Trail Running
Monterosa Sky Marathon

For trail runners who are not afraid of extreme challenges

Credits © Monterosa Sky Marathon

The history of the Monte Rosa SkyMarathon, born in 1992, coincides with the history of Skyrunning… indeed, one could rightly say that it is the very birthplace of this discipline that takes athletes to touch the sky with a finger.

Activity

Trail Running

Period

June and July

Distance

35 km

Positive Elevation Gain

3,500 meters

Start

Alagna Valsesia (1,191 meters)

Finish

Alagna Valsesia (1,191 meters)

The route touches Capanna Regina Margherita (4,554 m), making it the highest race in Europe. Reintroduced in 2018, the 2023 edition saw around 300 athletes from 28 countries retracing the original course to the summit of Monte Rosa, reaching an altitude of 4,554 m and returning to the starting point. Moraines, snowfields, and glaciers for 35 kilometers with an exhausting ascent of about 3,500 meters. Athletes compete in teams of two, tethered together for safety reasons. The record to beat, for men, is 4h29’20”.

From Alagna Valsesia, ascend to the Indren Station at 3,260 m, passing by the Bocchetta delle Pisse at 2,396 m, continue towards the Rifugio Gnifetti at 3,647m, to the Colle del Lys at 4,250 m, up to the Capanna Margherita at 4,554 m, returning along the same route. The trail develops between ascents and descents, on paths, ski slopes, and on glaciers for a total of 35 km round trip and 3,490 m in a single ascent, also overcoming a long stretch of glacier with crevasses. For this reason, the race is held in pairs, roped together, following the flags indicating the route supervised by guides and alpine rescue. The route is mountaineering and is usually divided into a couple of days outside of the competition, using the Mantova or Gnifetti hut as a base.



      
Alagna Valsesia
Alagna - Otro Trail

Trail running in the kingdom of the Walser

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Boccioleto
Vertical Seccio

Trail running from Boccioleto to the ridge above Alpe Seccio

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Varallo Sesia
Varallo - Res

One of the classic trails in Valsesia

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Safety in the mountains

Living and experiencing the mountains requires caution, preparation, and experience. No activity, even the easiest one, should be taken for granted or improvised.

