The world’s top vertical runners are heading to Austria, where – for the first time – the Grand Finale of the VK OPEN World Cup will be hosted.
Double points are up for grabs on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Beinhoat das Vertical, a 3.3 km sprint with 1,200m vertical climb reaching 2,033m altitude in Dorfgastein, a ski resort in Salzburg.
Celebrating the sixth edition of the VK OPEN World Championships, the circuit was renamed VK OPEN World Cup this year. Dedicated to athletes who like it fast and steep, the goal is to promote the VERTICAL discipline of the International Skyrunning Federation and highlight the Vertical Kilometer®.
This Saturday, the season-long battle of the 2026 VK OPEN World Cup reaches its climax. Altogether 257 athletes from 17 countries are ranked. The Grand Finale represents the ninth and final stage of the circuit spanning seven countries across four continents. The season opened in Madeira, Portugal, before moving through Andorra and Japan, then crossing the Atlantic to Canada and the USA, and finally to Colombia. For the first time ever, Austria hosts the Grand Finale.
Now in its 13th edition, Beinhoat das Vertical is billed as Austria’s steepest vertical race. The certified course climbs from Dorfgastein to the Fulseck summit over 3.3 km and 1,200m vertical climb.
The records stand at 38’00” for the men and 46’46” for the women.
What is at stake
The VK OPEN World Cup ranking counts a maximum of three results: the athlete’s best two races plus the Grand Finale. The Finale awards double points, 200 to the winner and 176 to second place. The top 40 finishers score. The male and female winners of the final ranking will receive the champion title and cash prizes.
Men – a tight fight at the top
Based on the ranking after the Colombian stage, France’s Louis Dumas leads with 188 points, followed by Japan’s Suguru Inui (176) and Ireland’s Zak Hanna (168). Individual Neutral Athlete Vitalii Chernov (152) is ranked sixth. With 200 points for a Finale win, the title is wide open.
Women: a three-way battle
Individual Neutral Athlete Irina Chernova leads the women’s ranking with 200 points, while Serbian Sladjana Zagorac, the reigning VK OPEN champion, follows with 178.
Beinhoat das Vertical organiser, Sibylle Schild, stated, “It’s a great honour for us to host the grand finale of the vertical, for the first time in Austria, right here in our valley.
As always, we are looking forward to a fantastic event where young and old, professionals and amateurs compete against each other. Dorfgastein is perfect for this race because we have a steep course – and an even steeper one! Everyone – organisers and athletes alike – are rewarded with a beautiful view when they reach the top!”
Louis Dumas, France, 2024 VK OPEN Champion, now leads the men’s ranking.
“My shape is definitely better than at the World Championships one month ago, although a race always has surprises in store.
I’m really glad to come back this year, with the same overall position but even more uncertainty since very strong contenders are not far behind. Everything remains open! I don’t feel too much under pressure as my season has been more than enjoyable, but I’m looking forward to giving it all on Saturday. The course looks amazing, steep and brutal. I would be thrilled to prove that performance can be sustainable!”
Sladjana Zagorac, Serbia, 2025 VK OPEN Champion, is currently ranked third.
“I’m really excited to be in the final once again. I feel the terrain and conditions in Austria suit me, and I’m looking forward to giving my best on race day. I know it will be a tough race, but I’m ready for the challenge. Nothing comes easy and every result has to be earned. That’s what I love!”
Suguru Inui, Japan, second in the 2025 VK OPEN World Championships is on the second rung of the ranking after participating in his home country at the Biwako Valley Vertical and crossing half the world to take a second place at the Minotaur VK in Canada and at the Whiteface VK in the USA. “I’m in good health. Since I finished second last year, I’m obviously aiming for the win.”
“The VK is short and sweet, but the effort is huge, and the competition is tough – that’s why everyone loves it!” declared Marino Giacometti, ISF President.
2026 VK OPEN World Cup Calendar
2026 VK OPEN Ranking
Certified Course Label
Race website
