Rofan Ascent - Vertical Race
The Rofan Ascent - Vertical Race returns for its second edition. On 7 March 2026, the former Rofan Night Ascent will once again be transformed into the “Vertical Race” - an event that blends tradition with fresh energy. Now in its second year, the Rofan Ascent remains true to its original spirit: a thrilling atmosphere, demanding challenges, and an authentic night-time ski touring experience.
Details for the 2026 event are currently being finalized.
Programme & route details
- Race number collection: Race numbers for Verical Race + Combination can be collected upon presentation of a registration confirmation on Saturday, 7 March 2026 from 07:30 to 09:00 at the valley station of the Rofan cable car. Participants with a combined ticket will use the same race number for both race days (only one pick-up is required). Each participant will receive two race numbers: one for the thigh and one for the rucksack.
- Cable car ride: Ascent with the Rofan cable car from 08:30
- The descent on skis via the Rotspitz downhill run to the start must be completed by 09:45 at the latest. The starting point can only be reached via the ski slope, depending on snow conditions.
- Start time & route: The race begins on Saturday, 7 March 2026 at 10:00. The starting point is located on the plateau below the former Buchauer Alm (1,340m). From there, participants will climb 490 metres of elevation on a groomed slope to the top station of the Rofan cable car. Detailed route information is available at maps.achensee.com.
- Award ceremony: The award ceremony will take place approx. 30 minutes after the end of the race.
- From 14:00 pasta party in the huts on the Rofan.
- Raffle prize drawing.
- Descent with the Rofan cable car until 17.00.
The event is open to all amateur athletes - no accreditation or license is required to participate.
The number of participants is limited to 200.
- Entry fee:
- EUR 60 until 2 March 2026
- EUR 80 from 3 March 3026
- Included services:
- An attractive goodie bag filled with products and vouchers from partners such as Kneipp, Rox, Hagan, etc. (provided upon race number collection).
- Entry into a raffle with high-quality vouchers and prizes.
- A parking ticket for the Rofan cable car park (provided upon race number collection).
- Ascent and descent with the Rofan cable car for each participant, including one accompanying person (provided upon race number collection).
- Pasta party in the huts on the Rofan for the participants, includes 1 meal and 2 drinks (meal vouchers provided upon race number collection).
- Rucksack transport from the start to the finish area. However, we cannot guarantee that your equipment will arrive at the finish line before you.
- Combined ticket (Vertical & Individual Race):
- EUR 120 until 2 March 2026
- EUR 140 from 3 March 3026
- The „Rofan Ascent – Vertical Race“ is part of the SKIMO Alpencup promoted by SkimStats 2026.
- Mandatory equipment: All participants must adhere to SKIMO regulations regarding required equipment.
- Categories:
- U14: Born in 2012-2013 (13-14 years old): A written parental consent form or the presence of a parent/guardian at registration is required.
- U16: Born in 2009–2010 (15–16 years old)
- U18: Born in 2007–2008 (17–18 years old)
- U20: Born in 2005–2006 (19–20 years old)
- Seniors: Born in 1980–2004 (21–45 years old)
- Masters: Born in 1979 or earlier (46+ years old)
Route changes: The Rofan ski touring area can be explored using the winter/ski resort map available at www.rofanseilbahn.at. Please note that the organizer reserves the right to make last-minute route changes due to adverse weather conditions, such as avalanche risks.
Liability and insurance: Each participant is expected to have competition insurance that includes rescue coverage. The organizer assumes no liability for injuries, deviations from the designated route, or other risks - participation is entirely at your own risk. Basic alpine knowledge is required for all participants. Participants under the age of 18 must have written consent from a parent or guardian.
Regulations: The event follows the guidelines and standards of Skimo Austria.
From 08:30, spectators can take the gondola up to the event area. The entire race can be viewed perfectly from the top station. Live music will provide entertainment throughout the day, and refreshments will also be available. The event ends at 16:30, after which the Rofan cable car will take you back down to the valley.
