Werfenweng, January 11–12, 2025 – A Spectacular Weekend at ERZTROPHY 2025
The ERZTROPHY 2025 delivered pure sport and emotion this weekend: with Saturday’s Vertical Race, the new Wenger Skitouren Roas for recreational athletes, and the classic Individual Race on Sunday, the event set new standards in ski mountaineering.
Vertical Race: Kickoff of the ISMF Masters World Championship
The weekend started on Saturday with the Vertical Race – a highlight of the ISMF Masters World Championship and the SKIMO Alpencup. Around 130 participants tackled the 870-meter ascent.
Armin Höfl from Styria won with an impressive time of 36:55.38, closely followed by Christian Hoffmann (38:29.31) and Daniel Götz (41:30.35). In the women’s category, Marcela Vasinova (CZE) triumphed with a time of 47:05.50.
Spectators enjoyed the race up close, creating a fantastic atmosphere. “It was a completely successful day full of positive energy,” said Thomas Wallner from the organizing team.
Wenger Skitouren Roas: Ski Touring for Everyone
For the first time, the Wenger Skitouren Roas took place – a relaxed tour for families and recreational ski tourers. The 550-meter ascent focused on the shared experience rather than speed.
At the finish on the Strussing Alm, all participants were awarded medals. The tour continued via chairlift to the Bischling, where music, culinary highlights, and a raffle awaited. “This format perfectly complements elite sport and makes the ERZTROPHY accessible to even more people,” emphasized the organizers.
Individual Race on Sunday: Emotional Finale
The weekend’s highlight was the Individual Race on Sunday. On a challenging course of 1,600 meters of ascent (1,160 for women), top international athletes and amateurs competed for the titles.
Double Victory for Armin Höfl: After his Vertical Race win, Höfl also claimed victory in the Individual Race, taking both the World Championship title and the Austrian Championship. With a time of 1:24:57.27, he left Julian Tritscher (1:25:46.73) and Kevin Hinterberger (1:26:54.98) behind.
Women’s Podium: Tove Alexandersson (SWE) won with a time of 1:15:37.55 ahead of Evi Gudelius (GER) and Marcela Vasinova (CZE). The Austrian Championship title went to Ina Forchthammer.
Hannes Laner from the organizing team summarized enthusiastically: “The combination of top-class sport, excellent organization, and the opportunity for spectators to experience the races up close makes the ERZTROPHY unique.”
Former professional ski mountaineer Jakob Herrmann supported the athletes from the fan zone at his hut and enjoyed the atmosphere: “It was amazing to be there and cheer on my colleagues.”
ERZTROPHY Sets New Standards in Ski Mountaineering
With over 400 participants from 17 nations, ERZTROPHY 2025 set a new record. As part of the SKIMO Alpencup, upcoming races – the Jennerstier (February 15–16, 2025) and Achensee Xtreme (February 22–23, 2025) – remain highlights of the season.
Photo: Nils Lang