Everything you need to know about X Alps 2025

What is the Red Bull X-Alps?

Red Bull X-Alps is a biennial international hike-and-fly paragliding race, considered the toughest adventure race in the world. Since its creation in 2003, it has attracted the world’s best paragliding and ultra-endurance athletes, who must cross the Alps by connecting a series of mandatory turnpoints — solely by foot or paraglider.

Key Dates for the 2025 Edition

• Prologue: June 12, 2025 – Kitzbühel, Austria
• Main Race: June 15 to 27, 2025 – From Kitzbühel to Zell am See, Austria

The 2025 Route: A New Challenge

The 2025 edition features a brand-new 1,280 km course — the longest in race history — forming a figure-eight loop around the Alps. Athletes must pass through 16 turnpoints, including:

• St. Moritz (Switzerland): a central turnpoint to be crossed both on the outbound and return leg
• Les Deux Alpes (France): the first return to France since 2019
• Mont Blanc: accessible only via a via ferrata
• Niesen (Switzerland): an iconic summit linked to champion Chrigel Maurer

The course also includes three mandatory via ferrata ascents: two in Italy and one in France, adding a significant technical component.

Participants: An Exceptional Line-Up

The 2025 edition gathers 35 athletes from 17 countries, including:

• Chrigel Maurer (SUI1): undefeated Swiss champion since 2009
• Damien Lacaze (FRA1) and Maxime Pinot (FRA2): runner-up and third place finishers in 2023
• Celine Lorenz (GER2): the only female participant, returning for her second edition
• 17 rookies: first-time competitors ready to challenge the veterans

Race Rules

• Movement: only by foot or paraglider
• Hours:
  • Hiking: 5:00 AM to 10:30 PM
  • Flying: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
• Mandatory rest: between 10:30 PM and 5:00 AM, with a 6-hour minimum rest period
• Night Pass: each athlete may use one pass to break curfew once during the race
• Elimination: the last-place team is eliminated every two days starting from day four

Mandatory Equipment

Each participant must carry:

• Paraglider, harness, helmet, and reserve parachute
• Smartphone and two GPS trackers
• Flare with two arrows for emergency signaling
• Avalanche beacon, shovel, and sturdy mountain shoes in high-risk zones

Live Tracking

The race can be followed in real time on the official website: redbullxalps.com

Key Takeaways

• New 1,280 km route with 16 turnpoints
• Three mandatory via ferrata ascents
• 35 athletes from 17 countries, including 17 rookies
• Strict rules: foot or paraglider travel only, specific hours, regular eliminations
• Mandatory equipment to ensure participant safety

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is the favorite to win in 2025?

Chrigel Maurer is the reigning champion and has won every edition since 2009. However, strong challengers like Damien Lacaze and Maxime Pinot are expected to push hard for the win.

How can I follow the race live?

Live tracking is available on the official website redbullxalps.com, with real-time updates on athlete positions.

What are ideal weather conditions for flying?

Ideal conditions include sunny days with moderate winds. However, pilots must be ready to adapt to rapidly changing Alpine weather.

At Freedom Parapente, we’re proud to support Damien Lacaze — the undisputed underdog of the 2025 edition, ready to give Christian Maurer a serious challenge.

You can also find on Freedom Parapente the talk Damien gave in Clermont-Ferrand last year about his incredible 2023 performance.