Races

Ultra Trail Vipava Valley

SloveniaMay

Slovenia, May. Alpine trails. 106 km. Cutoff 25 hours. The cols come whether you are ready or not.

66 mi25 hours1,480 ft to 2,031 fttech 5/106 stationsWSER qualifierMay

Distances

Distance66 mi
Altitude1,480 ft to 2,031 ft
Technicality5/10
Air32°F to 75°F
Gradient profileOfficial race GPX
  • Start1,631 ft
  • High2,025 ft
  • Low1,485 ft
  • Finish1,621 ft
Aid stations6 stops verified
  1. Slovenia at mile 0.0
  2. Ultra Trail Vipava Valley mile 13 at mile 13, cutoff 5 hours
  3. Ultra Trail Vipava Valley mile 26 at mile 26, cutoff 10 hours
  4. Ultra Trail Vipava Valley mile 40 at mile 40, cutoff 15 hours
  5. Ultra Trail Vipava Valley mile 53 at mile 53, cutoff 20 hours
  6. Finish Slovenia at mile 66, cutoff 25 hours

Geometrycourse math

Steepest drop525 ft-3.7% over 2.7 mi
Night miles18 misunset near 19:00 local

The cruxHigh cols above 2,400 m and long stone descents (near mile 43)

Course DNA

The Course

Ultra Trail Vipava Valley runs 106 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 33.

The Work

Train for the climbing across 106 km. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 25 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 43.

Kit

May in Slovenia: plan for 32°F to 75°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 25 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 16. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 75% trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 33.

Race Day

Hold effort through mile 16. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 33. High cols above 2,400 m and long stone descents near mile 43 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 22 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.

Ultra Trail Vipava Valley