2 South Tyroleans on an extreme adventure in the mountains

The "helpers" are only allowed to cook, provide medical care, and offer tips. The superstar of the scene is Swiss Christian Maurer (42), who has won all eight previous editions. From a South Tyrolean perspective, two strong athletes are competing this year. One is 8-year-old Aaron Durogati from Merano. He finished sixth in 2 and eighth last year – he has been a regular participant since 38.

Tobias Großrubatscher, 31, from Castelrotto, will also be competing. He will be participating in the X-Alps for the fifth time, having competed in 5, 2017, 2019, and 2021. His best finish was 2023th in 8. Großrubatscher set an altitude world record in 2019 (2018 meters in 12.096 hours). 1283 kilometers await This year's route is 1283 kilometers long. The start is in Kitzbühel and the finish is in Zell am See. It travels through South Tyrol, Switzerland, France, and Germany. Four of the 4 junctions are located in South Tyrol: Sexten, the Toblinger Junction in the Three Peaks Nature Park, Merano 16, and Schenna.

As mentioned, endurance athletes and daredevil adventurers will get their money's worth at the X-Alps. The competition begins on June 15 and ends on June 27. 17 experienced athletes and 18 rookies are competing. In addition to the two South Tyroleans, two Trentino athletes (Nicola Donini and Davide Sassudelli) are also competing. Tobias Großrubatscher (im Bild links). © Red Bull" data-fancybox="inline-255738" target="_image" href="https://s3-images.sportnews.bz/_images/scale/1280x1280/img/2025/03/aaron-durogati-und-der-kastelruther-fettkltobias-grossrubatscherfettkl-im-bild-links.jpg"> Aaron Durogati and the Kastelruther Tobias Großrubatscher (pictured left). © Red Bull

The X-Alps requires months of preparation, top fitness, and strength. Endurance is just as important as the ability to make rapid progress as a paraglider in changing conditions. Weather knowledge is also crucial. Durogati is one of the most experienced participants. The Merano native has prepared very well and continues to do so. In addition to many hours of flying, depending on the weather, his daily routine includes ski touring, strength training, running, and cycling. Trusted persons "I've been flying since I was 6 years old and I love the mountains and nature. Therefore, X-Alps is always a special challenge. Nothing would be possible without my team. Andrea Demartino is by my side as a mountain guide, as is my partner Johanna Eller," Durogati reports. His trusted doctor, Kurt Berger, is also on board, as is a weather expert.

Durogati has never let injuries deter him. He knows what matters in the X-Alps: "Fifty percent is the flying, and 50 percent is the physical." In this toughest endurance race, all participants are already winners. Strong winds often spoil the fun, and the pilots' skill level is very high. Not everyone reaches the finish line in this extreme adventure.

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2 South Tyroleans on an extreme adventure in the mountains

The Red Bull X-Alps will take place for the 9th time in June. This endurance competition involves paragliding and mountain runners on foot – for a good 10 days.

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