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Salomon Pitz Alpine Glacier Trail: Where Glaciers Meet The Sky
Tucked deep in the Tyrolean Alps, the Pitztal valley stands as one of Austria’s most dramatic and unspoiled mountain regions. Wooden chalets adorned with flower-filled balconies shape the landscape, while a culture forged over centuries reflects a deep connection to the mountains. Racing here demands not only endurance, but also exceptional mountain skill, technical ability, and unwavering focus.
In 2025, the valley marked a historic milestone for trail running as the Golden Trail World Series (GTWS) arrived in Austria for the first time. This year, the Salomon Pitz Alpine Glacier Trail will once again welcome the world’s best trail runners, serving as the fourth stop of the 2026 GTWS on August 1st.
At the heart of the Pitzal Valley lies Mandarfen, one of the most picturesque alpine villages in the Austrian Alps. It serves as the hub of the Salomon Pitz Alpine Glacier Trail, featuring eight races ranging from 100 km to 16 km, alongside an 8 km race dedicated to young talents.
First held in 2013 under the name “Trail Maniak”, the event debuted with what was then the highest trail marathon in the Alps, quickly capturing the attention of trail running enthusiasts. From just 200 participants in its inaugural year, it has grown over the past 13 years into a cornerstone of the Austrian trail running scene, now welcoming 1,600 runners and offering a wide range of ways to experience the mountains. Renamed the Salomon Pitz Alpine Glacier Trail in 2015, the event has been consistently sold out since 2018.
A major step forward in its professionalization and international reach came last year with its inclusion in the GTWS calendar, establishing it as one of the season’s hidden gems. “Welcoming the world’s best trail runners and showcasing the Pitztal valley to an international audience was an opportunity the organizers had to seize. Standing alongside some of the most iconic races in the world highlights the level the Pitz Alpine Glacier Trail has reached” explains Philipp Stöfelz, Managing Director of the Pitztal Tourism Board.
A COURSE THAT HAS IT ALL
The course follows a flower-shaped layout, making it easier for spectators to track the action as it unfolds across three exciting loops, totaling 23.5 kilometers and 1,700 meters of vertical gain.
The opening loop is a gentle 5 km section with 120 meters of elevation gain, climbing steadily toward Taschachalpe, a traditional alpine pasture used for summer grazing.
The second loop is where the race truly comes alive: wild, technical, and demanding. Covering 13 km with 1,300 meters of vertical gain, it begins with a steep climb of over 30% through the Hirschtal valley to the Sunna Alm hut, before a brutal ascent to the Grubenkopf peak, gaining 560 meters in just 2.2 km.
The final loop delivers a fast descent back to Mandarfen, which serves as both the start and finish line. “It’s an event where you experience the mountains in their purest form,” says Stöfelz.
Naomi Lang (Salomon) claimed her first GTWS victory on this course last year, in a race defined by heavy rain that forced organizers to shorten the route due to extreme conditions. “The course had a bit of everything: fast, flat, smooth sections, but also steep climbs and technical descents. It’s a course where everyone can find something that suits them,” the British athlete explains.
The challenging weather only amplified the technical demands. “It was muddier, which made everything even more difficult,” Lang recalls. “We didn’t get to see much of the scenery on race day,” she adds with a laugh, “but I stayed afterwards, the mountains are incredible, truly stunning.”
The reigning champion of the Salomon Pitz Alpine Glacier Trail is set to return in 2026 to defend her title.
AN ALPINE PLAYGROUND ON THE WORLD STAGE
The phrase “Where glaciers meet the sky” perfectly captures the scale and raw beauty of this race, the most alpine and high-altitude event of the season. One of the course’s defining features is Rifflsee, Austria’s highest mountain lake. Runners not only pass alongside its turquoise waters, but as they climb higher into the surrounding peaks, they are rewarded with breathtaking views of this striking alpine landscape.
As one of last season’s most-watched races in terms of TV audiences, the Salomon Pitz Alpine Glacier Trail reached a broad global audience, further cementing its growing importance within the trail running scene. “The visibility and reach provided by the GTWS have allowed the event to elevate its offering for athletes and continue to professionalize its operations. These expanded communication channels have also created a unique opportunity to increase visibility beyond Europe and inspire more people to discover the valley and its distinctive race,” Stöfelz adds.
Located in Tyrol, the Pitztal Valley, comprising the four municipalities of Arzl, Wenns, Jerzens, and St. Leonhard, is a true hidden gem for those seeking an escape from the crowds of the Alps. In summer, it offers 380 kilometers of hiking trails, 36 mountain huts, three cable cars, 15 mountain lakes, nearly 95 kilometers of mountain bike routes, as well as via ferratas, climbing routes, a bouldering area, and a high ropes course. A true playground for outdoor enthusiasts.
On August 1st, the Salomon Pitz Alpine Glacier Trail will once again test the world’s best athletes on a course defined by pure technical terrain. The race will be broadcast live across WBD channels, including HBO Max, Eurosport and TNT Sports, as well as through a wide network of official broadcasters. “The return of the Golden Trail World Series is a great recognition of our work and gives us the opportunity to showcase the Pitztal Valley on the international stage. We’re delighted to welcome the world’s best trail runners once again,” Stöfelz concludes.
