La Via di Annibale
The Ultra Sky Marathon in Hannibal's footsteps across the glaciers of the Valli di Lanzo
About La Via di Annibale
The skymarathon in Hannibal's footsteps
La Via di Annibale is one of the most demanding and evocative skyrunning events in the Italian Alps. Organized by ASD Valli di Lanzo Sport, the race starts in Usseglio, a small mountain village in the heart of the Valli di Lanzo, in the province of Turin (Metropolitan City of Turin, Piedmont). The event's name recalls the legendary crossing of the Alps made by Hannibal in 218 BC, and the route winds through ridges, glaciers, and ancient mountain passes that evoke that historic feat.
Three distances for every level
The event offers three routes of increasing difficulty, all starting from the Casa del Fondo in Usseglio:
- Ultra Sky Marathon — 52 km with 4,250 m of positive elevation gain, the flagship route; extremely technical, reaching the Rocciamelone glacier at an altitude of 3,538 m.
- Marathon — 42 km with 3,500 m of positive elevation gain.
- Race — 24 km with 1,000 m of positive elevation gain, the most accessible distance.
An extreme route
The 52 km Ultra Sky Marathon is described as an extremely technical test, requiring excellent orientation skills and solid high-mountain experience. The route climbs to the Rocciamelone glacier, on the border with France, where the summit offers a panorama stretching from the Po Valley to Mont Blanc. The descent crosses three rocky gullies with exposed sections equipped with chains and fixed ropes: for this reason, on the longest route, a climbing helmet is mandatory from the Tazzetti Refuge onwards, under penalty of disqualification.
A IUTA Grand Prix event
La Via di Annibale is included in the IUTA National UltraTrail Calendar and is a qualifying event for the IUTA Grand Prix, the Italian national ultratrail circuit. The race is organized in a semi-autonomous format: athletes must be self-sufficient between aid stations. Defibrillators, mountain rescue personnel, and the Red Cross are stationed along the route, while hot showers and a meal await athletes at the finish line.
Usseglio and the Valli di Lanzo
Nestled in the mountains of western Piedmont, Usseglio is a popular destination for mountain and cross-country skiing enthusiasts. La Via di Annibale is one of the most anticipated summer sporting events in the region, attracting trail runners from all over Italy and showcasing an alpine environment of extraordinary beauty.
La Via di Annibale — edition 2026
The 9th edition of La Via di Annibale is scheduled for Saturday, August 1, 2026, in Usseglio, with a possibility of postponement to Sunday, August 2, in case of severe weather (ARPA level 3 alert). The 2026 edition is included in the IUTA National UltraTrail Calendar and counts as a round of the 15th IUTA Grand Prix 2026.
The three historic distances are confirmed, all starting from the Casa del Fondo in Usseglio: the 52 km Ultra Sky Marathon (4,250 m D+), the 42 km Marathon (3,500 m D+), and the 24 km Race (1,000 m D+).
Programme La Via di Annibale 2026
Saturday, August 1, 2026 — Usseglio, Casa del Fondo
- 04:30 - 05:45 — Bib collection for the 52 km and 42 km routes
- 06:00 — Start of the Ultra Sky Marathon (52 km, 4,250 m D+) and Marathon (42 km, 3,500 m D+)
- 07:30 - 08:45 — Bib collection for the 24 km route
- 09:00 — Start of the Race (24 km, 1,000 m D+)
Time limits and cut-off times
- 24 km: 7-hour time limit
- 42 km: 12-hour time limit — cut-offs at Cibrario Refuge (9:30), Marmutteri (13:00), Malciaussia (15:00)
- 52 km: 14-hour time limit — cut-offs at Cibrario Refuge (9:30), Tazzetti Refuge (12:00), Ravetto Refuge (17:30), Lago Nero (19:00)
Mandatory equipment
For all distances: trail shoes, minimum 1-liter water supply, headlamp, personal food, backpack. For the 42 km and 52 km, a thermal blanket, long-sleeved shirt, rain jacket, and long trousers are also required. For the 52 km, a climbing helmet is mandatory and will be checked at the Tazzetti Refuge: its absence results in disqualification.
Highlights La Via di Annibale 2026
The highlight is the 52 km Ultra Sky Marathon, featuring the crossing of the Rocciamelone glacier at 3,538 m and the descent through three rocky gullies equipped with chains and fixed ropes. From the summit, the panorama stretches from the Po Valley to Mont Blanc.
Prices La Via di Annibale 2026
Practical information — La Via di Annibale
How to get there
Usseglio can be reached by car from Turin by driving up the Val di Viù (about 1 hour and 30 minutes). The start is at the Casa del Fondo in Usseglio.
Registration and fees
Registration is available at www.laviadiannibale.it and on Wedosport. Fees: €30 for the 24 km, €60 for the 42 km, €100 for the 52 km. A valid competitive medical certificate (category B1-B6) is required.
Contacts
ASD Valli di Lanzo Sport — Via Ines Magnoni 3, Villanova Canavese (TO). Tel. +39 347 0927813, e-mail [email protected].
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Where does it take place — La Via di Annibale
Casa del Fondo
Casa del Fondo, 10070 Usseglio