Marcialonga di Fiemme e Fassa is the most famous cross-country ski race in Italy and one of the most iconic long-distance races in the world. Held in the Trentino province in the north of Italy, it is in classic technique only and offers two official competitive distances plus a non-competitive option. The event is part of both the prestigious Worldloppet circuit and the FIS Marathon Cup and is the first of the four Grand Classics events in the Ski Classics Pro Tour. In recent years entries have been limited to approximately 7,000 to 7,500 skiers after the record of 7,951 in 2016, with spots selling out within minutes of registration opening in early June.
You can expect a spectacular journey through the Fiemme and Fassa valleys, starting in Moena, climbing further up Fassa Valley toward Canazei, passing Moena again on the way alongside Cavalese in the Fiemme Valley. The course is 70 km long for the classic Marcialonga and 45 km for Marcialonga Light, with an additional 32 km Just for Fun non-competitive version. The descent to Cavalese is very sweet, passing Campitello, Pozza di Fassa, Moena and Predazzo before the iconic final climb to Cavalese. The event combines elite racing with a huge popular field where amateur skiers who start in the last wave are affectionately called bisons, while those who have participated in all editions are called senators or pioneers.
The atmosphere includes massive snowmaking operations involving production, movement and preparation of more than 70,000 to 80,000 cubic meters of snow when natural snow is lacking, Worldloppet village, waxing services, and the unique Cascata climb before the finish line that has decided many editions.
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Datum van het evenement: Sunday, January 31, 2027 – 54th edition of Marcialonga di Fiemme e Fassa.
Start time: 8:00 AM in Moena for all distances.
Distances: Marcialonga Light Moena – Predazzo 45 km Classic Technique, Marcialonga Moena – Cavalese 70 km Classic Technique, Marcialonga Just for Fun Moena – Cavalese 32 km Classic Technique non-competitive.
Program: Sunday, January 31, 2027 – Main races with sprint points at Canazei at 19 km and Predazzo at 45 km, and iconic Climb Cascata before Cavalese finish.
Registratie: Opens in early June for the January event the following year, online on Marcialonga and Worldloppet websites, with spots selling out within minutes.
Official contacts: +39 0462 501110, info@marcialonga.it, https://marcialonga.it/marcialonga_ski/index_en.php, location Moena to Cavalese, Trentino.
Start venue: Moena, Fassa Valley – Start in Moena with wide starting grid for thousands of skiers, waxing areas, and live commentary. Moena is the gateway to the Dolomites and provides a festive village atmosphere for the start.
Finish venues: Predazzo for Marcialonga Light 45 km and Cavalese for Marcialonga 70 km and Just for Fun 32 km. Cavalese finish is famous for the Cascata climb, a steep final ascent that tests even the strongest athletes before the finish line in the centre of town. Predazzo finish offers a slightly earlier conclusion but shares much of the same course.
Course venue: The entire Fiemme and Fassa valleys serve as the stadium, with tracks passing through Canazei, Campitello, Pozza di Fassa, Moena, Predazzo, and Cavalese. The course offers two different lengths sharing the same route until Predazzo where the 45 km stops and the 70 km skiers forge onward.
The venues include grandstands, large screens, Worldloppet expo, and hospitality zones in both Moena and Cavalese.
Days before race: Expo opening in Cavalese and Moena, bib collection, race office, waxing service, and vintage ski register with entries open for 30 euros including super vintage race packet with winter socks, unique cotton bib, shoulder bag and box of Rode wax.
Race day morning: Early morning opening of starting corrals in Moena, warm-up tracks, final waxing, and official opening ceremony.
Race: Morning start at 8:00 AM in Moena for all distances. Skiers first go further up Fassa Valley and along Canazei, passing Moena on its way alongside Cavalese in the Fiemme Valley. Sprint points at Canazei at 19 km and Predazzo at 45 km. Climb Cascata before Cavalese finish.
