Alpenplus Ötzi Trailrun Naturns

Trail running in the land of Ötzi

The Alpenplus Ötzi Trailrun is one of the most beloved mountain races in South Tyrol. It takes place in Naturns (Naturno), a municipality in the Vinschgau Valley in the province of Bolzano, starting from the central Town Hall Square (Piazza Municipio) at an altitude of about 530 meters. The event is named after Ötzi, the famous Similaun mummy discovered in the Ötztal Alps and now housed at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano: a symbol that connects the local territory to the mountains and their ancient history.

The trails on the Sonnenberg

The main route climbs the Sonnenberg (Monte Sole), the sunny side of Naturns, passing through isolated mountain farms, alpine pastures, and the forests of the Texel Group Nature Park (Parco Naturale Gruppo di Tessa), partly following the scenic Merano High Mountain Trail. Runners encounter the steps and the suspension bridge of the so-called "Valley of a Thousand Steps," offering breathtaking views across the entire valley.

• Sunny Mountain Trail — 30 km with approx. 2,100 m of elevation gain, the flagship race.
• Skyrace Naturns — 15 km with approx. 1,150 m of elevation gain, fast and technical.
• Just for Fun — 8 km with approx. 400 m of elevation gain, non-competitive and open to all.
• Speed Trail / Junior-Trail — 8 km reserved for younger runners.
• Unterstell Vertical — the new addition: 4.2 km uphill-only with 760 m of elevation gain.
• VIP Apple Kids Run — a race dedicated to children.

Sport, community, and territory

With about 650 participants in the competitive races and hundreds of children in the Kids Run, the event is a true village festival involving volunteers, local associations, and families from Naturns. Over the years, the event has attracted top-tier athletes, helping to promote the Vinschgau Valley as a premier destination for alpine trail running. Yet, the atmosphere remains that of a genuine mountain community, complete with refreshment stations, award ceremonies in the square, and the stunning backdrop of the Texel Group.

A spring tradition

The Alpenplus Ötzi Trailrun traditionally kicks off the South Tyrolean trail season in April, when the meadows of the Sonnenberg turn green and the apple orchards of the Vinschgau Valley are in bloom. It is the perfect opportunity to run, but also to discover Naturns, its traditional mountain farms, and the trails that connect the valley floor to the high mountains.