discover
CAV
★★★★★
Casa Smitt
Alagna Valsesia
In the heart of Alagna, less than a 5-minute walk from the Monterosaski lifts, Casa Smitt is surrounded by a large garden and offers a beautiful view of th...
Albergo
★★★
Mirtillo Alpino Holiday Home
Alagna Valsesia
In the side valley of Val Vogna, 5 km from Alagna Valsesia, in a small Walser village, we offer holidays of taste and pleasure to share with your loved one...
CAV
Alagna2000
Alagna Valsesia
Charming apartments in the center of Alagna, a short distance from the ski lifts of the Monterosa-Ski resort. Quality accommodation equipped with the most ...
Albergo
★★★
Montagna di Luce Hotel/Restaurant
Alagna Valsesia
An authentic Walser dwelling at the gates of Pedemonte, the oldest village in Alagna, where around the year 1300, strong men from the North, the Walser, we...
Residence
Mirtillo Blu Family Apartment
Alagna Valsesia
The apartments in Alagna with family services. For us, vacation is an atmosphere that transforms into memories. Our services are designed to make your stay...
Albergo
★★★★
Mirtillo Rosso Family Hotel
Alagna Valsesia
The only place in the world where it is always Christmas. Since Mirtillo saved Milla's dad on Christmas Eve, he has stayed here with us and Santa Claus com...
Residence
★★★
Residence Kalipe
Alagna Valsesia
Located in the center of the Walser village, Residence Kalipe offers a serene retreat surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Italian Alps. Our charmi...
B&B
★★
The Air of Home
Alagna Valsesia
The Air of Home is a 1923 villa in belle époque style. It overlooks the central street 300 m from the town center and 500 m from the lifts, and is surroun...
Rifugio Alpino
Sant'Antonio Refuge
Alagna Valsesia
Mountain refuge at 1381 m. Stop on the GTA (Great Traverse of the Alps). Restaurant, bar, and rooms with typical mountain dishes.Contact the facility to ve...
Rifugio Alpino
Francesco Pastore Refuge
Alagna Valsesia
In the heart of the Alta Valsesia Natural Park, nestled on the wide grassy plain of Alpe Pile beneath the spectacular southern face of Monte Rosa (1575 m),...
Rifugio Alpino
Rifugio Carestia
Alagna Valsesia
Set in the Rissuolo valley, in the beautiful Vogna Valley, on the normal route to Corno Bianco, the Rifugio Carestia was born in 1995 to replace the previo...
Rifugio Alpino
Rifugio Barba Ferrero
Alagna Valsesia
The two huts that form the alpine pasture are located on the right bank of the Flua stream, near the rocky drop that supports the impressive lateral morain...
Rifugio Alpino
Capanna Osservatorio Regina Margherita
Alagna Valsesia
The Regina Margherita hut is located on Punta Gnifetti at 4556 m of the Monte Rosa massif. Clearly visible even from the valley floor, it stands out to any...
Rifugio Alpino
Capanna Giovanni Gnifetti
Alagna Valsesia
At the head of the Lys Glacier basin, located at 3647m on the Garstlet Glacier, Capanna Gnifetti offers 176 beds in heated rooms with 6 beds (bunk beds) an...
CAV
★★★★
Pietre Gemelle Resort
Alagna Valsesia
The Pietre Gemelle Resort offers spacious and bright apartments with a view of Monte Rosa and is located in Riva Valdobbia, 2.5 km from Alagna Valsesia and...
Azienda agrituristica
Agriturismo Alagna
Alagna Valsesia
Agriturismo Alagna, made entirely of larch wood and stone, is located in Rusa, a hamlet of Alagna Valsesia, at the foot of Monte Rosa. Surrounded by a wond...
Albergo
★ ★ ★
Hotel Cristallo
Alagna Valsesia
Hotel Cristallo is the ideal place for those who want to spend a winter or summer vacation in Valsesia. Located in the heart of the village and at the foot...
Affittacamere
Baita Prato della Croce
Alagna Valsesia
Baita Prato della Croce is an architectural jewel with an ancient charm. Set in a sunny position, among the meadows, close to the Vogna stream, it is a uni...
Azienda agrituristica
Agriturismo Montana Fold
Alagna Valsesia
The Agriturismo Montana Fold is located inside an ancient Walser house from the 1600s, in the splendid landscape of Val Vogna in the Sant'Antonio district....
Rifugio Alpino
Rifugio Santino Ferioli
Alagna Valsesia
The S. Ferioli refuge, owned by the CAI of Olgiate Olona, is a beautiful stone and wood hut perfectly integrated with the surrounding environment. Set on t...
Rifugio Alpino
Ospizio Sottile Refuge
Alagna Valsesia
The Ospizio Sottile Refuge is located at an altitude of 2,480 m on the Colle Valdobbia, along the route that connects the Vogna Valley and the Valsesia wit...
Alloggio vacanza
★★★★★
Baita Reale
Alagna Valsesia
The charm of a Baita, at the foot of Monte Rosa. Stone and wood, the two main elements of ancient Walser architecture, come to life in the refinement and q...
Alloggio vacanza
★★★
Baite Rosa
Alagna Valsesia
Charming apartments built in respect of the Walser tradition, located 10 minutes from the ski lifts and only 300 meters from the central heart of Alagna. B...
Albergo
★★★
Mh-Olen
Alagna Valsesia
Little boutique hotel located at the departure of the Alagna cable car. 8 rooms including three apartments.Contact the establishment to check opening times...
Albergo
★★★★
Alagna Mountain Resort & Spa
Alagna Valsesia
At the foot of Monte Rosa, time seems to have stood still, when stone, wood and a fireplace offered rest to travelers from the north: here rises MIRA Alagn...
Affittacamere
Three Free Trees
Alagna Valsesia
At the foot of Monte Rosa, in a quiet and sunny setting, the B&B Tre Alberi Liberi welcomes its guests in a refined mountain house, located in the hear...
Rifugio Alpino
Crespi Calderini Refuge
Alagna Valsesia
The Crespi Calderini Refuge is located at Alpe Bors, at 1836 m above sea level. To reach it: from Alagna Valsesia, 2.30 hours along the Acqua Bianca road u...
Albergo
★★★
Indren Hus
Alagna Valsesia
Welcome to the Hotel Residence Indren Hus in Alagna Valsesia. Here your adventure at the foot of Monte Rosa begins. Welcome to high Valsesia, where nature ...
Affittacamere
★★★★
Zimmer Casa Prati
Alagna Valsesia
Zimmer Casa Prati is a characteristic B&B where tradition and atmosphere are felt in a good balance between past and modern solutions. Carefully curate...
Affittacamere
★ ★ ★
Pensione Genzianella
Alagna Valsesia
Located in the center of the village, right near the main street and just a few meters away from the "Monterosa Ski" lifts, its strategic position allows s...
Rifugio Alpino
Zar Senni Refuge
Alagna Valsesia
The Zar Senni Refuge, nestled in the beautiful Val d'Otro, one of the most stunning landscapes of the entire Alpine arc, is the ideal base for numerous wal...
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