Adamello Ultra Trail – the hidden alpine challenge of the September calendar
The Adamello Ultra Trail 2024 was, without a doubt, one of the most demanding and rewarding races I’ve ever attempted. Right from the first kilometer, I knew I was in for something different—something more than just a physical test. This race, often overshadowed by bigger names on the September calendar, delivers a raw and authentic alpine experience that’s perfect for runners who thrive in rugged terrain and silence.
A race carved into alpine history
Based in Ponte di Legno, a picturesque mountain town in Lombardy, Italy, the Adamello Ultra Trail 2025 offers multiple distances—170 km, 100 km, and 35 km. I ran the 100 km option, which was plenty to get a full taste of the course’s wild beauty and brutal honesty.
The route traverses historic military paths from World War I, and that legacy is everywhere. As you run, you’ll pass crumbling bunkers, steel cable remnants, and narrow trails dug straight into the granite walls. It’s as if the landscape itself carries the memory of struggle and perseverance—fitting for an ultra of this magnitude.
Unlike many commercial ultras, the Adamello Ultra Trail 2025 remains refreshingly untouched. The vibe is low-key, the crowd intimate, and the volunteers deeply connected to the land. That authenticity alone made the trip to Ponte di Legno worth it.
Route overview: remote, technical, and utterly scenic
What sets the Adamello Ultra Trail 2025 apart is not just its distance—it’s the terrain. Expect continuous ascents and descents over rocky ridgelines, narrow alpine passes, and boulder fields where running is nearly impossible. I remember one particular section around Passo del Tonale where we scrambled for nearly 2 kilometers, moving more like mountaineers than runners.
The 100 km course clocks in at about 6,000 meters of elevation gain, with a large portion above 2,000 meters. That altitude becomes a factor, especially at night. Temperatures drop quickly, and fog rolls in fast. For those tackling the full 170 km, you’ll flirt with over 11,000 meters of elevation gain—making it one of the most vertical races in Europe.
Aid stations are sparse and often remote, so you need to run smart. I carried a full set of layers, trekking poles, and extra nutrition. This isn’t the race to rely solely on what’s available at the checkpoints.
Time limits: generous but not forgiving
The cut-off times at the Adamello Ultra Trail 2025 are designed to allow a wide range of runners to finish—but don’t be fooled. The generous windows are necessary due to the sheer difficulty of the terrain. For the 100 km route, the limit is 32 hours, while the 170 km gives runners up to 54 hours.
While this may sound comfortable, I found myself battling the clock during the second night. Technical descents in the dark slowed me down far more than I expected. If you underestimate the course, it will punish you—no matter how experienced you are.
That said, finishing this ultra felt more satisfying than any previous race I’ve done. You earn every single kilometer, and crossing that line in Ponte di Legno feels like a personal triumph, not just a race result.
How I trained for this beast
Preparing for the Adamello Ultra Trail 2025 required more than long weekend runs. Here’s what made the difference:
- Back-to-back long runs on steep terrain: I mimicked race weekends by doing 30 km on Saturday and 20+ km on Sunday, with at least 1,500 meters of elevation gain each day.
- Night runs and technical descents: I got used to moving over rocky trails with a headlamp, since much of the race would happen in darkness. Descending at night was a skill I had to train intentionally.
- Strength and mobility work: Twice a week I focused on ankle stability, glute strength, and core balance. The uneven footing and long descents are brutal without it.
- Altitude adaptation: I spent three weekends above 2,000 meters. While I didn’t sleep at altitude regularly, these short exposures helped reduce the shock.
- Simulated aid station strategy: I trained with long gaps between aid refills—sometimes up to 4 hours—so I knew how much food and water I’d really need to carry.
This approach paid off. Despite the course’s brutality, I felt mentally ready for the solitude and physically prepared for the punishment.
Why Adamello stands out in the ultra world
While most people associate September with UTMB or other headline events, the Adamello Ultra Trail 2025 offers something more personal. You won’t find thousands of runners here. Instead, you’ll share the trail with a few hundred who are here for the same reason: to challenge themselves in a raw, wild setting.
What I loved most wasn’t just the views (though they were incredible), but the stillness. At one point, hours passed without seeing another runner. There were moments when I stopped—not out of exhaustion, but just to look around and breathe it in.
If you’re looking for a race that’s less about spectacle and more about inner resilience, this is it. The Adamello Ultra Trail 2025 will test your skills, your patience, and your grit—but it will also give back more than you expect.
Gear tips and lessons learned
A few key takeaways that helped me—and might help you too:
- Shoes with aggressive grip are non-negotiable. There are too many rocky traverses to risk slipping.
- Trekking poles saved my legs—especially on the long climbs. Don’t race without them.
- Extra socks are worth the weight. I changed twice and avoided blisters completely.
- Waterproof gloves came in handy during the cold night stages.
- Pace for survival, not performance. Everyone slows down. Focus on staying steady and calm.
This is not a race where you chase your PR. It’s a race where you chase your limit.
Final thoughts: would I run it again?
Absolutely. The Adamello Ultra Trail 2025 pushed me in ways I hadn’t expected. It forced me to adapt, to dig deep, and to trust myself on terrain that many races avoid. More than anything, it reminded me why I love trail running: for the solitude, the challenge, and the connection to something larger than myself.
If you’re considering adding a race to your calendar that will truly test your limits—and reward you with a sense of deep satisfaction—make the trip to Ponte di Legno next September. You won’t regret it.
