Nordic Uphill Burgstall-Vöran

A breathtaking climb from Postal to Vöran

The Nordic Uphill Burgstall-Vöran is one of the most distinctive mountain races in South Tyrol. The challenge is as simple as it is grueling: reach the village of Vöran (Vöran), nestled on the Salten plateau, as quickly as possible, starting from the valley floor in Postal (Burgstall), near the cable car station. In just over four and a half kilometers, runners conquer an impressive elevation gain, in a continuous ascent that tests both legs and lungs.

The Route

The course covers approximately 4.65 km with a 925-meter positive elevation gain and an average gradient of around 20%. The race starts at the Talstation (valley station) of the Postal cable car and climbs along forest roads and steep paths to the Vöran village square (Dorfplatz), where the finish line is located. The unique feature that gives the event its name is the use of trekking poles, typical of Nordic walking, which assist the ascent and turn the climb into a true test of technique as well as endurance.

Categories

• Race: the timed competitive event for those aiming for the best time;
• Just for Fun: the non-competitive version, open to walkers and enthusiasts who want to tackle the climb at their own pace;
• Kids: shortened courses ranging from 200 to 1300 meters dedicated to children, to involve families.

A season-ending tradition

Reaching its eighteenth edition in 2025, the Nordic Uphill is organized by ASV Vöran Raiffeisen and traditionally takes place in early November, ideally marking the end of the mountain running season before many athletes hang up their shoes to switch to ski mountaineering. The course records have stood since 2016: 32'34" for men (Martin Stofner) and 41'04" for women (Annelise Felderer), a testament to how selective this climb truly is.

Vöran and the Salten Plateau

The finish line is in Vöran, a small mountain municipality in the province of Bolzano, in Trentino-Alto Adige, overlooking the Salten plateau, famous for its ancient larch trees and panoramic views of the Adige Valley. Running up here means traversing one of the most picturesque corners of the Burggrafenamt, where the fatigue of the climb is rewarded by the view over the orchards of the valley floor and the surrounding peaks.