Rules

2026 Monte Rosa SkyMarathon 2026 – Official Rules

1. Event Presentation

The Monte Rosa SkyMarathon® is the highest skyrunning race in Europe, starting and finishing in Alagna Valsesia (VC) and culminating at Capanna Margherita (4,554 m). The 2026 edition will take place on Saturday, June 13, 2026, and includes:

Monte Rosa SkyMarathon® – team race
Monte Rosa SkySummit – team race
Monte Rosa SkyRace® – individual race
AMA VK2 – individual race
Monte Rosa Vertical – individual race

In case of inclement weather, the race may be postponed to Sunday, June 14, 2026. Athletes will be notified by email and on-site. The race director reserves the right, at his sole discretion, to postpone, cancel, or hold the race partially. If an athlete is unable to participate due to the postponement, the registration fee will not be refunded.

2. Organization

The event is organized by AMA asd, in collaboration with the Municipalities of Alagna Valsesia, the Municipalities of Gressoney-La-Trinité, the Province of Vercelli, and with the support of the Piedmont Region.
The Monte Rosa SkyMarathon® is an international competition affiliated with FISky – the Italian Skyrunning Federation. The Monte Rosa SkyMarathon, Monte Rosa SkySummit, Monte Rosa SkyRace®, and AMA VK2 races are all certified by the ISF and included in the national FISky calendar.

Race Director: Manuel Gambarini
Safety Manager: Nicola Degasperis
Contact email: info@monterosaskymarathon.com
Official website: www.monterosaskymarathon.com

3. Courses

The race courses are as follows:

Monte Rosa SkyMarathon® – 35 km and 3,500 m+
Monte Rosa SkySummit – 17.5 km and 3,500 m+
Monte Rosa SkyRace® – 25 km and 2,400 m+
AMA VK2 – 9 km and 2,086 m+
Monte Rosa Vertical – 5 km and 1,150 m+

Courses may be subject to change for safety reasons or weather conditions.

4. Participation

MONTE ROSA SKYMARATHON
Couples race. Male, female, and mixed teams are eligible. Athletes aged 18 to 70 are eligible, provided they have a valid B1 medical certificate for competitive sports on the date of the race. Experience in high mountains and in the use of technical equipment (harness, rope, knots, via ferrata kit) are mandatory.

MONTE ROSA SKYSUMMIT
Couples race. Male, female, and mixed teams are eligible. Athletes aged 18 to 70 are eligible, provided they have a valid B1 medical certificate for competitive sports on the date of the race. Experience in high mountains and in the use of technical equipment (harness, rope, knots, via ferrata kit) is mandatory.

MONTE ROSA SKYRACE
Individual race. Athletes aged 18 to 70 are eligible, provided they have a valid B1 medical certificate for competitive sports on the date of the race. Experience in high mountains and in the use of technical equipment (harness, rope, knots, via ferrata kit) is mandatory.

AMA VK2
Individual race. Athletes aged 18 to 70 are eligible, provided they have a valid B1 medical certificate for competitive sports on the date of the race.

MONTE ROSA VERTICAL
Individual race. Athletes aged 18 to 70 are eligible, provided they have a valid B1 medical certificate for competitive sports on the date of the race.
A medical certificate is not required for those participating in the walk only.

5. Registration

MONTE ROSA SKYMARATHON
Pre-registrations – Opening: January 9, 2026 – Closing: March 1, 2026. Athletes are required to provide a sports CV proving their eligibility to participate based on athletic and mountaineering results. The Organizing Committee will evaluate the CV at its sole discretion, admitting or rejecting registration. Registration is considered complete only after online payment of the registration fee.

Registration will close once a total of 250 couples have registered for the Monte Rosa SkyMarathon and Monte Rosa SkySummit.

For those who have already completed the Monte Rosa SkyMarathon and/or the Monte Rosa SkySummit in previous editions, registration will open on December 1, 2025.
Registration: Online on the official website.
Registration fee: €170 per person

MONTE ROSA SKYSUMMIT
Pre-registrations – Opening: January 9, 2026 – Closing: March 1, 2026. Athletes are required to provide a sports CV proving their eligibility to participate based on athletic and mountaineering results. The Organizing Committee will evaluate the CV at its sole discretion, admitting or rejecting registration. Registration is considered complete only after online payment of the registration fee.

