Even though spring, which this year begins on the 20th March according to the calendar, is still a long time coming in many parts of South Tyrol, the running season is slowly getting underway. Numerous athletes are already busy racking up the kilometres in order to be fit for the various races – including the Ratschings Mountain Trails on Sunday, 15 June 2025.
The Ratschings Mountain Trails have only been taking place since 2021. Nevertheless, the popular running event in the side valley of the Wipptal has long since earned a reputation as a classic. A must-attend event that attracts over 400 athletes from all over the world to the ski and hiking area Ratschings-Jaufen in late spring. A classic that really gets the trail season going and rolling. And for many trail specialists, it is the first challenge in preparation for even bigger challenges in late summer or at the beginning of autumn.
With a length of 17.7 kilometres and an altitude difference of 950 metres, the Ratschings Mountain Trail is an ideal first endurance test at the start of the season anyway. However, the ‘shorter’ of the two distances should not be underestimated, as the route is very technical. You need to be sure-footed to successfully complete it, just like the longer Ratschings Sky Trail, which also requires a head for heights. Here there are 27 kilometres and 1610 metres of altitude to ‘wind down’. Those who are adequately prepared will also have no problem completing this route and will know their current fitness level afterwards. However, if you started training later or find the route too long, you can complete the Ratschings Mountain Trail together with a partner in a relay.
The Mini Trail makes a family event of the Ratschings Mountain Trails
But it’s not just the athletes who are getting ready. The organisers have also long since begun preparations for the big running festival in the north of South Tyrol, which will be held for the fifth time this year. A running festival that also attracts the little ones with the Mini Trail and is therefore an event for the whole family. “We actually deal with the Ratschings Mountain Trails all year round. As a well-established team, we know exactly what needs to be done when and how. That makes the work a lot easier. The anticipation for the fifth edition is already palpable – even though there are still just under three months to go until our races,” says Hanspeter Schölzhorn, President of the Organising Committee.
Another special feature of the Ratschings Mountain Trails 2025 is that the Italian Championships (FSSI) for the deaf in trail running will take place as part of this year’s edition. The titles will be awarded in a total of six categories (three each for men and women) on the 17.7 km long route of the Mountain Trail.
Registration for the Ratschings Mountain Trails is already possible on the official website.. The entry fee for the Ratschings Sky Trail is 65 euros until 1 June. The Ratschings Mountain Trail currently costs 51 euros. Those who complete this route as part of a relay team pay 45 euros per participant. As usual, registration includes a generous starter pack, a ‘finisher medal’, use of the refreshment points along the route, refreshments at the finish, a beer at the finish, lunch with a drink, parking facilities at the valley station, a shower facility in the finish area, clothing transport to the finish area and the return journey to the valley on the cable car.
