Meet Melanie, an enthusiastic trail runner from Amsterdam who has made MoaAlm Mountain Retreat her go-to destination year after year. Nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps, MoaAlm offers the perfect backdrop for her passion for trail running — a sport that has been capturing the hearts of many worldwide.
Away from the noise of the city, trail running offers a sense of freedom and adventure, whether navigating rugged mountain paths or gently winding through forest trails. For runners like Melanie, it's an opportunity to find peace, push personal limits, and experience the outdoors in a truly unique way.
Read on and find out more about Melanie’s love for trail running and the reasons why MoaAlm has become her yearly destination of choice.
Trail running allows me to immerse myself in nature in a way that few other activities can. It's an incredible way to explore remote places that would be difficult or time-consuming to reach when walking. Trail running makes it possible to move fast and light, while getting rewarded with the most amazing views. This enables me to cover longer distances more efficiently, giving me a broader perspective of the Alpine landscapes I love. It’s more than just covering distances—it's about the thrill of facing and overcoming challenges on the trails, like navigating technical terrain, crossing rivers, and tackling steep uphills. These obstacles test my limits, but because they require focus. Trail running brings me a very specific sense of peace that I otherwise do not easily find. Besides, I enjoy the feeling of strength and empowerment when overcoming these challenges. So running through the wilderness not only clears my mind but also reinforces my belief in myself.
Trail running in Kals am Großglockner is an experience like no other. The routes are diverse and the area caters to all my moods and energy levels. Whether I feel like a short, steep climb or a longer, flowy trail, the options are endless. The area is blessed with stunning high peaks, varied terrain, and breathtaking views, including those of Austria's highest mountain, the Großglockner (3,798 meters). The sight of this majestic peak on the horizon adds a sense of awe to my runs. To fuel up halfway during your run or have a rest after, you can visit on of the mountain huts and enjoy some traditional Austrian food. The combination of remarkable landscapes, diverse trails, and welcoming huts makes trail running in Kals am Großglockner, at the base of the Hohe Tauren Natipnal Park, truly special to me.
The Grossglockner Ultra Trail (GGUT) holds a special place in my heart, deeply tied to my connection with Kals and MoaAlm Mountain Retreat, where I've returned almost every year since 2021. From the moment I first heard about the GGUT during my initial visit to MoaAlm, I felt an irresistible pull to be a part of it. I signed up for the 35k edition in 2022, and it was an incredible experience. So, when I planned my visit to MoaAlm this summer, there was no doubt in my mind—I had to challenge myself with a longer distance (57km) in the GGUT this year.
What I really like about the GGUT course is that you're literally running around the Großglockner. The course takes you through the stunning alpine landscapes of the Hohe Tauern National Park, and you're rewarded with breathtaking views of the Großglockner or other beautiful peaks after most of the big climbs. The thrill of covering such vast distances and running between Kals and Kaprun across mountain ranges adds a unique sense of adventure for me. The atmosphere at the start in Kals was unforgettable, with music filling the air and the cheering of the crowd providing an extra boost of energy.
For me MoaAlm is an ideal base for trail running because the location offers direct access to some of the best trails right out of the front door. With the Hohe Tauern National Park and the Großglockner practically in its backyard, you can start a lot of different runs the moment you step outside. Since the MoaAlm is located at 1800 meters above sea level, this also helps getting used to the elevation (especially for me as a Dutchie). Not only the great location, but also the delicious and nutritious vegan food, such as a three-course dinner, makes staying at MoaAlm one of my favourite bases for trail running. For me, the daily yoga sessions that are offered at MoaAlm are also a plus and a perfect combination with trail running. Not only does it help with my balance and focus, which also comes in handy on the trails, it also helps me to stay flexible and reduce sore muscles after a long run. Finally, after a long day on the trails, there’s nothing better than soaking in the wood fired hot tub to relax and soothe my muscles.
I had an unforgettable experience staying at MoaAlm and running the GGUT this summer and will definitely be back another year. If you’re looking for a trail running adventure, consider a week at MoaAlm Mountain Retreat! Whether you’re aiming for shorter or longer distances, easier or more technical terrains, you can find it all.