Cortina 56-26 – The Legacy Trail 2027 – Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

• 24 juillet 2027
  Date de l'événement :
• 24 juillet 2027
  Fin de l'événement :

What to expect

Cortina 56-26 – The Legacy Trail is a brand-new trail running event that has been created to transform the Olympic legacy of Cortina d’Ampezzo into an authentic, emotional and immersive sporting experience. Organized by Fondazione Cortina in partnership with Karpos, the event connects two historic moments for Cortina d’Ampezzo: the 1956 Winter Olympic Games which became part of international sports history, and Milano Cortina 2026 which once again placed Cortina at the centre of the global winter sports scene.

You can expect a journey through nine iconic Olympic venues across the Ampezzo valley, with every kilometer passing through locations tied to Cortina’s sporting history. The longer distance covers 56 kilometers with approximately 2,800 meters of vertical ascent and 2,900 meters of descent, while the shorter distance covers 26 kilometers with a significant but more accessible vertical profile. Both courses start in the center of Cortina d’Ampezzo and finish in the Zuel area at the historic Olympic Ski Jump, offering spectacular views of the Tofane, Cristallo, Faloria and the mountains that have made Cortina famous around the world.

The race is designed as a true legacy trail, combining sport, heritage and territory. Competitors journey through scenic trails, woodlands and ridges while traversing past Cortina’s Olympic Ice Stadium, the Eugenio Monti Olympic Bobsleigh Track, the Olympia delle Tofane downhill course, and six additional 1956 Olympic legacy venues including the finish area below the historic ski jump. Every climb, descent and panorama tells part of the story of Cortina d’Ampezzo, set within one of the most iconic mountain landscapes on Earth and inside the UNESCO Dolomites.

Dates des matchs/événements

Date de l’événement : Saturday, July 24, 2027 – The Legacy Trail – Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.
Start location: Dibona Piazza in the center of Cortina d’Ampezzo for both distances.
Finish location: Zuel area below the historic Olympic Ski Jump, just outside the resort center.
Weekend program: Friday, July 23, 2027 – Expo opening, bib collection and briefing at Cortina center. Saturday, July 24, 2027 – Main races for 56 km and 26 km with morning starts.
Side events: Corty Summer Games for children and families at Zuel Sports Field as part of the legacy weekend.
Official contacts: info@fondazionecortina.com, https://cortina56-26.com/, organized by Fondazione Cortina.

Vous visitez cet événement ? Ne manquez pas ces activités et expériences locales étonnantes pendant votre séjour.

Stade et site sportif

Start stadium: Dibona Piazza in the center of Cortina d’Ampezzo, a historic square that becomes the vibrant start village with arch, timing mats, commentary, and crowd support. The square provides easy access to local services, hotels, and the expo area.

Finish stadium: Zuel Sports Field and the area below the historic 1956 Olympic Ski Jump in the village of Zuel, just outside the resort’s center. The finish area is being restored as part of legacy works and serves as the natural amphitheatre for the event, with grandstands, hospitality, medical services, and award ceremonies.

Olympic venues along course: The route strategically incorporates nine Olympic venues. This includes three venues from the recent Games such as Cortina’s Olympic Ice Stadium, the Eugenio Monti Olympic Bobsleigh Track, and the Olympia delle Tofane downhill course, plus six venues from the 1956 Games. Runners experience a living museum of winter sports history while trail running through forest trails, alpine meadows, and technical ridges.

Programme complet des rencontres ou des événements

Friday – Welcome and Expo: Opening of the expo village in central Cortina, bib collection for both 56 km and 26 km distances, mandatory gear checks, technical briefing with course details, elevation profiles, and safety information. Official merchandise by Karpos and local partners, plus pasta party and athlete welcome.

Saturday – Race Day: Early morning opening of start corrals at Dibona Piazza, final gear checks, and staggered starts for 56 km and 26 km races. On-course refreshments at high mountain refuges and alpine huts, timing mats at key checkpoints including Pocol, Croda da Lago area, 5 Torri area, and Falzarego surroundings. Continuous live tracking and safety teams along the ridges.

Post-race: Finish line hospitality at Zuel with final refreshments, recovery area, medical assistance, and live results. Afternoon award ceremonies for overall, age group, and legacy categories. Evening celebration in Cortina center.

