Winner Stefan Stofner and the three fastest women on the podium. © Gruber

A ski race of a special kind on the Villanderer Alm

On Sunday, the traditional Totenabfahrt (Death's Descent) took place for the 33rd time on the Villanderer Alm. The legendary ski race once again attracted numerous winter sports enthusiasts. With 260 participants, the event boasted a record-breakingly large field despite the challenging conditions.

March 05, 2026

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Due to the warm weather conditions of the past week, the course had to be shortened slightly this year. The finish line was therefore located near the Mair in Plun Hütte. Despite the adjustment, the downhill race remained highly challenging. Although the lower section with its familiar undulations was eliminated, the crucial sections – the first turn and the "Schrottn-S" – remained and still offered the opportunity to gain valuable seconds.

The slope was in excellent condition and proved to be particularly fast this year. More than 120 volunteers were on hand to ensure the extensive preparations and smooth running of this downhill skiing spectacle. A huge thank you goes not only to the volunteers but also to the numerous sponsors and landowners who make this event possible every year.

Many spectators lined the finish area. © Gruber

International interest in the Totenabfahrt race is also steadily growing. Besides many local favorites from South Tyrol, there were, as usual, numerous participants from Austria at the start, along with one starter from Germany and, for the first time, a participant from Switzerland.

Vanessa Fink leaves everyone behind

Vanessa Fink from Gufidaun once again emerged victorious in the women's race. With a time of 1:51.70, she relegated Patrizia Gasslitter (1:52.93) and Lisa Marie Kasseroler (1:54.24) to second and third place, respectively. This marks Vanessa Fink's third overall victory in the Totenabfahrt (Death Run) standings.

Stefan Stofner hoisted the coveted trophy high. © Gruber

The men's race was a thrilling affair. There was much speculation beforehand about possible upsets. Many expected serial winner Norbert Holzknecht from Austria, who had won the last five editions of the Totenabfahrt (Death Downhill), to triumph once again.

But this year things turned out differently: Stefan Stofner from the Sarntal valley secured the day's victory with a time of 1:42.94 and a lead of just 30 hundredths of a second. Holzknecht took second place with 1:43.24, while Gabriel Scherer finished third with 1:45.35.
Stefan Stofner's victory comes as no surprise. He has consistently achieved strong results in recent years. He first participated in the Totenabfahrt (Death Run) in 2009 and has steadily improved his standing ever since – now he finally stands atop the podium.

Local hero Christian Moser from the Ski Team Zimmerei Kelderer had to be content with 11th place this year, narrowly missing out on a place in the top 10.