Spectacular images are guaranteed. © Ortles Haute Route

Martell and Stilfs are looking forward to the Ortles Haute Route Trail

The Ortles Haute Route Trail will celebrate its premiere on Friday, September 11th. With a length of 120 kilometers and 9000 meters of elevation gain, this extreme race is a new highlight in the Alpine trail running scene. Participants will traverse, among other places, the Martell Valley, the Sulden Valley, and the Stelvio Pass during their adventure.

August 18, 2026

From: pm

The Ortles Haute Route Trail was recently presented to the public at a press conference on the Stelvio Pass. The 120-kilometer route, boasting a staggering 9000 meters of elevation gain, also crosses the border from Lombardy to South Tyrol. Starting and finishing in Bormio, the trail passes through Valfurva, past the Ortler Glacier, through the Martell Valley, Sulden, Prad am Stilfserjoch, back to the Stelvio Pass, past the Cancano Lakes, and past the Fraele Towers. It also traverses three passes over 3000 meters above sea level: the Zebrù Pass, the Casati Hut, and the Madritschjoch. The most spectacular section, however, will undoubtedly be the crossing of the Ortler Glacier, where participants will have to demonstrate their skills on the icy terrain.

Several administrations, tourism organizations, associations, and volunteers from both regions, Lombardy and South Tyrol, are involved in this project. These include Martell, led by Mayor Georg Altstätter, and Stilfs, led by his colleague Samuel Marseiler: “We are delighted to welcome all the athletes participating in this spectacular race to our communities. Martell and Stilfs are proud to host an event of this caliber. We thank the organizers for their vision and dedication.”

There is also a shorter distance.

"This is an exceptional competition – both in terms of distance and altitude. Participants from twelve nations are expected on a course of almost 130 kilometers – an excellent opportunity to raise the international profile of our region. The entire race takes place within the Stelvio National Park, one of the most valuable natural landscapes in the Alps. Trail running harmonizes perfectly with the mountain environment and the respectful treatment of nature."

In addition to the 120-kilometer route, the Ortles Haute Route Trail also offers a 35-kilometer distance (2000 meters of elevation gain) and a 12-kilometer distance (560 meters of elevation gain). The participant limit is 800 runners to ensure smooth organization.