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Safety

  • Disclaimer
  • Personal Conditions
  • Sunrise and Sunset
  • Terrain Conditions
  • Weather Conditions
  • Safety Instructions
  • Mandatory Safety Briefing
  • Mandatory Equipment

Safety

for yourself and others
Currently only available in English.

Disclaimer

The information provided by Ortler Sky Trails (“Organization” , “We”, “Us” or “Our”) on www.ortlerskytrails.it (the “Site”) is provided in good faith, however we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of any information on the Site.

The content of the site can only be downloaded for personal use or non-commercial purposes.

Ortler Sky Trails reserves the right to modify, delete or complete this content without any public warning or information.

The Site contains links to other websites or content belonging to third parties or links to websites and features in banners or other advertising. Such external links are not checked for accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability or completeness by us.

We will not be a party to or in any way be responsible for monitoring any transaction between you and third-party providers of products or services.

The Ortler Sky Trails logo and the lay-out of this website are property of Ortler Sky Trails and can not be used without previous agreement with the owner.

Should you find information on this site that you think is incorrect or incomplete, please send an e-mail through our contact form.

Personal Conditions

  • Falling of a mountain can cause serious injury and result in death.
  • Fatigue and exhaustion can cause loss of balance and make a Participant more susceptible to stumbling or falling.
  • Exposed mountainsides along the track can cause vertigo and make a Participant more susceptible to stumbling or falling.
  • Participants are strongly discouraged to wear headphones, earphones or similar devices while running above the treeline. Hearing rockfall can save your life, hearing a cry for help can save another’s life. Covering your ears can prove fatal in the mountains.

Sunrise and Sunset

Stelvio Ultra Trail participants start before sunrise (5:00) and can finish after sunset (21:45). As a result normal temperatures can range from 5°C to 25°C with varying humidity throughout the day without shelter from weather.

Running in the dark decreases visibility of obstacles like tree roots, branches and rocks, pits and bumps on the trail drastically. Participants need to be familiar with running in the woods in the dark. Keep in mind that the sun will be blocked by the mountains approximately 1 hour after true sunrise and 1 hour before true sunset. The dense woods will also block a lot of light.

Terrain Conditions

General

No shelter

Most of the track lies above the treeline. This creates excellent views, but also means there is no cover from weather conditions like sun, wind, rain, storm and the soil can be less firm.

Branches, roots and rocks

Below the treeline you will run through dense forests with branches, roots and rocks on the trail.

Consequences of rainfall

Heavy rainfall before and during the event can cause landslides and uprooting of trees. Rainfall can also create mud along the track and makes smooth or moss covered rocks very slippery. Falling on rocks can cause fractures and falling off a mountain can prove fatal.

Glacier

All tracks apart from the Ortler Vertical and Kids Run cross the glacier between Schaubach and Langenstein. The glacier is safe to cross and can be covered with snow, rocks and ice depending on the weather. Slipping on ice and falling on rocks is not good for your health.

Rockfall

Rockfall can never be excluded on a mountain. Rocks falling on your head are not good for health.

Debris

Loose rubble and debris from rock slides on steep parts can cause more slides and rockfall. Keep your distance and pay special attention to Participants higher up who may cause rockfall or slide down.

Exposed slopes

Eselsteig

Participants of the Stelvio Ultra Trail and Ortler Glacier Trail run along the Eselsteig in the first 6 kilometers. Some parts of this section are quite narrow.

Hintergrat

Right after the glacier and Hintergrat hut all participants follow the track towards Langenstein. Some narrow parts have a steel cable and extra support.

Tabaretta Ridge

When the Stelvio Ultra Trail and Ortler Sky Marathon participants cross Mount Ortler towards the Trafoi valley, they have to traverse the Tabaretta Ridge. A large part of the ridge has a steel cable installed for extra support.

Goldseeweg

For the Stelvio Ultra Trail runners the Goldseeweg is a historical path along the mountains on the Swiss-Italian border. Late snow patches can be present on the shadowside of the mountain.

Piz to Piz

Stelvio Ultra Trail participants will run from Piz Minschuns to Piz Chavalatsch along the ridge. Some parts traverse quite steep slopes.

To Punta Alta

After crossing the river in Trafoi Ortler Sky Marathon participants will climb towards Punta Alta. Some parts traverse quite steep slopes.

