18 April 2025

All set for the grand finale. Mezzalama Trophy, one last race that defines the season...

As spring temperatures invite trail running and mountain biking, the ski mountaineering world eagerly awaits the final great classic of the season. On Saturday the 26th, in the Aosta Valley, with a start in Cervinia and finish in Gressoney, the 24th edition of the famous “Glacier Marathon” will take place.

This historic race, created in 1933 by the friends of Ottorino Mezzalama to honor his memory, will not only award the ISMF long-distance world titles but also conclude the two-year cycle of La Grande Course — the most technical and prestigious ski mountaineering circuit in the Alps and the Pyrenees.

For the occasion, the elite of the discipline and the passionate skimo community will take on a legendary 40 km alpine challenge with nearly 4,000 m of elevation gain, reaching the summits of Castore (4,228 m) and the Naso of Lyskamm (4,150 m), before descending to the finish line. On the same day, the youth categories will also compete on specially designed courses — still in La Grande Course style — with the chance to end their season in style by crossing the same finish line as their idols.

In the afternoon, after the races, the circuit awards will be presented for both the overall and youth categories. Staying true to its commitment to the "ski mountaineers of tomorrow," the classic race circuit will this year reward the most deserving athletes with a reimbursement of their registration fees.

As for the overall ranking, three French athletes lead the standings. Tied in first place are the world champions and recent winners of both the Pierra Menta and Adamello Skiraid: William Bon Mardion – Xavier Gachet. In the women’s field, the formidable Lorna Bonnel has already all but secured the final victory.

If you haven’t registered yet, hurry up — the Mezzalama Trophy registration will officially close at midnight on April 21st. Important to note: this year, the race will be run in pairs instead of teams of three.