Ahrntaler Sunnsat Run

A race on the sunny side of the valley

The Ahrntaler Sunnsat Run (Sunnsatlauf) is one of the most picturesque mountain races in South Tyrol. Its name comes from the local South Tyrolean dialect: the Sunnsat is the south-facing slope, the sunny side where the Ahrntal Valley (in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano) hosts historic farms and the most scenic trails. The race follows these Sunnsatweg—the 'sun paths'—which wind through meadows, larch forests, and small hamlets perched above the valley floor.

The course: from St. Peter to Luttach

The route covers 22 kilometres with approximately 1,000 metres of elevation gain. The start is in St. Peter, at the Alte Kaserne (the old barracks), from where competitors climb the southern flank of the valley. The finish line is located in the valley at the Luttach sports field, the tourist hub of the municipality. Along the way, runners enjoy views of the Zillertal Alps, which rise over 3,000 metres and frame the northern horizon.

Individual or relay

The race is open to both individual athletes and two-person relay teams. In the relay format, the course is divided into two legs: the first covering approximately 12 km to the Platterhof, and the second covering 10 km to the finish line. Several refreshment stations—Stoana, Hofschank Waldlechn, Bizat Hütte, Platterhof, and Stallila—are set up along the route to ensure runners are well-fuelled for the climb.

Organisation and territory

The event is organised by the Tourismusverein Ahrntal in collaboration with the Teldra Renna team, based in Luttach. Beyond the competitive aspect, the Sunnsat Run is a perfect opportunity to discover the Ahrntal Valley in autumn, when the larches turn golden and the sunny-side farms offer one of the most authentic alpine landscapes in the Tauferer Ahrntal, at the far north of South Tyrol.