Post-race: Finish line hospitality with medal and pasta after finish, award ceremonies, and closing celebrations in Cavalese and Predazzo.
Registration period: Online registration until April 30th on Marcialonga and Worldloppet websites for some categories, with transfer options for previous edition participants.
Marcialonga attracts thousands of skiers from around the world, from elite professionals to recreational enthusiasts.
Elite athletes: Ski Classics Pro Tour teams compete in the 70 km Grand Classics event, with world-class long-distance specialists targeting overall and sprint classifications. The event is part of Ski Classics World Championship and Worldloppet circuit, drawing national team members and World Cup athletes.
Amateur athletes: The majority of the field consists of age group skiers, with race numbers assigned by organizing committee based on race times at Marcialonga Coop or other half marathons from 2024, 2025 and 2026 seasons. Categories for men and women across various age groups.
Special categories: Senators or pioneers who have participated in all editions, bisons who start in last wave, vintage skiers with historic equipment, and Just for Fun participants who ski 32 km non-competitive without ranking.
International participants: Official tour operators for English speaking skiers include Globalrunners based in Europe and Lumi Experiences based in Vermont, USA, offering packages including hotel, waxing room, registration, and hospitality.
Distances: Classic race 70 km from Moena to Cavalese passing through Canazei, and Light version 45 km from Moena to Predazzo passing through Canazei. Just for Fun 32 km from Moena to Cavalese non-competitive.
Technique: Classic technique only, with strict technique control. Skating not allowed.
Course: Same route until Predazzo where 45 km stops and 70 km continues to Cavalese. Includes climb to Canazei, descent through Fassa Valley, and final Cascata climb to Cavalese. In some years shortened to 57 km due to snow problems, and cancelled in 1975, 1989 and 1990 due to total lack of snow.
Timing and sprints: Electronic timing with sprint points at Canazei at 19 km and Predazzo at 45 km, plus climb classification at Cascata. Overall and sprint rankings.
Worldloppet and Ski Classics: Part of Worldloppet circuit and FIS Marathon Cup since 2000, and Grand Classics chapter in Ski Classics. Points awarded for both circuits.
Meeting time: Early morning in Moena for bib check, waxing, and warm-up.
Start time: 8:00 AM in Moena for all distances, with waves based on assigned race numbers.
Sprint times: Mid-morning at Canazei and late morning at Predazzo for lead athletes.
Finish times: Late morning for Light and Just for Fun in Predazzo and Cavalese, early afternoon for 70 km elite and mass field in Cavalese after Cascata climb.
Prijsuitreikingen: Afternoon ceremonies in Cavalese and Predazzo.
Marcialonga 70 km ticket: Competitive entry for classic 70 km from Moena to Cavalese includes race bib, timing chip, insurance, medical assistance, refreshments on course, timing and results, online diploma, finisher medal, pasta after finish, changing facilities, and bag storage.
Marcialonga Light 45 km ticket: Competitive entry for 45 km from Moena to Predazzo with same inclusion package as 70 km but finish in Predazzo.
Marcialonga Just for Fun 32 km ticket: Non-competitive entry for 32 km from Moena to Cavalese, no ranking, includes bib, refreshments, medal, and pasta, ideal for recreational skiers.
Vintage ticket: Entry for vintage category with super vintage race packet including pair of winter socks, unique cotton bib, shoulder bag and box of Rode wax, cost 30 euros.
Team and group tickets: Club registrations with single payment for multiple participants, with benefits such as reserved waxing areas and team ranking.
Pricing is based on early registration and package deals. Official pricing converted to USD.
Standard start bib 2027: 45 km and 70 km start bib $162 USD, corresponding to EUR 150 / CHF 150, departure slot guaranteed when booking through official tour operators such as Sandoz Concept. This includes registration only, with additional costs for accommodation packages.
