SellaRonda Skimarathon 2027 – Arabba, Italy

• March 19, 2027
  Event date:
• March 19, 2027
  Event end:

Overview

The SellaRonda Skimarathon stands as one of the most legendary, grueling, and spectacular ski mountaineering night races in the world, challenging elite athletes and passionate ski tourers to conquer the massive Sella massif under the cover of darkness. Hosted in the breathtaking alpine village of Arabba, Italy, this nocturnal endurance test requires competitors to scale towering mountain passes and navigate steep, technical descents using only headlamps to illuminate the snowy terrain. Thousands of enthusiastic spectators and winter sports aficionados gather across the Dolomite valleys to witness the eerie, beautiful procession of lights winding through the freezing alpine wilderness, creating an atmosphere charged with adrenaline and raw athletic determination.

Beyond the grueling physical challenge on the snowy slopes, the event serves as a magnificent celebration of alpine camaraderie, mountain culture, and endurance sports heritage. The charming host village of Arabba and the surrounding valleys transform into vibrant gathering hubs during race week, welcoming competitors and fans with warm hospitality, traditional mountain cuisine, and festive celebrations. It provides a rare and extraordinary opportunity for skiing enthusiasts to experience the Dolomites in a completely unique way, blending the thrill of nocturnal alpine exploration with the deep-rooted traditions of Italian winter sports.

The sheer prestige of completing this demanding circumnavigation of the Sella group gives the race an iconic status among endurance athletes worldwide. As participants battle fatigue, sub-zero temperatures, and steep elevation gains, the collective energy resonating through the transition zones and finish line creates an unforgettable sensory experience. Whether you are a devoted ski mountaineering follower or a traveler seeking an awe-inspiring winter spectacle, the SellaRonda Skimarathon delivers an unmatched combination of extreme alpine competition and timeless mountain majesty.

Event Highlights

• Witness elite ski mountaineers tackle a grueling night-time race across four legendary Dolomite passes using only headlamps for illumination.
• Experience the magical nocturnal atmosphere of Arabba and the surrounding valleys as hundreds of glowing lights trace paths across the snowy peaks.
• Enjoy vibrant village festivities, including pre-race briefings, sponsor exhibitions, and enthusiastic community cheering areas at key checkpoints.
• Take in the breathtaking, starlit panoramic beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomite mountain ranges surrounding the massive Sella group.

Why Attend

This premier winter endurance event is ideal for passionate ski mountaineering enthusiasts, extreme sports fans, and travelers who appreciate high-performance athletic challenges set against a majestic mountain backdrop. Attending offers the distinct benefit of witnessing elite endurance athletes push the absolute limits of human stamina across one of the most demanding nocturnal courses in professional winter sports.

Furthermore, being present at the SellaRonda Skimarathon allows visitors to immerse themselves fully in the vibrant alpine culture of the Italian Dolomites. The benefits extend beyond the race, granting guests access to exceptional regional dining, cozy mountain hospitality, and the unique camaraderie of an international community united by a shared passion for winter mountaineering.

Date & Duration

• Event Date: March 19, 2027
• Event Duration: 1 day

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Ticket Information

• How Tickets Are Sold: Team registrations and official spectator pass inquiries are managed directly through the official event website and authorized local race offices.
• Admission Type: Competitors participate in registered two-person teams, while spectators can choose between village finish-line viewing areas and designated accessible mountain checkpoints.
• Ticket Pricing: Pricing ranges from a minimum of $15 for special checkpoint access up to a maximum of $120 for VIP hospitality and finish-line packages, while general public access zones along designated village pathways offer Free Admission.
• Special Seating Options: Elevated finish-area viewing stands provide exceptional, unobstructed sightlines of the exhausted teams sprinting across the final timing mats under the floodlights.
• VIP Options: Exclusive VIP hospitality lounges deliver warm catered dining, hot beverages, indoor viewing facilities, and direct interaction opportunities with race organizers and elite competitors.

Venue / Location

• City and Country: Arabba, Italy
• Venue Name: SellaRonda Skimarathon
• Google Maps Address: Via di Dolavila, 126, 38032 Canazei TN, Italy

Contact Information

• Email: raceoffice@sellaronda.it
• Phone Number: +39 0462 609630
• Official Website: sellaronda.it/en

Accommodation Options

Arabba offers a wonderful selection of cozy alpine accommodation options, ranging from traditional family-run ski hotels featuring relaxing wellness spas to charming wooden chalets nestled right against the snowy mountain slopes. Many visitors prefer staying close to the central village area to remain within easy walking distance of the start and finish lines, local restaurants, and vibrant post-race celebration venues.

It is strongly advised to secure your lodging well in advance of the winter season, as Arabba experiences high demand during major international sporting competitions. Whether you are looking for comfortable four-star pampering with panoramic valley views or a welcoming alpine guesthouse, the resort provides diverse choices that guarantee a deeply restful and memorable stay.

