Wanderbird Trophy Series Opens Its Season in Werfenweng

The Wanderbird Trophy hike-and-fly series made its first stop of the season in Werfenweng, Austria last weekend. From 7–9 August, more than 80 pilots from nine countries gathered to tackle a course through the Tennen mountains south of Salzburg, turning the event into a highlight of the hike-and-fly calendar.

Salzburg local Helmut Eichholzer took the win in the main category after a tight battle with Italian Red Bull X-Alps champion and new hike-and-fly world record holder Aaron Durogati, who finished second. Germany’s Falko Staps completed the podium. In the women’s Hero category, Elisabeth Fuchsreiter was the only female starter – “while this meant she took the win uncontested, it takes nothing away from her outstanding performance,” a race official noted.

The race began at the Werfenweng cable-car valley station, with athletes climbing to the top of Bischling before racing the remaining cylinder turnpoints around Werfen Castle, Grießenkareck and Bischofsmütze. A thick cloud layer initially grounded flying; after a long break the skies cleared and the first pilots launched from 11:30am.

Distances varied by category – 31 km in Fun, 47 km in Tour and 67 km in Hero – with Tour and Hero relying purely on leg power and thermals. “The Trophy creates a framework where everyone can find the right level of challenge,” said founder Paul Guschlbauer, “while everyone shares the same airspace – creating a real sense of community between beginners and pros.”

For a discipline where every gram counts, a fast-packing bag helps keep your kit compact and your transitions quick between hike and flight.

Out on the trail? Carry a Your Journey Bottle so you stay hydrated on the long climbs between launches.