No shelter

Most of the track lies above the treeline. This creates excellent views, but also means there is no cover from weather conditions like sun, wind, rain, storm and the soil can be less firm.
previous next

Branches, roots and rocks

Below the treeline you will run through dense forests with branches, roots and rocks on the trail.
previous next

Consequences of rainfall

Heavy rainfall before and during the event can cause landslides and uprooting of trees. Rainfall can also create mud along the track and makes smooth or moss covered rocks very slippery. Falling on rocks can cause fractures and falling off a mountain can prove fatal.
previous next

Glacier

All tracks apart from the Ortler Vertical and Kids Run cross the glacier between Schaubach and Langenstein. The glacier is safe to cross and can be covered with snow, rocks and ice depending on the weather. Slipping on ice and falling on rocks is not good for your health.
previous next

Rockfall

Rockfall can never be excluded on a mountain. Rocks falling on your head are not good for health.
previous next

Debris

Loose rubble and debris from rock slides on steep parts can cause more slides and rockfall. Keep your distance and pay special attention to Participants higher up who may cause rockfall or slide down.
previous next

Eselsteig

Participants of the Stelvio Ultra Trail and Ortler Glacier Trail run along the Eselsteig in the first 6 kilometers. Some parts of this section are quite narrow.
previous next

Hintergrat

Right after the glacier and Hintergrat hut all participants follow the track towards Langenstein. Some narrow parts have a steel cable and extra support.
previous next

Tabaretta Ridge

When the Stelvio Ultra Trail and Ortler Sky Marathon participants cross Mount Ortler towards the Trafoi valley, they have to traverse the Tabaretta Ridge. A large part of the ridge has a steel cable installed for extra support.
previous next

Goldseeweg

For the Stelvio Ultra Trail runners the Goldseeweg is a historical path along the mountains on the Swiss-Italian border. Late snow patches can be present on the shadowside of the mountain.
previous next

Piz to Piz

Stelvio Ultra Trail participants will run from Piz Minschuns to Piz Chavalatsch along the ridge. Some parts traverse quite steep slopes.
previous next

To Punta Alta

After crossing the river in Trafoi Ortler Sky Marathon participants will climb towards Punta Alta. Some parts traverse quite steep slopes.
previous next

Weather Conditions

  • Participants are required to carry the mandatory equipment in order to be prepared for all weather conditions at high altitude.
  • Although it is very unlikely to snow during the event, late snowfall can leave snow patches at high altitude. On steep parts, this may cause you to slide.
  • Running on the glacier in the sun can be warm because of reflected sunlight, but when the sun hides behind the clouds it can become freezing in a matter of minutes.
  • Running at almost 3000m of altitude in the burning sun can be scalding hot, but in the shade and wind it can become very cold.
  • Storms can gather quickly in the unpredictable mountain weather, so keep an eye on the clouds during the race. If storm clouds approach, rush away from open mountainsides to the nearest Refreshment Post or shelter in both directions of the track for safety. Mountain Rescue will close the Refreshment Posts and all Participants will have to discontinue the Race until weather has passed. In this case, please keep the Race Desk phone number open for emergencies only. Unfortunately death by lightning is a real possibility and is not unprecedented in the mountains.

Safety Instructions

  • Pay attention when crossing the road or running on the road.
  • In case of reasonable doubt about Participants’ safety the Organization will try to contact the Participants. During the whole length of the Race all Participants are required to answer their phone as soon as safely possible when contacted by the Organization. Participants are required to check their phone health at every Refreshment Post and inform the Event Crew in case of problems. Repeated failure to gain contact with the Participant during the Race may prompt the Organization or Mountain Rescue to send a rescue team by helicopter which will be charged to the Participant. Participants are advised to check with their insurance for covering these costs.
  • Participants are required to fill in the medical safety section on the backside of the bib number.
  • Participants are required to help other Participants in need of medical attention and notify Emergency Services and the Organization in case of emergency. They can only leave the Participant with direct approval of the Medical Staff present or in their absence the Organization’s approval. Neglecting this obligation will lead to disqualification.
  • Thread carefully and keep distance from other Participants when running on steep sections of rock debris to avoid rockfall which can injure other Participants or yourself.
  • Participants who wish to carry poles have to make sure that the end points are covered and not protruding when not using the poles to prevent accidents. Keep distance from Participants with poles, especially in uphill sections.
  • Do not overtake other Participants on steep, unstable or small sections of the track.
  • Reckless behaviour by a Participant which can endanger another participant may lead to disqualification.
  • Participants have to inform their friends and family members who will be present during the event of the rules they need to comply with.

Mandatory Safety Briefing

The day before the race all Participants are required to familiarize themselves with the Mandatory Safety Briefing digital presentation created by the Organization in collaboration with the Sulden Mountain Rescue. This briefing will emphasize some key aspects about the latest terrain and weather conditions.

More information will be disclosed closer to the Event date.

Mandatory Equipment

rule.equipment.p.1
Stelvio Ultra Trail
Ortler Sky Marathon
Ortler Glacier Trail
Ortler Ronda Classic
Ortler Vertical

Mandatory equipment

Face mask

Participants need to have one at their disposal at all times, but only need to wear it when in close proximity to others.

Face mask

Participants need to have one at their disposal at all times, but only need to wear it when in close proximity to others.

Backpack

The backpack should be able to hold all items secured.

Backpack

The backpack should be able to hold all items secured.