Accommodation package example: Price per person in double room for 2 days $475 USD, corresponding to EUR 440 / CHF 440, with single room extra for 2 days $162 USD corresponding to EUR 150 / CHF 150. Extra night Thursday to Friday and/or Sunday to Monday bookable at $194 USD in double room with half board per night and $216 USD in single room with half board per night.
Worldloppet package: Until April 30th registrations open online on Marcialonga or Worldloppet websites, with special charity editions where registration fee fully donated.
Transfer fee: Fee transfer option for participation in previous editions, cost variable according to regulation, paid at race office when collecting bib.
Portal fees excluded. Registration exclusively through online system on official website.
Cavalese VIP Lounge: Heated grandstand and hospitality area overlooking finish line and Cascata climb with seating, live timing screens, catering with Trentino specialties, and private toilets.
Moena Start Hospitality: Hospitality tents at start area with coffee, pastries, and live commentary for friends and family.
Waxing and Service Area: Premium waxing cabins with power supply and proximity to start, available for teams and individual booking, with ski storage and workshop.
Four star hotel package: Very nice four star hotel with spa, bar, café, restaurant, library, ski and waxing room, registration, medal and pasta after finish included in tour operator packages.
Elite Team Services: Dedicated areas for Ski Classics teams with secure ski storage, physiotherapy zones, and priority access.
Photo and Video Package: Professional race photos and video highlights available as premium add-ons.
Race numbers: Assigned by organizing committee at its sole discretion based on race times at Marcialonga Coop or other half marathons, with races from 2024, 2025 and 2026 seasons taken into consideration. Numbers determine starting wave.
Technique: Classic technique only, with technique control and disqualification for skating. Poles and skis must comply with FIS regulations.
Equipment: No fluor wax restrictions per latest FIS rules, but organization provides waxing areas and guidance.
Veiligheid: Medical assistance and rescue along course, with snowmaking program producing 70,000 to 80,000 cubic meters of snow when needed at cost of about 200,000 euros.
Bag transport: Organization provides transport of personal bags from Moena start to Predazzo and Cavalese finish.
Code of conduct: Respect marked tracks, no littering outside refreshment zones, follow volunteer instructions, especially on descent to Cavalese and Cascata climb.
Locatie: Moena to Cavalese, Fiemme and Fassa Valleys, Trentino Alto Adige, Italy.
Per vliegtuig: Nearest airports are Venice Marco Polo, Verona Villafranca, Innsbruck, and Milan. From airports, train or shuttle to Trento then bus to Fiemme and Fassa valleys.
Per trein: Trento railway station then Trentino Trasporti bus to Cavalese, Predazzo, Moena, and Canazei.
Met de auto: Accessible via Autostrada A22 Brenner exit Ora / Egna then SS48 Dolomites road to Cavalese, Predazzo, Moena, and Canazei. Parking available at designated areas in Moena, Predazzo, and Cavalese. Early arrival recommended due to road closures for race.
Openbaar vervoer: Trentino Trasporti and SAD buses connect Trento, Cavalese, Predazzo, Moena, and Canazei. During event weekend, special shuttle buses run between Moena, Predazzo, Cavalese, and parking areas.
Parkeren: Designated parking at Moena start area, Predazzo finish area, and Cavalese finish area. Follow event signage for team buses and camper vans. Free parking subject to availability, with paid options near center.
Spectator mobility: Spectators can use shuttle buses and follow race via large screens at finish areas. The descent to Cavalese is very sweet, meeting Campitello, Pozza di Fassa, Moena and Predazzo, allowing spectators to move between villages.
Moena: Most convenient for start, within walking distance of starting grid. Hotels, guesthouses, and apartments offer runner-friendly services such as early breakfast, ski storage, and waxing rooms.
Predazzo: Convenient for Light finish, offering additional hotels and proximity to middle section of course.
Cavalese: Main finish town for 70 km, ideal for finish hospitality and award ceremonies, with four star hotels with spa and wellness.
Canazei and Fassa Valley: Elevated villages near initial climb, offering panoramic Dolomite views and shuttle connections to Moena.
