The circuit lands in Maria Alm, Austria, in the Zell am See district, at the heart of Salzburg, beneath the towering Hochkönig. Known for its winter tourism and deep-rooted alpine culture, this village bids farewell to skiing and transforms into skyrunner territory. Here, every climb is a challenge, and every descent, a battle against gravity.
After a weeklong break, the spectacle is back with Hochkönig Skyrace®, a brutal 31 km and +/-2600 m of pure intensity. Skyrunners face snowy peaks, dizzying ridgelines, and free-style descents on fresh snow. And what a day for racing! A radiant sunrise, perfect conditions, and everything set for an authentic alpine showdown.
After two years of forced route adjustments due to weather, the original course was finally reinstated.
The event was a true alpine festival, featuring races for all levels:
Speed Trail: 19 km +/-1020 m / Marathon Trail: 48,6 km +/-2940 m / Endurance Trail: 84,2 km +/-5030 m
Nilsson, Hochkönig’s onquered
In the men’s race, the Italian favorites arrived hungry for victory. Gianluca Ghiano, Monte Zerbión winner, Alex Oberbacher, victorious in Matheysins, and Daniel Antoniolli, the relentless fighter, were ready to dominate.
But in skyrunning, there’s always room for surprises. Martin Nilsson, from Sweden, held strong with the leading pack until the final descents. In a fast downhill, he crossed the finish line as the new king of Hochkönig. Ghiano and Antoniolli completed the podium, while Swiss Martin Anthamatten and Andorran Arnau Soldevilla secured top-five finishes.
Super Lucille, remains unstopable
In the women’s race, Lucille Germain continued her unstoppable streak in the 2025 circuit. In an intense battle against Denisa Dragomir, the French skyrunner played her strategy perfectly, conserving energy until the final kilometers. With a decisive move, she claimed her third consecutive victory!
Denisa secured second place, reinforcing her provisional lead in the women’s overall and locking in her spot for the Skymaster final in November. Daniela Oemus rounded out the podium, followed by Martina Cumerlato and Ariadna Fenes.
The wild “free style” snow descents and XXL beer mugs for the winners already feel like part of skyrunning legend. With Nilsson’s unexpected triumph and Germain’s dominance, the race for the overall title is far from settled.
The Overall Standings After Ten Races
Women
Denisa Dragomir moves into the top spot with four second-place finishes, but Lucille Germain is just 40 points behind. Anastacia continues very strong in third place. Like the men’s battle, seven different female winners have emerged, keeping the championship wide open.
Men
Luca Del Pero maintains his lead thanks to his two victories and a 4th place, De Lorenzi 2n with three 2n positions, but the competition is fierce—eight different race winners so far.
Following Hochkönig Skyrace®, three athletes have officially secured their spot in the season finale:
Denisa Dragomir (ROM – Merrell)
Iris Pessey (FRA – Scott Running)
Rens Nijman (NED – Klub.run)
Next Stop: Gorges du Tarn Skyrace
The upcoming race wraps up the European block before heading to Canada for the Minotaur Skyrace®. Skyrace Gorges du Tarn®, part of the Lozère Trail, promises an epic showdown. 25 km and +/-1800 m in the Massif Central, nestled between the Pyrenees and the Alps, in a UNESCO-protected landscape. Technical trails, rugged rock formations, lush vegetation—pure skyrunning paradise.
Being part of the U23 Esteban Olivero, the list of favourites will be a mix of absolutes and juniors, who will surely surprise once again with their performance.