Mobile phone

  • Insert emergency numbers
  • Keep the phone always on
  • do not mask the number
  • check to start with fully charged battery
  • take an extra battery pack if necessary to ensure 24 hour standby
  • ensure enough call volume for an emergency call

We will call you in case of emergency and failure to make contact can prompt us to send a mountain rescue team. The costs for this will be payed by you.

Mobile phone

  • Insert emergency numbers
  • Keep the phone always on
  • do not mask the number
  • check to start with fully charged battery
  • take an extra battery pack if necessary to ensure 24 hour standby
  • ensure enough call volume for an emergency call

We will call you in case of emergency and failure to make contact can prompt us to send a mountain rescue team. The costs for this will be payed by you.

Cup

Personal drinking cup (at least 15cl). No drinking cup will be available at the refreshments

Cup

Personal drinking cup (at least 15cl). No drinking cup will be available at the refreshments

Water reserve

Bottles or camel bag, with a water reserve of 1l (at least). Please study the refreshment post locations to estimate your own consumption.

Water reserve

Bottles or camel bag, with a water reserve of 1l (at least). Please study the refreshment post locations to estimate your own consumption.

Headlamp

Working headlamp with spare batteries.

Headlamp

Working headlamp with spare batteries.

Survival blanket

You will be in remote locations with no shelter from weather or fast access to heat sources.

Survival blanket

You will be in remote locations with no shelter from weather or fast access to heat sources.

Leg cover

Make sure to carry or wear leg protection like long pants or capri pants with long socks to cover your whole legs.

Leg cover

Make sure to carry or wear leg protection like long pants or capri pants with long socks to cover your whole legs.

Solid food

You will need to carry solid food reserves to ensure adequate energy between the refreshment posts. Study the refreshment post table to estimate your own consumption.

Solid food

You will need to carry solid food reserves to ensure adequate energy between the refreshment posts. Study the refreshment post table to estimate your own consumption.

Jacket

Waterproof and wind resistant jacket (like GoreTex) with hood.

Jacket

Waterproof and wind resistant jacket (like GoreTex) with hood.

Clothing

Warm clothing (long-sleeved shirt) suitable to face extreme conditions and extreme cold on the mountains (wind, rain, snow)

Clothing

Warm clothing (long-sleeved shirt) suitable to face extreme conditions and extreme cold on the mountains (wind, rain, snow)

Whistle

Sometimes incorporated into the backpack, a whistle can be used to call for help when you're unable to shout or call.

Whistle

Sometimes incorporated into the backpack, a whistle can be used to call for help when you're unable to shout or call.

Adhesive elastic band

Adhesive elastic band, suitable for making a bandage or strapping (min 100 cm x 6 cm)

Adhesive elastic band

Adhesive elastic band, suitable for making a bandage or strapping (min 100 cm x 6 cm)

Head cover

Hat, cap or bandana.

Head cover

Hat, cap or bandana.

Recommended equipment

Trail / trekking poles

Trakking poles can be usefull to distribute bodily strain and keep balance on technical terrain. Don't stick the pointy end in other participants please.

Trail / trekking poles

Trakking poles can be usefull to distribute bodily strain and keep balance on technical terrain. Don't stick the pointy end in other participants please.

Pocket knife

You never know when you'll need a knife to cut something. Be it an emergency, or a piece of bread at a refreshment post.

Pocket knife

You never know when you'll need a knife to cut something. Be it an emergency, or a piece of bread at a refreshment post.

Spare clothing

In case of bad weather conditions or stopping because of injury your sweaty clothes will cool down very quickly, so you'll need to have fresh clothes. They need to be packed in a water resistant bag or container to prevent them from getting soaked by rain or sweat.

Spare clothing

In case of bad weather conditions or stopping because of injury your sweaty clothes will cool down very quickly, so you'll need to have fresh clothes. They need to be packed in a water resistant bag or container to prevent them from getting soaked by rain or sweat.

Gloves

These should cover the whole hand. Gloves protect your hands from cold and cuts from sharp rocks.

Gloves

These should cover the whole hand. Gloves protect your hands from cold and cuts from sharp rocks.

Little cash (€20)

Better safe than sorry.

Little cash (€20)

Better safe than sorry.

Face mask

Participants need to have one at their disposal at all times, but only need to wear it when in close proximity to others.

Face mask

Participants need to have one at their disposal at all times, but only need to wear it when in close proximity to others.

Leg cover

Make sure to carry or wear leg protection like long pants or capri pants with long socks to cover your whole legs.

Leg cover

Make sure to carry or wear leg protection like long pants or capri pants with long socks to cover your whole legs.

Clothing

Warm clothing (long-sleeved shirt) suitable to face extreme conditions and extreme cold on the mountains (wind, rain, snow)

Clothing

Warm clothing (long-sleeved shirt) suitable to face extreme conditions and extreme cold on the mountains (wind, rain, snow)

Head cover

Hat, cap or bandana.

Head cover

Hat, cap or bandana.

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