Hochkonig Ultraks HK48: Top 20% Most Mountainous and Top 21% Most Vertical in European Ultra Racing

Exceptionally demanding across three independent metrics. The HK48 ranks 83rd out of 390 European ultras for vertical density (61.3m/km of D+, top 21%), 77th for single-descent drama (497m drop at -10.54% gradient, top 20%), and 79th most mountainous by terrain profile (top 20%). Achieving top-20% rankings across all three gradient dimensions simultaneously is rare at the 48km distance and places the HK48 among the most demanding sub-50km alpine ultras in the European database. The average descent gradient ranks in the top 18% steepest — only 72 races in the database demand steeper average downhill gradients.

The HK48 is a loop course starting and finishing at Maria Alm Ortszentrum (Festival Area) in the Province of Salzburg, Austria. The route passes through the Hochkonig massif via Dienten before returning to Maria Alm — traversing the high alpine terrain of the Salzburg Alps between the two villages. The Hochkonig massif rises to 2,941m; the HK48 carries 2,940m of D+ over 48km, placing significant terrain in the high mountain zone above the valley floors. The race is one of six distances at the Hochkonig Ultraks festival on June 6, 2026, alongside the HK70 (05:00 start), HK30-Panorama (07:30), HK30-Extreme (08:30), HK-Sprint, and HK20.

Yes — the 2026 edition sold out (capacity 1,615 for the HK48 distance). The sell-out was confirmed by May 18, 2026, ahead of the June 6 race date. The event draws strong demand as the central distance of the Hochkonig Ultraks festival, with the 2026 inaugural edition attracting 2,200 participants across all distances. Given the 2026 sell-out, early registration for 2027 is strongly advised. Monitor the official website at hochkoenig-ultraks.at for 2027 registration opening dates and pricing.

The HK48 starts at 06:30 on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from Maria Alm Ortszentrum. The time limit is 12.5 hours, with the race closing at approximately 19:00. The race is a loop returning to the Maria Alm Festival Area. Other distances start earlier: the HK70 starts at 05:00 (17-hour limit); the HK30-Panorama at 07:30; the HK30-Extreme at 08:30. The 2026 entry fee was 130 euros (2.71 per km). The HK48 is ITRA-certified.

Salzburg Airport (SZG) is the primary airport, approximately 69 minutes from Maria Alm by car. Munich Airport (MUC) is an alternative at approximately 2-2.5 hours by car. A car or race shuttle is recommended for race-morning transfers — train access to Maria Alm is feasible for arrival but does not easily cover race-morning timing from Salzburg. Maria Alm am Steinernen Meer is a mountain village in the Province of Salzburg; accommodation is available but can fill for race weekend — book early.