Propositions of 41-st annual Psotkov Memoriál

Main Organizer:
SHS James (Slovak Mountaineering Association)

Organizer:
OZ Psotkov Memoriál
THS-DZ ( group of the High Tatras rescue volunteers)

Co-organizers:
Trilkinson
HK Slávia STU Bratislava

Date:
Saturday, October 17, 2026

Start:
7:30 AM EXTREME
9:00 AM BASIC

Cross-country skiing area SNOW – Štrba – Štrbské Pleso
GPS coordination: 49.1280206N, 20.0602031E
MAP

Finish:
Cross-country skiing area SNOW – Štrba – Štrbské Pleso
GPS coordination: 49.1280206N, 20.0602031E
MAP

Races:

race BASIC 25.30 km / +1540 m

Mountains Points: 6
Limit: 6 hours

race EXTREME 37.90 km / +2490 m

Mountains Points: 7
Limit: 8 hodín

Registration:

From June 1 to September 30, 2026, exclusively via the portal pretekaj.sk

Terms and Conditions of online registration:

  • Limited to 400 participants (200 for BASIC, 200 for EXTREME). Registration closes automatically once the limit is reached.

  • Registration is complete only after the form is fully filled out and the entry fee is paid.

  • Members of Slovak Mountaineering Association James with a valid membership card receive a discounted fee.

  • Participants must be at least 18 years old on race day.

  • Consent to personal data processing is required.

Categories:
A – MEN (born 1977–2008)
B – WOMEN (born 1987–2008)
C – VETERANS (men born 1976 or earlier)
D – VETERAN WOMEN (women born 1986 or earlier)

If fewer than 5 participants register in either Veterans category (on BASIC or EXTREME), the category may be canceled, and participants reassigned to MEN or WOMEN categories.

Entry Fees:
June 1 – June 30, 2026: €50 (€45 for SHS James members)
July 1 – September 30, 2026: €70

Same fee applies to both BASIC and EXTREME routes.
Discount applies to SHS James members who have paid their 2026 dues (verified at registration).

Entry fee includes:

  • Event logistics

  • Bib number

  • Timing chip

  • Aid stations during race

  • Post-race meal and drink

  • Souvenir badge

  • Course supervision by THS-DZ

  • Race starter pack

Not included: Mountain rescue insurance (mandatory for participation).
Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable to future years.
Transfer to another person is possible via pretekaj.sk until Sept 30 for €10.

Mandatory gear:

  • ID and health insurance card

  • Valid mountain rescue insurance

  • Wind- and waterproof jacket

  • Head covering (cap, buff, etc.)

  • Thin gloves

  • 0.5 L of fluids

  • Own cup

  • Small snack (bar, fruit, chocolate, etc.)

  • Charged phone (number must match registration)

  • Thermal blanket

  • Whistle

Additional mandatory gear (in case of winter conditions):

  • Long pants covering knees

  • Insulated windbreaker

  • Hat covering ears

  • Waterproof warm gloves

  • Crampons or anti-slip chains

All gear will be checked at registration. Without full mandatory gear, no bib will be issued. Gear may also be randomly checked during the race. Missing gear = disqualification.

In case of favorable weather, participants may be notified that additional gear is not needed.

Route description:
BASIC 26km / 1600m+
Štrbské pleso (Cross-country skiing area SNOW) – Jamské pleso – Krivánskom žľabe crossroads – Tri studničky – Važecká chata – Furkotská dolina crossroads – Škutnastá poľana – Chata pod Soliskom – Štrbské pleso čerpačka – Štrbské pleso (Cross-country skiing area SNOW)

Download GPX for BASIC race

EXTREME 38km / 2500m+
Štrbské pleso (Cross-country skiing area SNOW) – Jamské pleso – Krivánskom žľabe crossroads – Tri studničky – Važecká chata – Furkotská dolina crossroads – Škutnastá poľana – Chata pod Soliskom – „Esíčko“ (vrch) – Štrbské pleso (the base of the chairlift station) – Mlynická dolina – sedlo Bystrá lávka – Furkotská dolina – Škutnastá poľana – Chata pod Soliskom – Štrbské pleso čerpačka – Štrbské pleso (Cross-country skiing area SNOW)

Download GPX for EXTREME race
More detailed information about the course is HERE.

Race formats:

  • BASIC: mass start
  • EXTREME: rally system with 4 timed sections

Checkpoints on the EXTREME course:

  1. START – Crossroads in Krivánsky žlab
  2. Tri Studničky Aid Station – Chata pod Soliskom
  3. Mlynická dolina Aid Station – Capie pleso
  4. Štrbské pleso čerpačka – FINISH

Surface:
90% marked hiking trails, 10% grass and forest roads

Aid Stations:
BASIC – Tri Studničky (13 km), Chata pod Soliskom (water, sugar, salt, magnesium)

EXTREME – Tri Studničky (13 km), Chata pod Soliskom (water, sugar, salt, magnesium), Štrbské pleso (chairlift base, 25 km), Chata pod Soliskom (water, sugar, salt, magnesium)

Time limits:

  • BASIC: 6 hours

  • EXTREME: 8 hours

Cut off times:
After cut off time, it will not be possible to continue from that location!

  • Tri studničky

    EXTREME 3 hours (until 10:30)
    BASIC 3 hours (until 12:00)

  • start of Furkotská dolina

    EXTREME 4 hours (until 11:30)
    BASIC 4 hours (until 13:00)

  • start of Mlynická dolina
    EXTREME until 12:00

Final times will be confirmed before the race depending on weather conditions.

Schedule:

Follow us:
Website, Facebook, Instagram

Protests:
May be submitted to the head referee within 30 minutes of preliminary results. Fee: €30, refunded if protest is upheld.

Storage:
Unsupervised personal item deposit near start/finish area at own risk.

Important Notes:

  • Valid ID, mountain rescue insurance, and signed waiver are required at registration.

  • No registration changes after Sept 30.

  • Organizer may shorten or modify the course and require additional gear due to weather.

  • Participants must stay on marked trails; no outside assistance, littering, or cutting course. Violations = disqualification.

  • If participants miss cutoff times, they must return their bib.

  • Early exits must be reported to the nearest checkpoint or by phone.

  • Without a bib, one is no longer a race participant and must follow TANAP rules.

  • Bibs are property of the organizer and must not be altered.

  • Participants race at their own risk. A medical check-up is recommended.

  • THS-DZ will provide medical support on the course. Participants must help each other if needed.

Side Events:

Accommodation:
Štrbské Pleso offers many lodging options in local hotels and guesthouses.

Parking:
Several paid parking options are available near the start.