Totenabfahrt
The legendary popular ski race on the Villanderer Alm
About Totenabfahrt
A ski race that has become a legend
The Totenabfahrt is one of the most iconic popular ski races in South Tyrol, taking place every winter on the Villanderer Alm in the municipality of Villanders, in the province of Bolzano. This is not a competition reserved for professional athletes; it is an event open to everyone, where expert skiers and passionate amateurs test themselves on a long, demanding descent, followed by a lively village celebration.
Origins and the name
The first edition was held on March 16, 1980, following a proposal by young skier Hans Schneider to the then-sports president Albert Gruber. Two women and forty men took part in that first race, hiking up with their skis on their shoulders to the starting point. The unique name comes from this very start: the course began near the Totenkirchl, at an altitude of about 2,200 meters, and that is where the race got its name. Today, the descent reaches the Gasser Hütte area: originally, the course was over five kilometers long, later reduced to about 3,600 meters after the track was relocated in the eighties.
A revived tradition
After a few years of hiatus, the Totenabfahrt was relaunched by ASV Villanders in the 2021/2022 winter season, resuming the numbering of the historic editions. Since then, the event has grown steadily, reaching nearly three hundred participants in recent years, with competitors coming not only from South Tyrol but also from Austria and, recently, Switzerland. The challenge, as the race motto has stated since 2003, lies in the length and the gentle slope of the track: Ist sie zu lang, bist du zu schwach — if it seems too long, you are too weak.
More than just sport
Above all, the Totenabfahrt is a party. The weekend kicks off with the Waxl Party in a heated marquee, continues with official training, and culminates on Sunday with the race and the essential après-ski, featuring live music, South Tyrolean culinary specialties, and the final awards ceremony. All of this is made possible by the work of over 120 volunteers, the beating heart of an event deeply rooted in the Villanders community.
- Where: Villanderer Alm, Villanders (BZ)
- Race Start: Totenkirchl area, finish near Gasser Hütte
- When: Late February / Early March
- Organizer: ASV Villanders
Totenabfahrt — edition 2026
33rd edition — March 1, 2026
The 2026 edition of the Totenabfahrt, the thirty-third in its history, took place on the Villanderer Alm in the municipality of Villanders, South Tyrol, with a three-day program. On Friday, February 27, the traditional Waxl Party was held in the heated marquee, featuring the band The Snoops and DJ Pixon. Saturday, February 28, was dedicated to official training on the course, while the race itself was held on Sunday, March 1, 2026, starting around 10:30 AM.
The event recorded a record number of participants, nearing three hundred, with over 120 volunteers involved in the organization. In the women's category, Vanessa Fink from Gudon (Gufidaun) won with a time of 1:51.70, marking her third overall victory; among the men, Stefan Stofner from the Sarntal Valley won with 1:42.94, ending Norbert Holzknecht's streak of five consecutive victories. After the race, an après-ski party was held with the band Bartherapie and DJ Markus, followed by the awards ceremony and prize draw.
Programme Totenabfahrt 2026
2026 Program
- Friday, February 27 — from 8:00 PM: Waxl Party in the heated marquee with The Snoops band and DJ Pixon
- Saturday, February 28 — from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM: Official training (track conditions permitting)
- Sunday, March 1 — 10:30 AM: Start of the 33rd Totenabfahrt; followed by après-ski with Bartherapie and DJ Markus; approx. 3:30 PM: Awards ceremony and prize draw
Highlights Totenabfahrt 2026
- Record number of entries, nearly 300 participants
- Victory for Vanessa Fink (Gudon) in the women's category, her third overall success
- Victory for Stefan Stofner (Sarntal Valley) in the men's category, ending Norbert Holzknecht's winning streak
- Waxl Party and après-ski party with live music
Practical information — Totenabfahrt
Getting there
Villanders is located in the Eisacktal valley, in the province of Bolzano. By car, take the Chiusa/Klausen exit (A22 Brenner Motorway) and drive up towards the village; from there, you can reach the Villanderer Alm. On race day, the 345 bus line operates hourly services up to the Gasser Hütte.
Shuttle services
Shuttle taxis are available for the Alm: Taxi Klammer Markus (+39 335 815 5233), Taxi Niederstätter Emerich (+39 335 660 9913), Taxi Rabensteiner Hubert (+39 338 902 1102).
Registration and information
For registration, schedules, and program details, please visit the official website totenabfahrt.com or email [email protected].
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Totenabfahrt
Villanderer Alm (Alpe di Villandro)