Family program: Corty Summer Games at Zuel Sports Field for children and families, organized by La Rossa Cortina and Fondazione Cortina as part of the legacy trail weekend, with games, educational activities about Olympic history, and mini trail experiences.

Équipes, athlètes et participants

Cortina 56-26 attracts world-class trail runners and passionate amateurs who want to be part of the first chapter of a new legacy event. The inaugural edition saw nearly 300 competitors vigorously ascending and descending the Ampezzo valley’s scenic trails, woodlands and ridges, taking in panoramic vistas of a place that has been home to memorable winter sports competitions over many decades.

Elite athletes: The 56 km distance draws international elite trail runners specializing in sky running and technical mountain terrain, with both men’s and women’s races held with significant vertical gain. The 26 km distance offers a competitive but more accessible option for athletes transitioning from road or shorter trail events to alpine terrain.

Age group and amateur athletes: Categories for men and women across various age groups, with separate rankings for 56 km and 26 km. The event welcomes runners from across Europe and beyond, many of whom are drawn by the combination of Dolomite beauty and Olympic heritage.

Tourist and legacy runners: Runners who participate for the experience rather than pure competition, enjoying the opportunity to run through nine Olympic venues and to connect with the history of Cortina d’Ampezzo. Teams, clubs, and corporate groups are encouraged to enter together.

Format du tournoi et structure de la compétition

Distances and elevation: Two official distances – 56 km with approximately 2,800 meters ascent and 2,900 meters descent, and 26 km with substantial but more moderate vertical profile. Both distances are point-to-point from central Cortina to Zuel, creating a journey narrative rather than a loop.

Course type: Alpine trail running with mix of single track, forest roads, rocky sections, and high mountain passages. Technical difficulty rated as high for 56 km due to elevation, exposure, and varied terrain. Sections may include blue piste, red piste, and black piste equivalents in mountain terms.

Timing and checkpoints: Electronic chip timing with intermediate checkpoints at key Olympic venues and mountain refuges. Cut-off times enforced at strategic points to ensure runner safety in high mountain environment.

Ranking: Overall male and female ranking for each distance, plus age group rankings and special legacy classification for those completing the full Olympic venue circuit.

Horaires des matchs/événements

Meeting time: Early morning at Dibona Piazza for gear check, warm-up, and corral entry.

Race starts: Morning starts for both distances from Dibona Piazza, with 56 km typically starting before 26 km to manage course flow and ensure daylight finishes.

Cut-offs: Intermediate cut-offs at mountain refuges and at the final approach to Zuel to ensure safe return before evening.

Finish window: Finish area at Zuel remains open for many hours to accommodate all participants, with continuous hospitality and medical support.

Cérémonies de remise des prix : Afternoon ceremonies at Zuel Sports Field and evening celebrations in Cortina center.

Types de billets

56 km Legacy Trail Ticket: Full long-distance entry includes race bib with timing chip, insurance coverage, medical assistance and mountain rescue support, refreshments at mountain refuges and finish, timing and results service, online diploma, finisher medal with Olympic legacy design, access to expo, bag storage, and shuttle from finish to center.

26 km Legacy Trail Ticket: Shorter distance entry with same inclusion package as 56 km but adapted for shorter course, including access to all refreshment points and finish services.

Double Legacy Option: Some participants choose to volunteer or spectate one distance and race the other, though entries are separate for each distance.

Group and club tickets: Discounted entries for clubs, teams, and groups of ten or more, with single payment and benefits such as reserved expo space and team ranking.

Family and side events: Corty Summer Games and non-competitive walks around Zuel area do not require competitive ticket but require registration for safety.

Phases de mise à disposition des billets

Pricing is structured by early bird and standard phases, with special rates for local clubs and early registrants. Official euro pricing is converted here to USD for international participants.

Phase 1 – Early bird: 56 km $76 USD, 26 km $49 USD. Corresponds to approximately EUR 70 for 56 km and EUR 45 for 26 km in inaugural edition pricing.

Phase 2 – Standard: 56 km $87 USD, 26 km $60 USD. Corresponds to approximately EUR 80 for 56 km and EUR 55 for 26 km.

