The mountain race from Plan to the Rifugio Petrarca, in the heart of the Passeier Valley
The Stettiner Cup has become a staple of the South Tyrolean summer, a mountain race (Berglauf) that has evolved into a true classic for enthusiasts of the discipline throughout the Passeier Valley. The event takes place in the municipality of Moso in Passiria/Moos in Passeier, in the province of Bolzano (Trentino-South Tyrol), specifically in the village of Plan/Pfelders, one of the most picturesque and well-preserved alpine settlements in the region.
The race starts at the valley car park in Plan/Pfelders, at an altitude of 1,620 metres. From there, athletes tackle a route of approximately 10 kilometres with 1,255 metres of elevation gain, ascending the valley to the Rifugio Petrarca/Stettinerhütte at 2,875 metres, nestled on the ridge of the Texel Group. The first few kilometres feature a gentle incline towards the head of the valley, before the climb becomes significantly steeper, with a series of hairpin bends leading runners up to the historic mountain hut.
The charm of the race lies in its environment: pastures, streams, and panoramic views that gradually open up over the peaks of the Ötztal Alps and the Texel Group Nature Park. The Rifugio Petrarca, destroyed by an avalanche in February 2014 and rebuilt between 2020 and 2022 with a modern architectural design, now stands as a significant landmark for those crossing the finish line after the demanding ascent.
The race is organised by the Moso Mountain Rescue (Bergrettung Moos im AVS), which oversees every detail with a primary focus on safety. The Stettiner Cup is more than just a sporting challenge; it is a community event. Following the race, a warm and informal prize-giving ceremony is held at the hut, offering refreshments, camaraderie, and the chance to enjoy the scenery before descending back to the valley on foot.
Accessible by public transport, the event attracts the best South Tyrolean uphill runners every year, along with numerous enthusiasts who take on the challenge for the sheer pleasure of running in one of the most beautiful corners of the Passeier Valley.
The 27th edition of the Stettiner Cup will take place on Sunday, August 2, 2026, confirming the traditional early August appointment in the upper Passeier Valley. The start is set for 10:00 from the valley car park in Plan/Pfelders (1,620 m), with the finish at the Rifugio Petrarca/Stettinerhütte (2,875 m) after approximately 10 kilometres and 1,255 metres of elevation gain.
The prize-giving ceremony is scheduled for 14:00 at the mountain hut, in a convivial atmosphere. Online registration is open at stettiner-cup.com: the fee of approximately €40 includes refreshments along the route and a race pack (including a technical t-shirt, running socks, and a gift voucher). The race is also accessible by public transport (bus lines 239, 240, and 241).
The descent to the valley is on foot. Online registration at stettiner-cup.com.
The start is at the valley car park in Plan/Pfelders, a village in Moso in Passiria (BZ). By car, drive up the Passeier Valley from Merano to Moso, then continue towards the Plan valley. By public transport, Plan/Pfelders can be reached via bus lines 239, 240, or 241.
The race is scheduled to start at 10:00; the prize-giving ceremony takes place at 14:00 at the Rifugio Petrarca/Stettinerhütte. The descent to the valley is on foot.
Mandatory online registration via the official website stettiner-cup.com. The entry fee is approximately €40 and includes refreshments along the course and a race pack. Info: [email protected].
As this is a high-altitude race with significant elevation gain, good physical conditioning and appropriate mountain clothing are recommended, as weather conditions at high altitudes can change rapidly.
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Rifugio Petrarca/Stettinerhütte
Plan/Pfelders, 39013 Moso in Passiria/Moos in Passeier