Registration will close once a total of 250 pairs have registered for the Monte Rosa SkyMarathon and Monte Rosa SkySummit.

MONTE ROSA SKYRACE
Opening: January 9, 2026 – Closing: June 1, 2026. Athletes are required to provide a sports CV proving their eligibility to participate based on skyrunning and mountaineering results. The Organising Committee will evaluate the curriculum vitae, admitting or rejecting registration. Registration is considered complete only after online payment of the registration fee.

Registration will close once the number of 200 participants has been reached.

NB: For those who have already completed the Monte Rosa SkyMarathon and/or the Monte Rosa SkySummit in previous editions, registration will open on December 1, 2025.
Registration method: online on the official website.
Registration fee: €90 per person until March 1. €100 from March 2 to June 1, 2026.

AMA VK2
Opening: January 9, 2026 – Closing: June 12, 2026.

Registration will close once the number of 200 participants has been reached.

Registration method: online on the official website.
Registration fee: €50 per person until March 31st. €60 from April 1st to June 12th, 2026.

MONTE ROSA VERTICAL
Opening: January 9th, 2026 – Closing: June 12th, 2026.

Registration will close once 150 participants have been reached.

Registration method: online on the official website.
Registration fee: €30 per person until March 31st. €40 from April 1st to June 12th, 2026.

All registrations include bib number, race pack, assistance, refreshments, transportation in case of withdrawal, final refreshments, and cable car return for races that require it or in case of withdrawal. Registrations are personal and non-transferable.

Registrations without payment, acceptance of the rules, a waiver, and a valid medical certificate for the day of the race will not be considered valid.
If registered competitors fail to provide a medical certificate, bibs will not be issued and competitors will not be able to participate in the race, without the right to a refund of the registration fee.

6. Entry cancellation

Registration for the Monte Rosa SkyMarathon and Monte Rosa SkySummit will be subject to a 50% refund if they cancel by May 30.

Registration for any of the races cannot be postponed to a subsequent edition.

7. Compulsory Equipment

Mandatory equipment is specified at the briefing, which may modify the list of equipment to be used during the competition. Each race has a specific list, detailed on the website www.monterosaskymarathon.com, but the required equipment list is as follows:

Trail running shoes with snow gaiters (integrated or separate)
Thermal socks
Long tights and long-sleeved technical shirt or ski mountaineering suit
Micro crampons with at least 12 metal spikes distributed between the toe and heel
Harness compliant with UIAA 105
Dynamic rope compliant with UIAA 101, diameter 8 mm, length 10 m
Via Ferrata kit compliant with UIAA 128 with two carabiners
Ski or cross-country ski poles
EN 12492-approved helmet, worn and fastened
ARTVA (transceiver) turned on and functioning
Windproof jacket with hood
Sunglasses
Gloves
Head gear
Windproof overpants
Thermal blanket
1-liter water bottle/backpack

Incorrect or improper use of the required equipment will result in immediate suspension. of athletes and possible disqualification.

8. Bibs

Each bib is given to each competitor individually. The bib must be completely visible at all times throughout the race. It must be worn on the thigh (Monte Rosa SkyMarathon, SkySummit, SkyRace, AMA VK2) or over all clothing (Monte Rosa Vertical) and under no circumstances be attached to the back, backpack, or anywhere else. Each runner must register before the start. Failure to register and the subsequent search for the runner will result in the runner being charged for any resulting costs. The bib is the necessary pass to access the refreshment areas and the cable cars for the return to the valley.

9. Semi-self-sufficiency

The race is semi-self-sufficient in water and food. Refreshment stations will be stocked with food and drinking water. Plastic cups will not be available at any refreshment point. Runners must bring their own cup or other suitable container for drinking.

Personal assistance is permitted only at refreshment points; any form of professional assistance (medical, etc.) is strictly prohibited. It is forbidden to have anyone accompanying you on the route who is not registered.

