SKY [L]

The name is honest. SKY doesn't gesture vaguely upward and hope for the best. From Schnalstal, the route heads directly into high alpine terrain and keeps going. What lies between the start line and the summit ridge at 3,250 metres is the kind of course that asks two things most trail runners take for granted until they suddenly don't: sure footing, and a comfortable relationship with exposure.

Eighty-five percent trail. Fixed rope sections appear where the terrain requires them — not for atmosphere, but because without them, the line would be impassable. Narrow paths, steep pitches, ridgelines with views that arrive before you've had time to prepare for them. This is not a course where the difficulty is constructed. The mountain did that part long before anyone drew the route.

Three aid stations support the race. The route doesn't otherwise apologise for what it asks.

The thin air at altitude is not a detail — it's a condition. Altitude training is strongly recommended, not because the briefing notes require it, but because above 3,000 metres, the mountain starts managing your race for you, and it doesn't consult your training plan first.

SKY is not the longest distance on the start list. It is the one where the terrain sets the terms and the terms are non-negotiable.

At 3,250 metres, the name stops being a race category and starts being a description of exactly where you are.

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KEY FACTS

START

Date:
Saturday, August 1, 2026, 7:00 a.m.

Start:
Unser Frau, Schnalstal

Finish:
Unser Frau, Schnalstal

ROUTE

Distance:
29.5 km

Elevation gain:
2,119 m

ITRA points:
2

CUT-OFF TIMES

Schöne Aussicht:
1 p.m.

Finish:
6 p.m.

Time limit:
11 hours

THE ROUTE

Distance: 29.5 KM | Elevation gain: 2,119 m+

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PLEASE NOTE:

The route runs through high alpine terrain, and high alpine terrain occasionally has opinions about the route. Short-notice course changes are possible. Any changes will be communicated before race day, at the race briefing, and via newsletter — so make sure you're on the list and show up on time.

Distance and elevation figures may vary by up to ±5% depending on measurement method. The numbers are a reliable guide, not a guarantee.

A medical certificate is required to participate. Download it here, fill it in, and upload it during registration. This is not optional.

Registration opens Thursday, July 30, 2026, and runs until Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 6:30 a.m. at the start/finish area. Race packs must be collected on-site. Mandatory kit check included.

Aid stations are stocked with the best intentions and a realistic understanding of mountain logistics. Individual items may run out. When they do, alternatives will be available. Plan accordingly and don't build a race strategy around the gummy bears at kilometre 14.

The race takes place in a protected mountain environment. Waste disposal is only permitted at the designated aid stations, using the bags provided. Bring your own cup. Leave everything else as you found it.

ROUTE INFO GPX DOWNLOAD

RACE DISCOUNT FOR SALTY TRAIL HEAD MEMBERS

MEMBERSHIP OVERVIEW

AID STATION OVERVIEW [SKY]

AID STATION 01: GRAWAND

Distance: 11 km | Elevation gain: 1,743 m | Elevation loss: 57 m

Hydration: Water

Nutrition: —

AID STATION 02: SCHÖNE AUSSICHT HÜTTE

Distance: 14 km | Elevation gain: 1,812 m | Elevation loss: 478 m

Hydration: Water, BIX Hydration Tabs

Nutrition: BIX Gel 30, bananas, oranges, melon, apples, cucumber, pickles, tomatoes, nuts, pretzels, cake, gummy bears, salt

AID STATION 03: KURZRAS

Distance: 18 km | Elevation gain: 1,812 m | Elevation loss: 1,304 m

Hydration: Water, BIX Hydration Tabs, cola, tea, vegetable broth

Nutrition: BIX Gel 30, bananas, oranges, melon, apples, cucumber, pickles, tomatoes, salami, cheese, nuts, pretzels, cake, gummy bears, salt

AID STATION 04: BERGL ALM

Distance: 23 km | Elevation gain: 2,064 m | Elevation loss: 1,353 m

Hydration: Water, BIX Hydration Tabs

Nutrition: BIX Gel 30, bananas, oranges, melon, apples, cucumber, pickles, tomatoes, pretzels, cake, gummy bears, salt

AID STATION 05: FINISH

Distance: 30 km | Elevation gain: 2,119 m | Elevation loss: 2,116 m

Hydration: Water, cola

Nutrition: Bananas, oranges, gummy bears, salt

MANDATORY EQUIPMENT

MEDICAL CERTIFICATE

A medical certificate is required to participate. Download it here, fill it in, and upload it during registration. This is not optional.

Equipment check before the start.

CLOTHING

  • Trailrunning shoes with grip sole suitable for alpine terrain
  • Running pack or vest
  • Running kit (moisture-wicking top and bottoms)
  • Waterproof jacket with hood (minimum 10,000 mm waterproof rating)
  • Spare dry long-sleeve layer, carried separately from your base layer — a short-sleeve top with arm warmers also qualifies
  • Long tights, or shorts with leg warmers (carried)
  • Hat or buff and gloves

SAFETY

  • Mobile phone (fully charged) with race office number and emergency number (112) saved
  • First aid kit: 2x emergency blanket, 1x compress 10×10 cm, 1x emergency/Israeli bandage, 1x gloves, 4x wound plasters, emergency whistle
  • Bivouac sack
  • ID and health insurance number
  • GPX track saved on GPS watch or mobile phone

NUTRITION

  • Drinking vessel (minimum 1,000 ml — no cups provided at aid stations)
  • Personal nutrition (minimum 500 kcal)

+ RECOMMENDED

  • Poles
  • Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen, cap)
  • Shoe spikes/crampons — depending on conditions
  • Mountain rescue insurance

COMPULSORY BAD WEATHER EQUIPMENT

Activated separately when conditions require it.

  • Third (warm) layer
  • Waterproof trousers

No training required. Just show up, make noise, and change someone's race.

SUPPORT & CHEERING ZONES

Here's the thing about trailrunners: they look invincible right up until the moment they absolutely aren't. And that's precisely when they need you.

The SAT Cheering Zone is where the race gets loud. No bib, no training, no problem. Bring a voice, possibly a cowbell, and the kind of energy that makes a completely wrecked person find a gear they didn't know they had.

They've been out there for hours, somewhere above 3,000 metres, having complicated conversations with themselves. You've been here, in the South Tyrolean valley, doing your very important job.

Make some noise. It works. We've checked.

INCLUDED IN PACKAGE

Starter pack including partner gifts

Aid station nutrition along the course

Finish line nutrition and drink

Medical support on course and at the finish area

Luggage storage

Finisher medal + Finisher certificate (download)

Route marking + safety by mountain rescue

Views from the ridgeline at 3,250 metres. They arrive without warning. There is no appropriate reaction.

A fixed rope section or two, where the mountain politely insists you use your hands.

One or two moments where your brain files a formal objection and your legs keep going anyway.

The realisation, somewhere on an exposed ridge, that the name SKY was not aspirational. It was a description.

A finish line feeling that takes longer to explain than the race itself.

You know you're going to sign up eventually.

MIGHT AS WELL BE NOW.

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SAT PARTNERS

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