Phase 3 – Late / Last chance: 56 km $98 USD, 26 km $70 USD. Corresponds to approximately EUR 90 for 56 km and EUR 65 for 26 km when available at expo subject to capacity.

Add-ons: Official Karpos technical T-shirt included in some phases, plus optional medal engraving, photo package, and shuttle service.

Portal fees excluded.

Options VIP et hôtellerie

Zuel Finish VIP Area: Heated lounge and grandstand overlooking historic Olympic Ski Jump finish area with seating, live timing screens, catering with Dolomite specialties, and private toilets.

Dibona Piazza Hospitality: Start area hospitality for friends and family with coffee, pastries, and live commentary.

Mountain Refuge Hospitality: Selected high mountain refuges along course such as Pocol, Croda da Lago, 5 Torri, Nuvolau, and Falzarego offer warm drinks, traditional dishes, and shelter for supporters who hike to watch.

Elite Team Services: Dedicated tent for elite athletes and teams with secure gear storage, physiotherapy, and priority access.

Photo and Legacy Package: Professional race photos with Olympic venues in background, video highlights, and personalized medal engraving available as premium add-ons.

Règles du stade et de l’événement

Mandatory gear: Trail running mandatory equipment including trail shoes, waterproof jacket, water reservoir, whistle, and emergency blanket due to high mountain environment and rapid weather changes. Gear checks at start and random checks on course.

Bib and chip: Race bib must be visible on front, timing chip must not be removed, failure to pass checkpoints at Olympic venues results in disqualification.

Environmental respect: Strict no-littering policy, waste must be disposed at refuge refreshment points. Running off marked trail is prohibited to protect UNESCO Dolomites environment and Olympic heritage sites.

Sécurité : When lifts are open, it is strictly forbidden to access ski slopes on foot, which means reconnaissance of some sections may be limited. Follow volunteer and mountain rescue instructions, especially on technical descents near Tofane and Cristallo areas.

Accès : Access to start and finish areas only with valid bib, wristband, or hospitality ticket. Dogs and strollers not allowed on course.

Comment y arriver

Emplacement : Cortina d’Ampezzo, Dolomites, Veneto, Italy. Start at Dibona Piazza in center, finish at Zuel area below historic Olympic Ski Jump.

Par avion : Nearest airports are Venice Marco Polo, Treviso, Innsbruck, and Verona. From airports, Cortina Express bus, Dolomiti Bus, or train to Calalzo then bus to Cortina.

Par train : Calalzo di Cadore station then bus to Cortina, or Dobbiaco station via Puster Valley line then bus over Cimabanche Pass.

En voiture : Accessible via Autostrada A27 exit Belluno then SS51 Alemagna to Cortina, or via A22 Brenner exit Bressanone then SS49 and SS51 over Passo Cimabanche. Parking available at designated areas near Zuel and at cable car parking lots. Early arrival recommended due to road closures for race.

Transports en commun et stationnement

Transports en commun : Dolomiti Bus and Cortina Express connect Cortina with Venice, Belluno, and Dobbiaco. Local buses serve Pocol, Falzarego, and Zuel areas. During event weekend, special shuttle buses run between center, Zuel finish, and parking areas.

Stationnement : Designated parking at Zuel Sports Field, Olympic Ice Stadium area, and cable car parking lots. Follow event signage for team buses and camper vans. Free parking subject to availability, with paid options near center.

Spectator mobility: Spectators can use lifts such as Faloria, Cristallo, and Tofane cable cars to reach high viewpoints along course, subject to summer operating schedules and trail access rules.

Zones d’hébergement

Cortina center: Most convenient, within walking distance of Dibona Piazza start and expo. Hotels, guesthouses, and apartments offer runner-friendly services such as early breakfast, gear storage, and shuttle to finish.

Zuel and South Cortina: Close to finish area below historic ski jump, ideal for families and supporters who want to be near finish celebrations.

Pocol and High Mountain: Mountain refuges and hotels near Pocol, Croda da Lago, and 5 Torri offer immersive stays along course route, with panoramic views of Tofane and Faloria.

Alta Badia and Val Pusteria: Nearby valleys including San Vito di Cadore, Dobbiaco, and Alta Badia offer additional accommodation with shuttle connections to Cortina center.

