Hike-and-Fly Alpine Relay (X-Alps Style)

Highlights

• Combines trail running, mountaineering, and paragliding into a single competitive format across the Austrian Alps.
• The Zillertal valley provides consistent thermal lift and dramatic alpine launch sites above 2,000 m.
• Designed as a talent pipeline and qualifier for the full Red Bull X-Alps race.
• All disciplines happen within a concentrated valley, making spectating and logistics more accessible than the main race.
• Weather windows dictate strategy — reading conditions and timing launches is as important as fitness.

Planning Steps

1. Obtain a paragliding license (minimum EN-B rated wing experience) and confirm your comfort level with alpine launches and thermic flying in mountainous terrain.
2. Register for the Red Bull X-Alps Challenger event through the official website. The 2026 edition runs May 28–31 in Mayrhofen, Austria.
3. Book flights to Innsbruck Airport (INN), the closest international hub. Mayrhofen is roughly 75 km southeast in the Zillertal valley, reachable by train or car.
4. Train for combined mountain running and paragliding transitions. The format demands fast vertical ascents followed by efficient launches from exposed ridgelines.
5. Arrive one day early for check-in, weather briefing, and route familiarization in the Zillertal valley.