Aaron Durogati wins Red Bull X-Alps 2025

Famed for his big mountain exploits, Aaron Durogati is a Red Bull X-Alps veteran, having competed in every race since 2013.

Italy

Lars Meerstetter

Lars Meerstetter is an exceptional athlete, a Swiss champion who supported Maurer in 2023 and definitely a podium contender.

Switzerland

Simon Oberrauner

One of the most impressive athletes in the line-up, Simon Oberrauner has been a top ten athlete in four previous editions, and came third in 2021.

Austria

Christian Maurer

Chrigel Maurer has won this race every edition since he entered in 2009 and shows no sign of slowing down.

Switzerland

For the first time in 16 years, Red Bull X-Alps has a new winner. Aaron Durogati (ITA1), a two-time World Cup paragliding champion, who has been trying to win the race since 2013, sensationally beat eight-time Red Bull X-Alps champion Chrigel Maurer (SUI1) after making a ‘magic move’ across the Karwendel mountains during the final leg of the race.

At 13:00 he had arrived first into Turnpoint 14, Lermoos – Tiroler Zugspitz Arena, but only seconds ahead of Chrigel, Simon Oberrauner (AUT1) and Lars Meerstetter (SUI4).

After climbing 1.000m up to launch he then made his move opting for a direct line to Zell am See staying north of the airspace around Innsbruck airport, whereas the other three athletes chose to go south. In the end it was an inspired move and by mid-afternoon he was 30km ahead of his rivals.

In the early evening, he had a clear lead and when he top landed at Turnpoint 15, Schmittenhöhe, at 19:24 his victory was sealed. He then glided down to the finishing float in Lake Zell, arriving at 20:01.

Amid emotional scenes an ecstatic Aaron said, “It was such a strong race and it’s unbelievable that I did it! I can’t even describe how this makes me feel. My glide to Schmittenhöhe was insane.”

Aaron was just too fast
Christian Maurer

Lars was 2nd to make the finish, Simon third and Chrigel narrowly missed on the podium coming fourth. The defeated champion said that “Aaron was just too fast.”

Race co-founder and organizer Ulrich Grill said: “This has been the most exciting finish in Red Bull X-Alps history! For the first time since 2009 we have a new winner. My congratulations to Aaron Durogati for a spectacular performance in this year’s race.”

The race is far from over!

Follow the remaining athletes via 3D Live Tracking on redbullxalps.com and get the latest race updates directly via the Red Bull X-Alps WhatsApp channel.