10. Time Limits and Time Cutoffs

Each race has time cutoffs designed to ensure runners’ safety. Athletes who fail to pass the cutoff in time will not be allowed to continue and must proceed directly to the nearest cable car station for the return trip. Continuing along the route without a bib is strictly prohibited.

MONTE ROSA SKYMARATHON

Punta Indren: 3h
Gnifetti Refuge: 4h30′
Colle del Lys: 5h30′
Margherita Hut: 6h30′
Maximum descent time from Indren: 7h30’ PM (return by cable car)
Maximum total time: 9h

MONTE ROSA SKYSUMMIT

Punta Indren: 3h30’
Gnifetti Hut: 5h
Colle del Lys: 6h
Margherita Hut: 7h

MONTE ROSA SKYRACE

Bocchetta delle Pisse 2396: 2h30′
Punta Indren: 3h30’
Gnifetti Hut: 5h
Maximum total time: 8h

AMA VK2

Bocchetta delle Pisse 2396: 2h30′
Maximum total time: 4h30′

MONTE ROSA VERTICAL

Maximum total time: 3h

In case of adverse weather conditions and/or for safety reasons, the organization reserves the right to suspend the race in progress, delay the start, or modify the cut-off times.

11. Safety

Safety is guaranteed by mountain guides and mountain rescue at altitude. Checkpoints and medical assistance will be available along the route.

For safety reasons and/or in the event of adverse weather, the organizers reserve the right to modify, suspend, or cancel the race at their sole discretion.

12. Rankings and Prizes

In team races, there are three categories: men’s, women’s, and mixed. The top three teams in each category and the first mixed team receive prizes.
The finish time is calculated upon the arrival of the second member of the pair.

In individual races, there are two categories: men’s and women’s.
The top three athletes in each category receive prizes.

Winners may receive cash and/or non-cash prizes.

13. Behavior and Fair Play

Maximum respect for the mountain, participants, and volunteers is required. Littering is prohibited (penalty will result in disqualification). Outside assistance is prohibited except in authorized areas.

14. Penalties and Disqualifications

Any competitor found not in possession of even a single piece of their mandatory equipment may be disqualified or penalised, with no right of appeal. Irregularities, including those confirmed by video footage received by the organisers after the race, may result in penalties or disqualification. The race jury may impose a penalty ranging from 3 minutes to disqualification in the event of serious violations of the rules, specifically:

A bib worn improperly
A lack of all or part of the mandatory equipment
Doping or refusal to submit to a doping test
Failure to assist another competitor in case of difficulty
Use of personal assistance outside of the permitted points
Abandonment of personal equipment along the route
Failure to comply with the ban on being accompanied on the route
Leaving waste along the route
Insults, rudeness, or threats against members of the organisation or volunteers
Refusal to be examined by an organisation doctor at any time during the race

15. Complaints

Any complaints must be submitted to the Organising Committee within 15 minutes of the finish line, with the reasons in writing and a €70 fee. Any subsequent decision of the race jury is final.

16. Cancellation or Modifications

In the event of extreme weather or force majeure, the organisers may modify, suspend, or cancel the race without refund, unless otherwise communicated.

17. Insurance

The organisers maintain liability insurance for the entire duration of the race. Participants are entirely responsible for their participation, and they waive any right of recourse against the organizers in the event of damage or other consequences arising from the race. At the time of registration, runners must sign a liability release.

Runners are advised to take out personal insurance for accidents, recovery, and helicopter transportation.

18. Data and Image Processing

By registering, participants authorise the free use of their image and data for promotional and statistical purposes, in compliance with EU Regulation 2016/679 (GDPR).

19. Acceptance of the Regulations

Registration implies full knowledge and acceptance of these regulations, the disclaimer, and the principle of self-responsibility in mountain environments.

By registering, each competitor undertakes to comply with these regulations and releases the organizers from any civil or criminal liability for any accident or incident, or for damage to persons or property resulting from or caused by the competitor, that may occur during the event. The official event regulations are those published on the website www.monterosaskymarathon.com.

For anything not covered or specified in these regulations, the FISky and ISF regulations apply.