE [Milos]

from €2,057

GREECE [Milos]
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Montreux and Lausanne, Lake Geneva

SWITZERLAND for Léman hope

23-26°C (73-79°F)

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Places are limited and held on a first come basis. The booking team will confirm your spot and answer any questions.

common Questions

When does the Switzerland event take place?

The Lake Edition runs at the end of July, Friday morning to Monday lunchtime. See the Editions below for details.

What are the water temperatures in July?

Surface temperatures on Lake Geneva in late July are expected between 23 and 26°C, warm enough for comfortable long distance swimming in skins, though of course wetsuits are always permitted.

Is this a freshwater swim?

Yes. Lac Léman (Lake Geneva) is fresh water (and a massive quantity of it - 300 metres deep in the middle), which offers slightly less buoyancy than the sea. Conditions vary from usually mirror calm to afternoon thunderstorms or a strong northerly bise wind, with light currents from the Rhône.

Which formats are offered?

The full 33.3 CLASSIC, the 33.3 / 2 BUILD 'Half Channel' - and the ULTIMATE non stop single swim of 25kms with a personal support crew, offered only in Switzerland 2027

What currency are packages priced in?

Packages are priced in Swiss Francs (CHF). The standard ULTRA package is CHF 2,150, with self arranged accommodation offered on the ULTRA nomad option from CHF 1,700. See the event listings below for full pricing.

Where will I be staying?

The 5-Star Luxury Package ULTRA+ [5*] and ULTRA++ are at the classic Beau-Rivage Palace or Hotel Angleterre in their best rooms, located on the shores of Lake Geneva in the Ouchy district of Lausanne. For our ULTRA+ [4*] your will staying at the Hotel d’Angleterre combining genuine Swiss hospitality with British elegance. ULTRA are based at Mövenpick Hotel an excellent business hotel nearby that hosts the visiting sports federations on their way to visit the nearby IOC (Olympic Committee).

Limited number of  ULTRA[nomad] entries - sort your own accommodation (eg camping nearby instead of our hotels) - option to sort your own accommodation is at this event only.

UltraSwim 33.3 #17 Barcelona, Cami de Ronda coastal path on the Costa BravaUltraSwim 33.3 #17 Barcelona, Cami de Ronda coastal path on the Costa Brava

UNIQUE TO this event

  • Our only fresh water venue
  • Weather-permitting 13km iconic country to country lake crossing between France and Switzerland at the lake's widest point (Lausanne-Evian)
  • ULTIMATE  - non-stop ultra marathon 'double crossing' (25km) add-on option only at this event in 2027
  • Swiss Franc pricing - this won’t be our cheapest entry cost event, but the low cost travel options to get here will make up the difference for most
  • Very well connected (by train to Lausanne) Geneva and Zurich airports, with low cost flights, as well as great train connections in Europe (direct from Paris, Milan, Zurich, Munich…)
  • Swiss Franc pricing - this won’t be our cheapest entry costs, but the low cost travel options to get here will make up the difference for many
  • We (and you) will be raising money for local charity Léman hope, that helps rebuild confidence in young cancer survivors through 5 day sailing trips. 11k CHF raised in 2026!
  • The shorter ‘half Channel’ distance option 33.3/2 BUILD is available here.
  • Public transport focus - we’ll be using Swiss trains and the classic CGN lake ferries to move you around where possible

prep camp

The UltraSwim 33.3 Prep Camp takes place two days before the event and is designed to help swimmers arrive feeling confident, prepared and ready for the challenge ahead. Over two days, swimmers can familiarise themselves with the location and course, take part in guided swims and training sessions, and receive practical advice on pacing, nutrition, equipment, recovery and managing four consecutive days of open-water swimming. It is also a great opportunity to meet fellow swimmers, coaches and the UltraSwim team before race day, creating connections and helping everyone settle into the UltraSwim 33.3 experience. The Prep Camp provides the perfect bridge between training and racing — allowing swimmers to prepare both physically and mentally before embarking on their 33.3km journey.

UltraSwim 33.3 #10 Montenegro, preparation camp training swim

Race formats

what formats are available at this venue?

33.3km

CLASSIC

The full English Channel distance spread across 4 days with 6 swims. The original. The one that started it all. Swims can vary from 2km to a marathon day 3 of 10-11km.

33.3 /2

BUILD

This 'Half Channel' non-competitive format aims to cover c. 17km over the same 4 days as the CLASSIC, but with all swims less than 5km. A great stepping stone to the full.

33.3KM

ULTIMATE NON STOP 25KM

As part of just one event each year we offer a single ultra-marathon English Channel style distance, non=stop, fully supported swim. In 2027 it will be a double crossing of Lac Léman (Lake Geneva) of 25km.Great preparation for a real English Channel swim, or to simply push your limits with a fully managed ultra-distance swim.

Packages and Pricing

4 package levels - but one world class delivery

Every package includes a full premium swim race experience over 4 days - the service package choice defines the extra support options like post-swim sports massage, the accommodation rating and room size, the airport transfers and many other extras.