Contact Fondazione Cortina and Cortina d’Ampezzo tourist office for runner packages and early booking, as summer is high season in Dolomites.

Nourriture et boissons sur le lieu

On-course refreshments: Mountain refuges and aid stations provide water, isotonic drinks, energy bars, gels, fruit, and warm soups at higher elevations.

Finish area: Final refreshment with recovery nutrition, plus food stalls offering Dolomite specialties such as canederli, polenta, speck, and local cheeses.

Expo catering: Food trucks and local restaurants offering pasta, strudel, coffee, and craft beer from Ampezzo breweries.

Cuisine locale : Cortina is renowned for refined mountain cuisine combining Tyrolean and Venetian influences, with many restaurants offering pre-race pasta and post-race celebration menus.

Accessibilité

Route: Technical alpine trail not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers, but accessible viewpoints available via cable cars and easy forest roads around Zuel area for supporters.

Lieu : Dibona Piazza and Zuel Sports Field provide ground-level entry to expo, changing areas, and hospitality with accessible pathways. Volunteers available to assist.

Services: Accessible toilets, medical assistance, and shuttle buses with low-floor access during event weekend.

Inclusive program: Corty Summer Games for children and families at Zuel Sports Field designed to be inclusive and accessible for all abilities.

Meilleurs matchs/événements auxquels assister

56 km Legacy Trail: The full legacy experience covering nine Olympic venues with 2,800 meters ascent, ideal for experienced trail runners seeking ultimate Dolomite challenge and deep connection with Olympic history.

26 km Legacy Trail: Shorter but still demanding course sharing many iconic sections of 56 km, perfect for those new to alpine trail or wanting a faster, more accessible race while still finishing below historic ski jump.

Zuel Finish Experience: Watching finishes below historic Olympic Ski Jump with backdrop of Dolomites offers most atmospheric spectator experience, combining sport, history, and mountain scenery.

Corty Summer Games: Family and children events at Zuel Sports Field as part of legacy weekend, combining games, education about Olympic heritage, and mini trail experiences.

Expo and Heritage Walk: Walking the Olympic venue circuit in Cortina center, including Olympic Ice Stadium and surrounding legacy sites, provides cultural immersion beyond racing.

Faits marquants de l’année précédente

Inaugural edition success: The first edition celebrated Olympic heritage by hosting nearly 300 competitors who ascended and descended the Ampezzo valley’s scenic trails, woodlands and ridges, taking in panoramic vistas of a place that has been home to memorable winter sports competitions over many decades. The event was praised for its innovative concept of transforming Olympic legacy into trail running experience.

Olympic venue integration: Competitors journeyed through three recent Olympic venues including Cortina’s Olympic Ice Stadium, Eugenio Monti Bobsleigh Track, and Olympia delle Tofane downhill course, plus six additional 1956 legacy venues, notably the finish area below historic ski jump under repair, strategically incorporated along the long route.

Scenic and technical challenge: Every climb, descent and panorama told part of Cortina’s story, with course passing through iconic locations such as Pocol, Croda da Lago, 5 Torri, Nuvolau, and Falzarego Pass. Runners praised the mix of technical single track, forest roads, and high mountain passages with views of Tofane, Cristallo, and Faloria.

Community and legacy: Organized by Fondazione Cortina in partnership with Karpos, the event emphasized involvement of local territory and fans, inclusion and accessibility, and legacy from previous world championships, creating a new tradition that bridges winter and summer mountain sports.

Billets officiels

Authorized channels: Official website https://cortina56-26.com/ and registration platform linked from Fondazione Cortina. Contact info@fondazionecortina.com for inquiries.

Official pricing in USD: 56 km from $76 USD early bird to $98 USD late, 26 km from $49 USD early bird to $70 USD late based on inaugural edition EUR pricing of approximately 70 to 90 for long distance and 45 to 65 for short distance. Portal fees excluded.

Inclusions: Race bib with timing chip, insurance and mountain rescue coverage, refreshments at mountain refuges and finish, timing and results, online diploma, finisher medal with legacy design, changing facilities, bag storage, shuttle from finish to center, expo access.

Authenticity: Only tickets via official channels guarantee valid timing, insurance, and access to Olympic venue areas. Avoid unauthorized resellers.

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