The Austrian Tirol is preparing to host a packed programme of thrilling sporting events in summer 2024. Top athletes and amateur enthusiasts can test their stamina or feed their interest in a wide range of disciplines and competitions across the region. Whether you are running, cycling, climbing or watching from the sidelines, all will be held against magnificent mountains, lake and valley backdrops with varied and dramatic terrain.
With its 34 regional associations, Tirol is one of the leading holiday destinations in the Alps. Tirolean tourism is characterised by almost 200 years of history and various pioneering achievements. Summer and winter guests alike appreciate the alpine mountain landscape and nature, the high quality of service and infrastructure, as well as the welcoming hospitality.
Events to participate in
Mountain bike events
HillClimb in Brixen im Thale (22 June 2024): The thrilling HillClimb in the Kitzbühel Alps is the sequel to the former KitzAlpBike Festival. With a new format it is now open to both pros and amateurs. Participants even have the opportunity to choose their own bike type – everything from mountain and gravel bikes to e-bikes are allowed.
Ischgl Ironbike (2-3 August 2024): In its 29th year, the Ischgl Ironbike is one of the toughest mountain bike marathons in Europe, with one category covering 71 kilometres and 3,200 vertical metres of historic, partially asphalted and gravelled, ancient smugglers’ trails from Ischgl via Galtür to Samnaun. The Bike Marathon forms the event’s highlight, alongside a mini version of suitable for kids and juniors.
Road bike and race cycling events
Kufsteinerland Cycle Marathon: (25 August 2024): The Kufsteinerland Cycle Marathon will be held for the eighth time in August 2024. To cater for all levels there are three disciplines to choose from: the Cycle Marathon route (120 kilometres, 1,800 metres elevation) the slightly shorter Lakes Circuit (95 kilometres, 1,160 metres elevation) and the more leisurely Panorama Tour through the Inn Valley (48 kilometres, 400 metres elevation).
Trail running events
Paznaun Ischgl Ultra Trail (12-13 July 2024): A new event in the trail running calendar 1st PIUT. Amateurs and professionals compete on four differently challenging panoramic routes across Paznaun – from See to Kappl and Galtür to Ischgl. Trail run pros compete in the PIUT 85 with over 5,200 metres elevation over a distance of 85 kilometres, (including four stages of the Paznaun High Trail). Shorter distances of between 20 and 50 kilometres are also possible, and mini athletes can get their first taste of racing at the PIUT KIDS RUN.
KAT100 by UTMB (1-3 August 2024): Trail runners can now lace up their running shoes for the KAT100 by UTMB in PillerseeTal for five distances across the Kitzbühel Alps. This event also features Austria’s longest ultra trail, the “100 Miles” distance – covering 173.2 kilometres and 9,929 vertical metres. Several other distances – the Endurance Trail, Marathon Trail, Speed Trail and Easy Trail – are also available, all starting from Fieberbrunn. Running enthusiasts can also put their stamina to the test on the Kids Trail.
Hiking events
Zillertal Steinbock March (17 August 2024): The “classic amongst alpine marches” is already more than 50 years old and will be held over a 30-kilometre route through the Zillertal Alps – with contenders covering an ascent of 1,871 metres and a descent of 1,610 metres. It starts at the Nature Park House in Ginzling, after which the route leads towards the Floitental valley on to the highest point, the Mörchnerscharte at almost 2,900 metres, before continuing via the Berliner Hut and Zemmgrund to the finish at Alpengasthof Breitlahner.
Arlberger Wadlbeißer (31 August 2024): At 13.5 kilometres, 700 metres in altitude and 24 obstacles, the Arlberger Wadlbeißer is not your everyday kind of obstacle course. It demands everything from its participants – as they run, slide and scramble to successfully reach the finish line. In addition to the long-distance version, there is also a shorter route of 7 kilometres and 15 obstacles. Both variants lead through the impressive surrounding mountains of St. Anton am Arlberg.
Red Bull Dolomitenmann (7 September 2024): The Red Bull Dolomitenmann, is one of the world’s toughest relay competitions, against the spectacular Dolomites backdrop. Around 100 teams from all over the world will compete in mountain running, paragliding, white-water kayaking and mountain biking. Teams of four athletes battle it out against steep slopes, unpredictable winds, raging floods and extreme terrain for the title.
Events to watch
Crankworx Innsbruck (12-16 June 2024): For the eighth time, Innsbruck is hosting the world’s biggest gravity mountain bike festival, Crankworx. Fans can once again look forward to a spectacular show at Bikepark Innsbruck, Muttereralm and cheer on their favourites in slopestyle, speed and style, dual slalom, whip-off and on the pump track. The world’s best will compete against at the only European stop on the World Tour this year. Women will also be competing in slopestyle for the first time in Tirol.
IFSC Climbing World Cup Innsbruck (24-30 June 2024): More than 400 athletes from 40 nations will return to Innsbruck to put their skills to the test at the IFSC Climbing World Cup. Competitions in all four disciplines of lead, bouldering, speed and paraclimbing promise a first-class event for spectators at the final opportunity. Audiences are guaranteed a great atmosphere and impressive performances, as Tirol’s provincial capital offers the final opportunity this year to determine the athletes’ standings in the bouldering and lead disciplines before the Olympic Games in Paris.
Generali Tennis Open Kitzbühel (20-27 July 2024): Austria’s biggest clay court tournament turns 80 years old in 2024. With just one week to go before the Summer Olympics in Paris, thousands of tennis fans are again expected at this year’s Generali Open in Kitzbühel. The world’s best tennis players will be battling it out for the coveted Kitzbühel trophy and lucrative prize money as part of the ATP World Tour. Spectators can look forward to some thrilling matches!
For more sporting events in Austrian Tirol see tyrol.com