Grossglockner Ultra-Trail

The Grossglockner Ultra-Trail (GGUT 110) is a 110 km trail race held in July in Salzburg province, Austria. The course gains 6,500 m over 110 km (59.1 m/km), starting at 9:30 pm on a Friday from Kaprun and circumnavigating the Grossglockner — Austria's highest mountain at 3,798 m — through the Hohe Tauern National Park. Entry costs €220 (until May 31, 2026), equivalent to €2.00 per kilometre. The race sells out each year.

The longest descent drops 1,792 m over 17.37 km — the 6th largest single descent of 386 European trail distances in the DTR database. The distance-weighted average uphill gradient of 17.3% ranks 23rd steepest of 390 European distances — meaning nearly 9 in 10 European trail races are less steep on uphills. The route crosses 3 federal states, 7 valleys, and passes 14 glaciers. Over half the course runs above 2,000 m. Nearest airport is Salzburg (SZG), approximately 81 minutes by car.

First run in 2015, the North Face-sponsored GGUT carries 5 ITRA points and qualifies for Western States 100 under 28 hours. Maximum field is 500 runners. It suits qualified trail runners prepared for serious alpine attrition — the 2025 edition was abandoned mid-race due to bad weather.

Q: Does the Grossglockner Ultra-Trail qualify for Western States 100? A: Yes. The GGUT 110km is a qualifier for the Western States 100 Endurance Run for runners finishing under 28 hours — the race's full time limit. It also carries 5 ITRA points (the maximum), making it one of the most ITRA-point-dense 110km races in Europe. Entry qualification requires completion of a race with ≥3 ITRA points between January 2023 and May 2026.

Q: How do you get to the Grossglockner Ultra-Trail from Salzburg? A: Salzburg airport (SZG) is approximately 81 minutes by car from Kaprun, the race start and finish. Public transport connects via excellent train service to Zell am See and then bus to Kaprun. Munich (MUC) and Innsbruck (INN) airports are alternative options within 2–2.5 hours. Accommodation in Zell am See and Kaprun fills quickly — the area is a popular summer resort; book well in advance.

Q: What is the weather risk on the GGUT 110km? A: High. The route runs above 2,000m for more than half its distance, with passes reaching 2,663m. The 2025 edition of the longer GGUT races was abandoned mid-race due to deteriorating weather. Sudden storms, snow, and near-freezing conditions at altitude are possible in late July. Mandatory bad-weather kit — hardshell jacket, waterproof trousers, thermal layers, hat and gloves — is carried by all runners. Equipment is checked at the start and at spot checks during the race.