Monte Rosa SkyMarathon
Europe's highest skyrunning race, from Alagna to Capanna Margherita
About Monte Rosa SkyMarathon
Europe's highest race
The Monte Rosa SkyMarathon is a legendary appointment in the world of skyrunning. It takes place in Alagna Valsesia, a charming Walser village in the Province of Vercelli, nestled in the heart of the Piedmontese Alps at the foot of the Monte Rosa massif. It is officially recognized as the highest skyrunning race in Europe: its intermediate finish line reaches the 4,554 meters of Capanna Margherita, the highest mountain hut on the continent.
The cradle of skyrunning
This is no ordinary competition: Alagna Valsesia is considered the birthplace of skyrunning. The first edition dates back to 1992, and after a long hiatus, the event was relaunched in 2018 with a revamped format. Since then, the SkyMarathon has once again attracted the world's best high-altitude runners, cementing Valsesia's status as the historic home of the sport.
Four races to experience high altitude
The program features four events, all characterized by reaching altitudes well above 3,000 meters:
- Monte Rosa SkyMarathon — a pairs race (athletes are tethered together for safety on moraines, snow, and glaciers), 35 km with approximately 7,000 m of elevation gain, from Alagna (1,192 m) to Capanna Margherita (4,554 m) and back, passing through Bocchetta delle Pisse, Indren, Rifugio Gnifetti, and Colle del Lys.
- Monte Rosa SkySummit — a pairs race introduced in 2025, 17.5 km uphill only with approximately 3,500 m of elevation gain, reaching Capanna Margherita (descent is not timed).
- Monte Rosa SkyRace — a new individual event for 2026, 25 km and approximately 5,000 m of elevation gain, finishing at Rifugio Gnifetti (3,647 m): it recreates the final race held in 1996.
- AMA VK2 — an individual double vertical kilometer, 9 km and 2,086 m of elevation gain, from Alagna to the Indren Station (3,260 m).
One event, countless emotions
Beyond the races, the weekend celebrates the culture of skyrunning with evenings featuring vintage footage, interviews, and book presentations at the Teatro Unione Alagnese, alongside initiatives that trace the history of a discipline born among these very peaks. The event draws international athletes and fans to Valsesia, transforming Alagna into the capital of high-altitude sports.
Alagna Valsesia and Monte Rosa
Nestled in the upper Valsesia valley, Alagna is an authentic Walser village that preserves traditional wood and stone architecture, centuries-old customs, and privileged access to the Monte Rosa glacier. The combination of cultural heritage, high-mountain landscapes, and extreme sport makes the Monte Rosa SkyMarathon a landmark event for Piedmont and the entire Alpine range.
Monte Rosa SkyMarathon — edition 2026
2026 Edition
The 2026 Monte Rosa SkyMarathon takes place in Alagna Valsesia on Saturday, June 13, with Sunday, June 14, as a reserve date in case of adverse weather conditions. Four events are on the calendar, all reaching altitudes above 3,000 meters.
The races
- Monte Rosa SkyMarathon: pairs, 35 km, ~7,000 m D+, from Alagna to Capanna Margherita (4,554 m) and back.
- Monte Rosa SkySummit: pairs, 17.5 km uphill only, ~3,500 m D+, to Capanna Margherita.
- Monte Rosa SkyRace: individual, new for 2026, 25 km, ~5,000 m D+, finish at Rifugio Gnifetti (3,647 m).
- AMA VK2: individual double vertical kilometer, 9 km, 2,086 m D+, to Indren (3,260 m).
Side events
Thursday, June 11, at 9:00 PM at the Teatro Unione Alagnese, an evening featuring vintage footage, interviews, and book presentations dedicated to skyrunning. Friday, June 12, at 7:00 AM in Piazza Grober in Alagna, athletes will preview the SkySummit climb by retracing the original route.
Programme Monte Rosa SkyMarathon 2026
Thursday, June 11 — 9:00 PM, Teatro Unione Alagnese: evening with vintage footage, interviews, and book presentations on skyrunning.
Friday, June 12 — 7:00 AM, Piazza Grober (Alagna): preview of the SkySummit climb along the original route.
Saturday, June 13 (reserve date June 14) — the four races. Ticket offices open from 5:00 AM (Alagna) / 5:15 AM (Staffal); lifts open to the public from 5:30 AM; continuous service on the Alagna-Indren line; lunch break on the Staffal-Passo dei Salati line (12:30–14:00).
Highlights Monte Rosa SkyMarathon 2026
- Europe's highest skyrunning race (4,554 m, Capanna Margherita)
- Four events: SkyMarathon, SkySummit, the new SkyRace, and AMA VK2
- Pairs races on the moraines, snow, and glaciers of Monte Rosa
- Historical evening at the Teatro Unione Alagnese
Prices Monte Rosa SkyMarathon 2026
Practical information — Monte Rosa SkyMarathon
Getting there
Alagna Valsesia (VC) can be reached by car via the A26 motorway, taking the Romagnano Sesia-Ghemme exit, then following the SS299 road through the Valsesia valley to its end. By train, the nearest station is Varallo Sesia, which is connected by local bus services. The most convenient airport is Milan-Malpensa.
Ski lifts
During the event, the Alagna and Staffal cable cars are scheduled to open to the public from 05:30, with continuous service on the Alagna-Indren line. The Staffal-Passo dei Salati section observes a lunch break (approximately 12:30–14:00).
Registration
Registrations are managed through the official website monterosaskymarathon.com. The pairs races (SkyMarathon and SkySummit) regularly sell out; please check availability for the SkyRace and AMA VK2.
Tips
As these are high-altitude glacier races, adequate mountaineering experience and specific equipment are required. We recommend booking accommodation well in advance in Alagna or other towns in the Valsesia valley.
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Where does it take place — Monte Rosa SkyMarathon
Alagna Valsesia