For the sixth time, Saalfelden Leogang was the destination of a very special long-distance hike last weekend. As part of the "Stoabergmarsch24", 110 participants took part in a 24-hour hike through the mountains of the Pinzgau and the Tyrolean lowlands in conditions that were not always easy. For the first time, the sporting event was organised as a "green event".
Intensive hiking and a special nature experience in equal measure - that is the "Stoabergmarsch24". Last weekend, the sixth edition of this exceptional format was on the programme in the Salzburg/Tyrol border region.
On Saturday morning, the 110 participants set off on a day-and-night journey across mountains, alpine pastures and villages from the Saalachtal valley in Salzburg via the PillerseeTal valley in Tyrol and back to Pinzgau in Saalfelden Leogang. Despite intermittent rain showers and low temperatures, the 55-kilometre route with an altitude difference of 6,000 metres and a finish in the Schwarzleotal valley provided the starters with captivating impressions as well as energy-sapping ascents and descents. The stage destinations included the Schmidt-Zabierow-Hütte and the Wehrgrubenjoch (2218 metres), before heading via Hochfilzen and the Grießener Almen to the finish in the Leogang district of Hütten. The hikers were accompanied not only by trained guides, but also by the burning fires of the midsummer celebrations: "This was certainly one of the most challenging tours this year, especially due to the low temperatures. But the group was very fit overall and everyone was happy at the finish line to have experienced something extraordinary," explains guide Markus Kogler.
Long-distance hike was the first green event
The "Stoabergmarsch24" has carried the "Green Event Salzburg" seal of approval since this year and was organised as a green event for the first time. The focus was on the possibility of travelling to the event by public transport, waste avoidance and the use of regional products.
Stoaberg March 2019 - date already fixed
Next year's date has also already been set for 22 - 23 June 2019. The start will be in Saalfelden Leogang, route details will be communicated early on the official Stoabergmarsch24 website: www.stoabergmarsch.at
