Saturday, April 26, 2025 – Breuil-Cervinia – Gressoney-La-Trinité (Italy)
The XXIV Trofeo Mezzalama 2025 delivered a breathtaking finale to the ISMF season, set against the wild, untamed landscapes of the Monte Rosa massif. Following the traditional and legendary route — spanning immense glaciers, technical ridges, and peaks above 4000 meters between Cervinia and Gressoney — the race once again confirmed its status as the ultimate test in ski mountaineering.
In an arena shaped by ice, altitude, and history, the world’s strongest teams battled fiercely for the crown.
In the Men’s category, victory went to italian team Michele Boscacci and Robert Antonioli, mastering the demanding track with a flawless performance.
In the Women’s category, it was Axelle Gachet-Mollaret and Emily Harrop who triumphed, carving their names into the prestigious history of the Mezzalama.
On this sacred ground of the “Maratona dei Ghiacciai,” the new World Champions were crowned, closing the season in unforgettable style.
Women’s Race – French Power: Gachet-Mollaret & Harrop Conquer the Italian Glaciers
The women’s race at the Trofeo Mezzalama 2025 was a powerful display of dominance by the French team. Axelle Gacjhet-Mollaret and Emily Harrop controlled the race from the very first climbs, setting a relentless pace across the high glaciers of Monte Rosa. They crossed the finish line in 5:23:35, securing the ISMF Long Distance World Champion title with a commanding margin.
The Italian duo Alba De Silvestro and Giulia Compagnoni battled hard to stay close but ultimately finished 6 minutes and 45 seconds behind, earning a strong second place. Completing the podium were fellow Italians Ilaria Veronese and Lisa Moreschini, who showed great endurance to secure third, despite the punishing course and challenging conditions.
🏆 Women‘s Podium — ISMF World Champions Long Distance XXIV Trofeo Mezzalama 2025
🥇 France 🇫🇷
Axelle Mollaret & Emily Harrop
⏱️ 5:23:35
🥈 Italy 🇮🇹
Alba De Silvestro & Giulia Compagnoni
⏱️ 5:30:20 (+06:45)
🥉 Italy 🇮🇹
Ilaria Veronese & Lisa Moreschini
⏱️ 5:45:15 (+21:40)
Men’s Race – Boscacci & Antonioli Strike Gold for Italy
The 2025 edition of the Trofeo Mezzalama delivered an intense and closely fought battle on the high glaciers of the Monte Rosa massif. Italian duo Michele Boscacci and Robert Antonioli claimed the top spot and the ISMF Long Distance World Champion title with a time of 4:29:19, showing exceptional consistency and control across the entire course.
Hot on their heels were the experienced French pair Xavier Gachet and William Bon Mardion, finishing just 17 seconds behind after nearly four and a half hours of racing — a testament to the fierce pace and razor-thin margins that defined the day.
The third place went to another French team, Samuel Equy and Matheo Jacquemoud, who maintained a strong rhythm throughout and secured their podium finish with a time of 4:33:50, just over four minutes off the leaders.
The early pace was blistering, with only 4 seconds separating the top two teams at the first split, highlighting the tactical nature of the race. But it was Boscacci and Antonioli who managed to pull away in the final phase, showcasing their experience and synergy in high-altitude technical terrain.
🏆 Men’s Podium — ISMF World Champions Long Distance XXIV Trofeo Mezzalama 2025
🥇 Italy 🇮🇹
Michele Boscacci & Robert Antonioli
⏱️ Time: 4:29:19
🥈 France 🇫🇷
Xavier Gachet & William Bon Mardion
⏱️ Time: 4:29:36 (+00:17)
🥉 France 🇫🇷
Samuel Equy & Matheo Jacquemoud
⏱️ Time: 4:33:50 (+04:31)
Track Overview
Starting in the iconic resort of Breuil-Cervinia, situated at the foot of the Matterhorn, the race leads competitors on a grueling 45 km journey through some of the most challenging and breathtaking terrain in the Alps. With a total ascent of 3,272 meters and several sections reaching above 4,000 meters, the Trofeo Mezzalama offers a unique blend of technical ascents, demanding glacier crossings, and high-altitude ridges.
Key highlights of the race include:
- Breithorn Plateau (3,800 m): Athletes will tackle this glacial stretch, navigating crevasses and rocky outcrops before reaching the Colle del Breithorn (3,826 m), a key pass for those aiming for victory.
- Castore Summit (4,226 m): The highest point of the course, where competitors will need to rely on their climbing skills and endurance to conquer the peak.
- Felik Glacier (3,719 m): A critical descent, where teams must maintain their focus as they navigate across the glacier towards the final ascent.
- Rifugio Città di Mantova (3,498 m): A much-needed checkpoint offering a brief respite before the long descent towards the finish line.
- Finish in Gressoney-La-Trinité (1,637 m): The challenging descent to Gressoney marks the final phase of the race, culminating in an unforgettable finish for competitors.
The 2025 ISMF Long Distance World Championship season wraps up with a celebration of athleticism, teamwork, and resilience. With ski mountaineering’s Olympic debut at the 2026 Winter Games on the horizon, the sport is poised for global recognition. The ISMF remains committed to advancing values of fair play, sustainability, and inclusivity, inspiring athletes to push their limits and shape the future of the sport.
