An extraordinary edition, with perfect snow cover and weather conditions. An incredible setting made even more special by thousands of people who climbed to the top to cheer.

This edition, held on Saturday, April 26th, will be remembered as one of the most beautiful by athletes, spectators, and organizers. Perfect snow conditions on the course, favorable weather with no wind at high altitude, and about 4,000 people cheering for the teams are elements that made the "Glacier Marathon" extraordinary.

Adriano Favre gives an extremely positive overview:
"It was an extraordinary edition, both for the quality of the snow cover on the route and for the absolutely exceptional weather conditions for the altitude, with no wind at all and almost no ice in the most technical sections. As a result, this Mezzalama was very easy even for the athletes: many of them, upon arrival, highlighted these extraordinary conditions compared to the previous ones."

How did the two-person team choice work out?
"The two-person team is absolutely winning. From a race management point of view, everything is much smoother; descents are easier, and the pace is faster. For organizers, safety management has also improved: rope maneuvers are easier, and during the crest walk, the risk of falling is reduced by a third."

During the Mezzalama Trophy, thousands of people climbed up to cheer for the great champions and friends competing. What numbers are we talking about?
"Indeed, during my helicopter flights, the almost uninterrupted long line climbing towards Monte Rosa was impressive. From Punta Indren, you could see a single line of mountaineers ascending. Also from the Breuil-Cervinia side, many people headed towards Breithorn, where the first time gate for the athletes was set up at the Colle.
Yesterday was the perfect opportunity to experience the atmosphere of the Mezzalama Trophy and enjoy a high mountain trip with exceptional conditions.
Let's not forget that at high altitude, a control and safety system was active, allowing many to ascend more peacefully, knowing that in case of need, the rescue system was ready to intervene immediately.
The Glacier Marathon route is secured and marked with signs: this year it wasn't necessary, but in the past, many people have used them to find their way back, especially in the presence of afternoon fog.
I must also highlight the fundamental contribution of the Valle d’Aosta Region regarding safety, thanks to the Alpine Rescue Service and the presence of the medical helicopter at the finish area, ready to intervene at any moment."
"All these enthusiasts," continued Favre, "about 1800 from the Breuil-Cervinia side and 2000 from the Monterosa Ski area, reached high altitude thanks to the exceptional opening of the lifts before dawn and the discounted ticket prices. Our thanks go to the four companies that made this possible: Cervino Spa, the Zermatt cable cars with the new Piccolo Cervino lift, Monterosa SpA, and Monterosa 2000 in Alagna."

The video of the small Piper plane landing and taking off just a short distance from the Trofeo race field has gone viral.
"I just saw footage of these daring maneuvers. During the competition, we received no reports. The landing on the slope and the subsequent takeoff probably took place at Colle Sesia after Colle del Lys, an area out of the race track"