50th Edition Of The Glacier Flea Hike To Take Place On August 7th

Since its premiere in 1971, the Glacier Flea Hike from Obergurgl to Vent has delighted participants from all over the world. On Sunday, August 7th, the organizers invite you to the anniversary edition in the Ötztal.

The popular Glacier Flea Hike from Obergurgl (1,930 m) to Vent (1,900 m) ranks among the great challenges for Alpine hikers, leading right across the high Alpine glacier area of the upper Ötztal. This traditional hike takes alpinists up to the 3,200 m high Ramoljoch ridge. A truly outstanding event that gives fantastic insights into Ötztal's mountain and glacier world.

An event that promotes cooperation between the ski clubs in Gurgl and Vent. In the early 1970s, this was the basic idea from which the glacier flea march developed. The then SC Gurgl chairman Gotthard Scheiber walked the route with his treasurer and defined the route from Obergurgl (1,930 m) to the Ramolhaus (3,006 m) over the Ramoljoch (3,200 m) to Vent (1,900 m). However, when setting the time limits, they underestimated the sportiness of the starters. Because the gold medals were already gone at the finish line at the premiere. Too many of the participants mastered the demanding route over 16 kilometers and 1,350 meters in altitude under the limit of four hours. New personal bests have been set over the decades.

consciously perceive nature

Irrespective of individual top performances, the value of the glacier flea march lies above all in encouraging people to see nature and the landscape consciously. And because of the event, leaving your personal comfort zone on the move with like-minded people. In total, more than 200 athletes in all age groups start every year. Ötztal vacationers in particular have been making use of it for five decades to experience the natural beauty from Gurgl to Vent in a sporty but enjoyable way.

Popular mascot

The eponymous glacier flea has accompanied the people's march since the early years. The posters with the mascots were particularly popular and guests were happy to take them home as memorabilia.

50th Glacier Flea March

When: Sunday, August 7, 2022 - Start: between 6 a.m. and 7.30 a.m
Route: Obergurgl (1,930 m) - Küppelealm (2,303 m) - Ramolhaus (3,006 m) - Ramoljoch (3,200 m) - Langeben (2,583 m) - Vent (1,900 m).
Entry fee: 15 euros for adults or 8 euros for children (up to 14 years) and seniors (from 60 years). Included are a taxi return transfer from Vent to Obergurgl, a drink with a morning pint in the finish area and a free luggage transfer from Gurgl to Vent.

Checkpoints

Start: Obergurgl (1930 m) - pick-up Start Cards - 6.00 - 7.30 a.m.
Küppelealm (2.303 m) 3 km - 9.00 a.m.
Ramolhaus (3006 m) 7 km - food and drink - 11.30 a.m.
Ramoljoch (3200 m) 9 km - 1.30 pm
Langeben (2583 m) 12 km - 2.30 pm
Finish: Vent (1900 m) 16 km - 4.00 pm

If you want to receive the badge/certificate it is absolutely necessary that you pass all checkpoints by stamping also your card.

Service along the hiking track

The whole track is supervised by a radio communication system. First aid and safety teams are spread all over the high Alpine hiking route. Alpine emergency call: 140! Liability: The hiking event organizer doesn't assume any responsibility. In the course of registration all participants know and accept the general event terms and rules.

More details

EVENT ORGANIZER SC Gurgl - SC Vent
START 07.08.2022from 06.00 am through 7.30 am at the village square in Obergurgl
FINISH LINE Vent - Local Administration / Fire Department
ENTRY Registration online or right at the Start by paying the entry fee and picking-up the Start Card.
ENTRY FEE € 15.00 per adult person / € 8.00 per child (up to 14 years) and seniors (over 60 years). The entry fee also includes the return transfer by bus from Vent to Obergurgl and 1 drink at the entertainment event in the finish area.
SHUTTLES Taxi from Vent to Obergurgl running from 11.00 am.
GENERAL TERMS Everyone reaching the finish area in Vent by 4.00 pm reveives the Golden Glacier Flea.
Trophy: for the 3 fastest male and female participants, the oldest male and female participants and the youngest male and female participants.
IMPORTANT NOTE The Ötztal Glacier Flea Hike is a challenging tour in a high Alpine area, leading up to about 3200 meters above sea level. The trail is mostly well-marked (red trail blazes) and travels along signposted routes of the Alpine Association.
Nevertheless, it is suitable only for experienced hikers in an excellent physical shape with enough stamina.
Sturdy hiking boots are absolutely required as well as appropriate mountain gear like warm jackets and weather-proof clothes - also in good weather!
PLEASE NOTE - Only participate in the Glacier Flea Hike if you are in an excellent health condition
Never leave the marked route!
Try to walk at a moderate and study pace from one station to the next.