Großglockner Trail | GGT 57 km, 3,500 altitude metres, 3 ITRA points

Classic route along the Grossglockner

The Grossglockner Trail starts in the centre of Kals am Grossglockner (bandstand). From Kals, the route follows the old Glocknerstrasse to the Lucknerhaus, which boasts a magnificent view of the Grossglockner.
From there, an ascent through beautiful flower meadows to the highest point of the route and supply station at the Glorer Hütte (2,642 m). From the Glorer Hütte, enjoy slightly downhill trails and a short uphill climb to the Salmhütte and on to the Stockerscharte (2,465 m) with magnificent views of the Pasterze. From the Stockerscharte, a technically demanding descent over the Margaritze reservoir dam, uphill via the Glocknerhaus, and finally over a snowfield to Untere Pfandlscharte (2,663 m).

A final look back to the Grossglockner, then across another snowfield (caution!), continuing on a long descent to the Trauneralm. Flat from there to Ferleiten and then slightly downhill on trails to Fusch an der Glocknerstrasse.

From Fusch, take the final ascent, then descend to the centre of Kaprun with the finish line at Salzburger Platz. The route passes 9 glaciers and around 300 peaks of over 3,000 m.

GGT is the most ‘runable’ trail at GGUT. Nevertheless, it is a demanding route with mostly high alpine trail running. The high average altitude for more than half of the route poses an additional challenge. With 3,500 altitude metres and a negative value of 4,000 altitude metres, and often very difficult technical terrain, this is a challenge for any trail runner. Racing experience over comparable distances, preferably in the mountains, sure-footedness and experience in alpine terrain are prerequisites. For information on the nature of the race and requirements, see below and here for the necessary ‘minimum equipment’.

Altitude profile

Minimum equipment

There are two variants of minimum equipment, which apply depending on the weather:

Due to the time limit, runners who take longer than 17 hours may finish at night. Therefore, bringing a headlamp is at your own discretion.

The use of poles is recommended but not required. Poles, if used, must be carried from the start to the finish line and may not be picked up or dropped off at will.

Checking of mandatory equipment

Mandatory equipment will be checked before the start.

Additional checks may be carried out during the race and at the finish line.

If a participant is unable to present the complete mandatory equipment upon request by race personnel, they will not be allowed to start or will get a time penalty or disqualification.

Time limit

The total time limit for GGT is 16 hours.

Entry fee

€ 125* until 31 December 2025
€ 140* from 1 January 2026 to 31 May 2026
€ 155* from 1 June 2026 to 23 July 2026 (registration deadline, no late registration)

*(excluding any fees for payment methods when registering online via Datasport, amount depending on the payment method)

Re-registrations between individual GGUT competitions are possible until the bib number is collected. Any additional entry fees will be charged at the rates valid at the time of re-registration; no (partial) refunds of entry fees. Changes to the participant's details are possible until 31 May. A processing fee of € 15 will be charged for all such changes; a fee of € 30 will be charged for all changes made on site during the race weekend.

We recommend that you take out cancellation insurance when you register. This insurance allows for a refund of the entry fee in the event of an accident, serious illness (medical certificate confirming inability to participate in the competition) or tragic family events. The refund conditions can be found in the insurance terms and conditions.

Nature of the race

The Grossglockner Trail (GTT) is an extreme running event, mostly in high alpine terrain with two passages above 2,600 m and 2,800 m respectively. At least two snowfields must be crossed, and more in poor conditions. Over long stretches (80%), the route leads over trails that are (sometimes very) technically demanding. Poor weather conditions (cold, rain, snow) and nighttime pose additional challenges.

The trails are technically difficult to run throughout. The most difficult are the ascents/descents to the high passes: Kalser Tauern (2,515 m), Stockerscharte (2,465 m) and Untere Pfandlscharte (2,663 m).

Requirements

All participants must be physically fit and sure-footed in order to complete the course in accordance with the rules. Experience in longer endurance events, preferably in the mountains, but in any case combined with experience and confidence in moving in high alpine terrain, are essential prerequisites for participation. The minimum age for participation is 18 years.