Races
Ultra Trail Vipava Valley
Slovenia, May. Alpine trails. 165 km. Cutoff 46 hours. The cols come whether you are ready or not.
- Start1,631 ft
- High2,031 ft
- Low1,480 ft
- Finish1,499 ft
- Slovenia at mile 0.0
- Ultra Trail Vipava Valley mile 21 at mile 21, cutoff 9.200000000000001 hours
- Ultra Trail Vipava Valley mile 41 at mile 41, cutoff 18.400000000000002 hours
- Ultra Trail Vipava Valley mile 62 at mile 62, cutoff 27.599999999999998 hours
- Ultra Trail Vipava Valley mile 82 at mile 82, cutoff 36.800000000000004 hours
- Finish Slovenia at mile 103, cutoff 46 hours
Geometrycourse math
The cruxHigh cols above 2,400 m and long stone descents (near mile 67)
Course DNA
The Course
Ultra Trail Vipava Valley runs 165 km through Slovenia. Surfaces skew 75% trail / 20% dirt road / 5% paved. High cols above 2,400 m and long stone descents. High point near 2,031 ft. Low near 1,480 ft. May temps run 32°F to 75°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 51.
The Work
Train for the climbing across 165 km. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 46 hours total means limited margin: rehearse fueling every 45 to 60 minutes and downhill eccentric work weekly. Technicality 5/10. Build a block that simulates the crux near mile 67.
Kit
May in Slovenia: plan for 32°F to 75°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 46 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 26. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 75% trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 51.
Race Day
Hold effort through mile 26. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 51. High cols above 2,400 m and long stone descents near mile 67 is where time is won or lost. Walk the steep pinches. Run the flats and gentle downhills. Crew at major aids: socks, calories, ice if hot. Transitions under 5 minutes when possible. Final third is 34 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.
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