Getting There

• Nearest Airport: Venice Marco Polo Airport is approximately 150 kilometers away from the alpine resort village.
• Nearest Train/Metro Station: Belluno Station is a major regional rail link, connecting to local bus networks heading up into the Dolomite valleys.
• Bus Routes or Public Transport Options: Regional Dolomiti Bus lines provide scheduled public transit connections from major regional transit hubs directly to Arabba and the surrounding Sella passes.
• Parking Availability: Designated public parking areas and organized shuttle zones operate near the village center and primary event arrival points.
• Directions by Car: Follow the regional state roads winding through the picturesque Cordevole valley and mountain passes directly into Arabba.

Dining Recommendations

Breakfast Recommendations:

• Pasticceria Genzianella offers exceptional Italian espresso and freshly baked pastries in a warm, inviting setting right along the village center.
• Bar Pizzeria Peter provides a cozy atmosphere that is ideal for enjoying a hearty morning coffee before heading out into the crisp mountain air.
• Rifugio Burz serves delightful morning refreshments paired with stunning early-morning panoramic views over the surrounding valley.

Lunch Recommendations:

• Ristorante Stube Funivia serves elevated traditional mountain cuisine paired with welcoming alpine hospitality and hearty regional dishes.
• Malga Boe offers authentic farm-to-table local recipes crafted from hyper-local ingredients in a rustic mountain environment.
• Pizzeria Ristorante Portados provides comforting Italian pizzas and hearty meat dishes in a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere.

Dinner Recommendations:

• Ristorante Miky is an intimate, highly acclaimed local dining establishment celebrated for its refined regional recipes and warm alpine ambiance.
• Hotel Evaldo Restaurant offers an elegant evening dining experience focused on gourmet gourmet dishes and an extensive wine selection.
• Al Fogher serves delicious traditional meat and pasta dishes in a cozy, welcoming environment perfect for chilly mountain evenings.

Local Specialties to Try:

• Casunziei are traditional half-moon shaped ravioli filled with red beets or spinach, delicately served with melted butter and fresh poppy seeds.
• Canederli are savory, comforting bread dumplings enriched with local speck and cheese, typically served in a rich warm broth.
• Kaiserschmarren is a fluffy, shredded sweet pancake dusted with powdered sugar and served with warm fruit compote for an ultimate energy boost.

What is this event?

The SellaRonda Skimarathon is a premier international ski mountaineering night race that challenges teams to tour the massive Sella group under darkness. It serves as a legendary test of endurance where elite athletes climb and descend steep alpine terrain using headlamps.

The event showcases incredible physical stamina and technical ski mountaineering skills across iconic Dolomite passes. It functions as a thrilling showcase of nocturnal winter sportsmanship hosted within one of Europe’s most dramatic mountain settings.

Why is it popular?

The event enjoys massive global popularity because it combines the unique, eerie beauty of a night-time ski race with the extreme physical challenge of the Sella massive circuit. Fans are drawn to the glowing trail of headlamps winding across the dark peaks and the electric atmosphere at the finish line.

Furthermore, the race’s status as a historic pioneer of ski mountaineering events infuses the competition with deep prestige. The seamless blend of extreme athletic endurance and dramatic alpine scenery ensures it remains a definitive highlight of the winter calendar.

Tips before you go

• Dress in heavy thermal layers, windproof outerwear, insulated snow boots, and high-quality gloves, as nighttime temperatures in the mountains drop drastically below freezing.
• Arrive early at the finish area or designated viewing points to secure comfortable spots for watching the athletes return from the darkness.
• Bring a powerful flashlight or headlamp if you plan to walk along designated paths near the lower viewing zones at night.
• Keep your mobile devices fully charged by carrying a backup power bank, as extreme cold alpine air can rapidly drain device batteries.
• Check the official event schedule and weather updates frequently, as mountain meteorological conditions can shift rapidly during winter nights.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

• Take time to explore the vibrant village center of Arabba, which fills with festive energy and welcoming crowds on the evening of the race.
• Familiarize yourself with local safety guidelines and marked spectator pathways before venturing out to view the race from higher vantage points.
• Engage with fellow fans and locals at the finish line area, where the collective excitement and passion for ski mountaineering create an unforgettable community atmosphere.
• Plan your evening dining reservations well ahead of your arrival, as local restaurants fill up rapidly with race teams, supporters, and international visitors.
• Utilize organized public transport or designated shuttle services where possible to avoid parking congestion around the village arrival hubs.

Attendee Experiences

• Watching a serpentine line of glowing headlamps move slowly across the pitch-black mountain ridgelines is a mesmerizing sight that defies description.
• Standing in the freezing night air to cheer for exhausted teams as they cross the finish line brings an overwhelming sense of shared triumph.
• The warm, celebratory community spirit inside Arabba after midnight transforms the cold winter night into a joyful festival of human endurance.

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