Changes to the 2026 routes

Due to force majeure, the 9ª edition of Valmalenco Ultra Distance Trail will take place on unprecedented routes. Safety reasons have forced the organizing committee to opt for new itineraries, which will be a great opportunity to showcase new trails and new enchanting corners of the Valley. All, of course, in full VUT style.

 

Given the prolonged closure of the municipal road leading to Franscia and Campo Moro, due to the complex safety works following last November's landslide, there were two options: cancellation, or a new route: «In the Malenco DNA, the word surrender is not contemplated – stated Fabio Cometti, head of the organizing committee -. We immediately got to work to find a solution that wouldn't be a fallback, but an opportunity to be seized. Given the extraordinary situation, which inevitably alters the logistical accessibility of an important portion of our territory, in close and constant coordination with local authorities and all supporting entities, we made a decision that was as forced as it was responsible.  The road to Campo Moro is strategic and necessary for us for ambulance passage, positioning rescue services, transporting volunteers, managing withdrawals, and relay handovers. It would therefore not have been possible to guarantee high safety standards for 2026.  Fortunately, we live in a Valley that offers many alternatives». New trails, same epic spirit. «The organizing committee worked tirelessly to redesign the routes, creating two variants that have nothing to envy compared to the historic courses. On the contrary, the new itineraries will touch points never reached before by the race and three brand-new mountain huts, offering unprecedented and even wilder landscapes». 

 

The queen race shortens in total distance, settling at around 83 km, but keeps all of its original character intact with a whopping 6,100 meters of positive elevation gain. The value of the event is confirmed: the race retains its 4 ITRA points and remains a regular qualifier for the UTMB 100K.  The new route remains unchanged up to Piasci. It will then climb towards Arcoglio, Sasso Bianco, and Zana, before rejoining the original trail from Bosio to Chiareggio. From Chiareggio comes the big novelty: the race will push into the heart of Val Sissone, touching first the Tartaglione Crispo Hut and then the Del Grande Camerini Hut, a stunning terrace overlooking Monte Disgrazia. After the descent to Alpe dell'Oro, it will return to Chiareggio to continue along the classic route to Lake Palù. Skirting the body of water, the final unprecedented section will climb to the Motta Hut, before diving into the technical descent towards Cima Sassa, the Alpe Ponte Hut, Lanzada, and finally reaching the finish line in Caspoggio.  

 

A winning formula doesn't change, it gets enriched. The "short" distance maintains the same length and a similar elevation gain (2300m+), but will offer unprecedented passages. This route will also retain 2 ITRA points and remain a qualifier for the UTMB 50k.  The route will stay faithful to the original up to Barchi. From here, competitors will detour towards Alpe Senevedo Superiore and the splendid scenery of Lake Entova, where they will officially merge with the new route of the long race.  

 

Echoing the words of the Lanzada Administration and the Alpine Guides, the VUT organization invites all athletes, volunteers, and fans to experience this edition with the spirit of those who know how to adapt and look beyond. It will be an unrepeatable edition of the VUT, an opportunity to rediscover hidden and equally majestic corners of Valmalenco, celebrating the resilience of a territory that does not stop in the face of difficulties.  The organizational machine is already at full capacity to monitor the new trails and guarantee, as every year, a great celebration in complete safety for the over 1,000 expected runners. 

 

As of today, bibs for the 35km are sold out. The 90km is at over 90% capacity, and 500 runners are expected for the 13km, which is currently at 50%.  Updated technical details, GPX tracks, and time charts for the checkpoints will be available shortly on the official event website.

 

A major new collaboration has started this year: «It is with pride that I want to announce our partnership with Gruppo Autotorino Spa – concluded Cometti -. The fact that the largest Italian dealer in the automotive sector wanted to associate its brand with VUT means that over these years we have worked with passion and professionalism, becoming a benchmark not only locally. This pleases us greatly, and everyone's hope is that this collaboration can continue for a long time, giving our event the opportunity to grow even further».