The new Monte Rosa SkySummit is the uphill only version of the classic race to 4,554m – 3,500m of ascent over 17.5 km. ©iancorless.com

Europe’s highest race, the Monte Rosa SkyMarathon, 35 km long with a gruelling 7,000m of ascent and descent, will be joined by a new race, the Monte Rosa SkySummit – an uphill only version topping out at 4,554m altitude.

The two races will take place simultaneously on June 14, 2025 in Alagna Valsesia, Piedmont, Italy, followed by the existing AMA VK 2 and the Monte Rosa Vertical, (a double and a single Vertical Kilometer®), the following day.

The new Monte Rosa SkySummit will start together with the classic Monte Rosa SkyMarathon, finishing at the turnaround point at the Margherita Hut covering only the uphill section of the main race – a “mere” 17 km long with 3,500m of ascent, opening up another chapter in this historic race and to those who want to test their skills on one of the toughest pure skyrunning ascents over moraine, snowfields and glaciers. For safety, as in the SkyMarathon, participants must race in pairs.

The AMA VK2 covers half the SkyMarathon uphill course to 3,260m altitude with a 2,000m vertical climb. ©Damiano Benedetto Photo

The record time for the ascent is 3h06’ set by Italians William Boffelli and Tadei Pivk in 2023, concluding with the round-trip record in 4h29’20”. The women’s ascent record, 4h00’ set by American Hillary Gerardi and Briton Holly Page goes back to 2018 when the race was relaunched with the new format.

Like the main race, participants must provide a valid CV and run, roped up with a partner, above the snow line. Unveiling the new four-summit roll-out:

  1. Monte Rosa SkySummit (Alagna-Margherita Hut – 17.5 km / 3,500m+)
  2. Monte Rosa SkyMarathon (Alagna-Monte Rosa-Alagna – 35 km / 7,000m+/-)
  3. AMA VK2 (Alagna-Punta Indren – 9 km / 2,086m+)
  4. Monte Rosa Vertical (Alagna-Bocchetta delle Pisse – 5.32 km / 1,150m+)

Safety first. Essential gear includes poles, harness, rope, micro crampons and helmet. ©iancorless.com

The Monte Rosa SkyMarathon and SkySummit will have an overall cap for a maximum 250 couples for both safety and environmental reasons. Entries will open on December 1, 2024 for those who have already participated, while entries for all the races will open on Thursday, January 9, 2025.

With a view to making the events more sustainable, to reduce environmental impact and reduce waste, the IOS Certification 20121 for the “sustainable management of skyrunning sports events on Monte Rosa” has been awarded.

Up to 3,260m, the course is the same for the SkyMarathon, SkySummit and AMA VK2. Based on training and ability, the choice is open! ©Damiano Benedetto Photo

In 2024, 544 athletes from 27 countries across five continents participated in the weekend’s events. No doubt the new addition will inspire new talent.

Looking forward to welcoming new and past participants to the 2025 events are Race organiser Manuel Gambarini with his team, the Mountain Guides, Rescue Service and the many volunteers who make this unique race possible, with thanks to Monte Rosa 2000 and Institutional Partners: Piedmont Region, Vercelli Province, the Alagna Valsesia and Gressoney la Trinité Councils, and Consorzio Turistico Walser Monte Rosa Valsesia, and Terre dell’Alto Piemonte (ATL).