ALL PACKAGES INCLUDE:

  • Hotel 4 nights twin shared accommodation including early breakfasts.
  • Pre-event training plan, training support channel and webinars
  • Finish line refuel lunches (excluding drinks)
  • Guided stretching sessions post race
  • Upcycled  Participation and Finisher's medal
  • Swimmer’s Pack (towel, water bottle)
  • Tow float and drybag loan (refundable €50 euro cash deposit to pay on collection)
  • Professional photos and video content
  • Group of 4 discount (4th swimmer half price) book at same time, including two new swimmers
  • Optional partner (F3, Family, Friends, Fans) supporter activity package, and accommodation package
ULTRA
Everything you need without the frills of the + packages
Everything listed above is included in the ULTRA package. It is important to note that you will be responsible for your own airport transfers except for Montenegro and Milos where they are exceptionally included.
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ULTRA+[4*]
Recommended
4* Hotel for four nights (shared accommodation, single occupancy available as an extra)

Dedicated airport transfers from/to airport to the event, except in Switzerland where there are fantastic train connections from Geneva and Zurich which make it easy for you to get to Lausanne.

Personal 1:1 Video Analysis pre-event (you must provide the video)

Swimmer’s Pack (towel or poncho, water bottle, woolly / sun hat, dry bag)

Post race sports massage (days 1-3)

Top sports injury physio on-site injury assessment (fee if further services required)

Single occupancy option guaranteed
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ULTRA+[5*]
All inclusive
All the benefits of the 4* Package

5* Hotel for four nights (single occupancy included in price)

Direct access to boutique hotels and upgrade options.
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ULTRA++
All inclusive
For the VIP experience, the ULTRA++ package, upgrades everything to a premium level.
‍
This comprehensive package includes everything from specialist coaching to luxury hotel accommodation, concierge service and dedicated support. It includes 5 nights of accommodation instead of 4 and includes a space on the F3 package for your partner.
‍
Email us for a personal consultation
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Event Format

HOW to get there?

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Where is it?

Switzerland offers a spectacular setting for an UltraSwim 33.3 event, with swimmers taking on the challenge in the warm waters of Lac Léman (Lake Geneva) against a backdrop of alpine mountains, picturesque vineyards and picture-postcard lakeside villages. The event combines the beauty and precision of Switzerland with the unique challenge of completing 33.3km over four days, creating an experience that is both demanding and rewarding. Away from the water, swimmers and their families can enjoy the region’s stunning scenery, excellent food, culture and relaxed lakeside atmosphere. With its breathtaking surroundings and world-class setting, Switzerland provides an unforgettable UltraSwim 33.3 experience.

Getting there

Fly to Geneva Airport GVA (or Zurich), then take a direct trains to Lausanne, a journey of about fifty minutes from Geneva, with services at least twice an hour back to the airport. Direct trains also run from Paris, Milan, and Munich. We encourage travel by Swiss trains and the CGN lake ferries to keep the carbon footprint low. Arrive in Geneva by 14:00 on Thursday 22 July; GVA flight departures from 15:00 on Monday.

Nearby

  • The Château de Chillon on the lakeshore
  • Montreux and its lakeside promenade and Jazz Festival statues (Freddie Mercury will be a finish line!)
  • The Olympic Museum in Lausanne
  • Charlie Chaplin museum
  • Chocolate factories and museums
  • Evian-les-bains thermal town across the water in France
  • The terraced Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • The Alps for a longer stay - no better place in a heatwave!
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events

Choose your EVENT

Each running of this location has its own dates, price and booking. Pick the edition that suits you.

Open

#19

The 'Lake' Edition

23 - 26 July 2027

from CHF 1,500

Water temperature: 23 - 26°C (73-79°F)

Formats available: 33.3 CLASSIC, 33.3/2 BUILD, ULTIMATE

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Closed

#14

The 'Lake' Edition

COMPLETED

from CHF1,400

22 - 25C

CLASSIC, BUILD

View this event

Event Format

HOW DOES THE EVENT WORK?

Every event follows the same simple rhythm. A supported swim each morning, an easy afternoon to rest and explore, and evenings together with the group. It is this shape, repeated across four days, that turns 33.3km into something you build towards rather than survive.

Download the full event packEXPLORE THE FORMAT ›
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Start early, swim strong

Every edition follows the same simple rhythm over a long weekend. Early starts for the best weather and safety, a post swim refuel, recovery massage*, and return to the hotels for an easy afternoon to rest or explore, and evenings together cementing new friendships.

Build distance, build confidence

As the event progresses, distances build from 4km, with a marathon (10km+) swim on day 3 weather permitting - and what feels like a celebration c.4km final day course.  You'll be tired some days, you'll feel like superman on others - in the moments of doubt on or off the water, the group energy will carry you forward.

More than just a swim

The overall experience will mark you positively, and for many even life-changing and you'll give your very best whether you finish every leg or not. Our aim is to send you home a better swimmer, person or both.

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* ULTRA + / ++ packages only

All our events so far have won awards. See reviews from other swimmers.

Gold Award 2025 RaceCheckGold Award 2024 RaceCheckGold Award 2023 RaceCheckTop Rated 2024 RaceCheck

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A 33.3km 4-day event including a crossing of Lake Geneva, from France to Switzerland, in one of the world's most iconic freshwater settings. Warm, flat water and a dramatic Alpine backdrop.

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The first UltraSwim 33.3 along the Costa Brava, one of Europe's most dramatic coastlines. Warm Mediterranean water into late autumn and a host city that needs no introduction.

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