Adventure Racing
Athletes Application for Red Bull X-Alps 2027 is closed
The Athlete Application for Red Bull X-Alps 2027 is officially closed. Now, the selection process begins to find the next generation of Red Bull X-Alps athletes.
A huge thank you to every athlete who applied for Red Bull X-Alps 2027. The application window has closed, and the Race Committee will begin to carefully review the applications from 23 different countries to determine who will earn a place on the start line of the world’s toughest adventure race. The selection phase runs from September 1 to October 13, before the final line-up of 35 athletes is announced on October 14, 2026.
What does it take to be selected?
Red Bull X-Alps brings together the most complete hike-and-fly athletes of the world. Being fast on foot or highly skilled in the air alone is not enough. Athletes need to combine outstanding endurance with excellent flying skills, extensive mountain experience and the ability to make smart decisions in constantly changing alpine conditions.
Athletes Application for Red Bull X-Alps 2027 is now closed
© © zooom / Sebastian Marko
The Race Committee will take a close look at each athlete’s experience and achievements both in the air and on the ground, as well as their overall preparation and mindset. The aim is to select a highly competitive and internationally diverse field capable of taking on the unique demands of Red Bull X-Alps.
The next generation is ready
The Red Bull X-Alps Challenger in Mayrhofen earlier this year also gave the Race Committee an opportunity to see emerging hike-and-fly talent in action. Created as a pathway towards the main race, the Red Bull X-Alps Challenger tested athletes across mountain running, flying, transitions and cross-country hike-and-fly competition.
Now the focus turns to the full field for 2027. Two spots are already secured. By winning the Red Bull X-Alps Challenger Wildcards presented by Bergfreunde, Romy Sweda and Aaron Mathis, both from Switzerland, secured a direct ticket to Red Bull X-Alps 2027 and their place on the start line.
Romy Sweda showed an outstanding performance.
© zooom / Christian Lorenz
Aaron Mathis (SUI) wins the first Red Bull X-Alps Challenger Wildcard
© Christian Lorenz
Romy Sweda brings discipline and respect for nature to every flight
© zooom / Florian Scholz
Over the coming weeks, the Race Committee will carefully review every application before announcing the final 35 athletes selected for Red Bull X-Alps 2027. The competition promises to be wide open, especially after Aaron Durogati claimed victory in 2025, becoming the first new winner after Christian “Chrigel” Maurer’s eight consecutive victories. If the last edition proved anything, it’s that in Red Bull X-Alps, anything can happen.
Who will make it to the start line? Find out on October 14, 2026.
