Winter Hiking and Mountain Hut Delights: Experience Tyrol’s Winter Magic
20.05.2026 Lowa Trail Trophy – The Ultimate Trail Adventure
Everyone knows multi-day hiking tours in the mountains – but running from stage to stage through the Alps for four consecutive days? For trail running enthusiasts, that sounds like the perfect adventure – and that is exactly what the Lowa Trail Trophy offers.
From 14 to 17 May 2026, the Reutte Nature Park Region, together with the Tannheimer Tal and Pfronten, hosted the event for the second time. The cross-border route between Tyrol and the Allgäu covered 103 kilometres and around 5.500 metres of elevation gain. Thanks to the excellent organisation, including shuttle services and luggage transport between the stage locations, participants were able to focus entirely on the race.
Around 350 runners explored the region’s impressive mountain scenery and diverse trails over the four days. From flowing trails and panoramic mountain paths to exciting alpine sections, the region offers everything a trail runner could wish for and truly proves itself to be a trail running paradise.
A True Challenge and Pure Enjoyment for Trail Running Fans
Every day brought a new stage, new scenery and new challenges. Instead of one single ultra-distance race, the Lowa Trail Trophy creates a multi-day experience that challenges both body and mind. However, the focus was not only on athletic performance, but also on the mountain experience and the sense of community. Cheering zones along the course and shared evening events created a special atmosphere and made the event feel like a true trail running community experience.
Whether ambitious trail runners or recreational runners looking for a unique adventure, participants could choose between completing all four stages, only two stages, or taking part as a relay team. The relay format in particular made the event a perfect active holiday for friends, couples and families, as the stages could be split flexibly and combined with experiences in the region.
For me personally, after my great experience at the Lechlauf last year, it was immediately clear that I wanted to take part in another local race and experience the unique atmosphere of my “training playground” around Reutte once again. Preparing on the trails of the Reutte Nature Park Region provided the perfect conditions for it.
The Four Stages of the Lowa Trail Trophy
The event already began one day before the official start with an opening ceremony, race briefing and dinner in Pfronten. There, all participants received their race bibs and starter packs – and the excitement for the upcoming days in the mountains was clearly noticeable.
Stage 1 Pfronten - Grän
22,2 km | 1.657 m elevation gain
The first stage led from Pfronten up to the Breitenberg and onwards across the snow-covered Böser Tritt. Following the scenic Gräner Höhenweg past the Sebenalpe hut, Gamskopf and Füssener Jöchle, the route continued to the Füssener Hütte mountain hut before one final climb to the Hallergernjoch and a fantastic downhill into the finish in Grän.
Panoramic mountain views, snow, muddy trails and technically demanding sections turned the opening stage into a true adventure right from the start.
Stage 2 Grän - Weißenbach
28,4 km | 1.167 m elevation gain
From Grän, the route led to Tannheim and continued uphill towards the Usseralpe mountain hut. After a beautiful downhill into the Strindental valley, the Lowa Cheering Zone created an incredible atmosphere along the course. Via the Edenalpe hut, Krinnenalpe hut and the Meraner Steig, the trail continued towards Gaicht before descending over the old Gaichtpass into the finish in Weißenbach am Lech.
The second stage was technically easier, but its longer distance and many runnable sections demanded plenty of endurance. However, every single kilometre was rewarded with stunning mountain views along the way.
Stage 3 Weißenbach - Reutte
21,5 km | 970 m elevation gain
The third stage crossed my home mountain, the Bergwelt Hahnenkamm, and was a real highlight for me. Due to snowfall, the route had to be adjusted and shortened. Via the old Gaichtpass and the Schneetalalm mountain hut, the trail climbed up to the Tiefjoch, where fresh snow and dense fog created a truly mystical atmosphere. Later, the sun even appeared and transformed the snow-covered mountains into a spectacular panorama. Passing the Lechaschauer Alm mountain hut, Wängle and Lechaschau, and following the River Lech, the route eventually led into the finish in Reutte.
In the evening, a special event awaited us at the Burgenwelt Ehrenberg castle, including dinner, the Lowa Athletes Talk, the stage awards ceremony and the briefing for the final stage.
Stage 4 Reutte - Pfronten
31,5 km | 1.492 m elevation gain
The last and at the same time longest stage started in Reutte and followed the River Lech towards Lake Frauensee before climbing steeply up into the Sulztal valley. After reaching the Hahlejoch, a technical downhill led to the Musauer Alm mountain hut, before the route continued through the Reintal valley towards the Füssener Hütte mountain hut and the Füssener Jöchle.
The long downhill from the Vilser Alm mountain hut and the final kilometres along the River Vils to Pfronten became a real challenge on tired legs – a tough but worthy finale to the Trophy. Extra motivation for the final kilometres came in the form of a sweet traditional dish, Kaiserschmarrn (fluffy shredded pancake) already waiting for us at the finish line.
Everyone Is a Winner When the Real Goal Is the Experience Itself
Crossing the finish line in Pfronten after four intense days, we were overwhelmed with emotions – what an incredible experience it had been! The conditions were anything but easy for a trail running race: snow, mud, slippery trails and even hail made the Trophy especially challenging. Spring down in the valley, winter up in the mountains. But that is exactly part of the fascination of trail running – or as the saying goes: there is no bad weather, only bad clothing.
Due to the constantly changing weather, the course had to be adjusted several times. Nevertheless, the organisers did an amazing job and continuously found beautiful and safe alternative routes. A huge thank you therefore goes to all organisers, volunteers and the medical team, whose hard work ensured a safe and unforgettable event for everyone involved.
Despite the difficult conditions, the atmosphere along the course was fantastic. Smiling faces on the trails and enthusiastic supporters provided an extra boost of energy during every stage. Congratulations to every participant who battled through all the challenges and crossed the finish line with a smile.
I personally finished the Lowa Trail Trophy as the sixth fastest woman in my age group and eighth fastest woman overall – a result far beyond my expectations. The Lowa Trail Trophy was an unforgettable experience for me, both athletically and scenically. Even when you already know the trails, the mountains reveal a different face every single day.
LECHLAUF GOES ULTRA!
After the success of this event, the next challenge is already marked in my calendar: the Lechlauf will take place on 19 September 2026 with new routes and a special highlight – the Ultra Trail of over 50 kilometres and more than 3.100 metres of elevation gain.
For those who prefer shorter distances, there are also suitable routes for all levels. Trail running in the Reutte Nature Park Region is more than just sport – it is adventure, challenge, and pure nature experience all in one.
Written by:
Anna