Fiemme Valley villages: Tesero, Ziano, and Panchià offer quiet stays with shuttle connections to Cavalese.
Contact tourist offices for runner packages and early booking, as January is high season in Dolomites.
On-course refreshments: Stations with warm drinks, energy bars, gels, water, and fruit positioned at regular intervals, including at Canazei and Predazzo sprint points.
Finish area: Medal and pasta after finish in Cavalese and Predazzo, with food stalls offering Trentino specialties such as canederli, polenta, speck, and local cheeses.
Expo catering: Food stalls and local restaurants offering pasta, strudel, coffee, and craft beer from Fiemme and Fassa breweries.
Lokale keuken: Trentino is renowned for hearty mountain cuisine, with many restaurants offering pre-race carbohydrate menus and post-race celebration meals.
Route: Cross-country ski track not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers, but finish areas in Predazzo and Cavalese are accessible.
Locatie: Moena start area, Predazzo and Cavalese finish areas provide ground-level entry to expo, changing facilities, and hospitality with accessible pathways.
Services: Accessible toilets, medical assistance, and volunteer support.
Inclusive program: Just for Fun 32 km non-competitive event designed to be inclusive for recreational skiers of all abilities.
70 km Classic Marcialonga: The full classic race from Moena to Cavalese passing through Canazei, ideal for experienced skiers seeking ultimate Dolomite challenge and Grand Classics experience with iconic Cascata climb.
45 km Light Marcialonga: Shorter but still demanding course sharing much of 70 km route until Predazzo, perfect for those wanting authentic Marcialonga experience with less distance.
32 km Just for Fun: Non-competitive 32 km from Moena to Cavalese sharing Cascata climb and finish line with main race, ideal for recreational skiers and families.
Cascata Climb: Watching finishes after iconic climb to Cavalese offers most atmospheric spectator experience, with steep ascent deciding many races.
Worldloppet Village: Expo and village in Cavalese with vintage ski register, sponsor activations, and community gatherings provides cultural immersion beyond racing.
Mass participation and international field: Every year many thousands of skiers participate at Marcialonga, with 6,983 athletes registered in 2017 and entries limited to 7,000 to 7,500 since record of 7,951 in 2016. The event is managed exclusively through online system with spots selling out within minutes.
Snowmaking and organization: Cost of snowmaking program involving production, movement and preparation of more than 70,000 to 80,000 cubic meters of snow has cost about 200,000 euros, ensuring race even in low snow years. In 2007, 2015 and 2017 race shortened to 57 km due to snow problems.
Tradition and legends: Competitors who have participated in all editions called senators or pioneers, while amateur skiers starting in last wave called bisons. Maria Canins won 10 times from 1979 to 1988, contributing to legend.
Worldloppet and Ski Classics: Since 2000 part of both Worldloppet circuit and FIS Marathon Cup, and first of four Grand Classics events in Ski Classics Pro Tour, with sprints at Canazei and Predazzo and iconic climb Cascata. The event showcases Dolomites tradition meeting Trentino hospitality.
Authorized channels: Official website https://marcialonga.it/marcialonga_ski/index_en.php and Worldloppet website for registrations. Contact +39 0462 501110 and info@marcialonga.it. Official tour operators for English speaking skiers are Globalrunners based in Europe and Lumi Experiences based in Vermont, USA.
Official pricing in USD: Start bib 2027 45 km and 70 km $162 USD corresponding to EUR 150 / CHF 150. Accommodation package $475 USD per person in double room for 2 days corresponding to EUR 440 / CHF 440. Single room extra $162 USD corresponding to EUR 150. Extra night $194 USD double with half board and $216 USD single with half board. Vintage entry $32 USD corresponding to EUR 30.
Inclusions: Race bib with timing chip, insurance, medical assistance, refreshments on course and at finish, timing and results, online diploma, finisher medal, pasta after finish, changing facilities, bag storage, expo access.
Authenticity: Only tickets via official channels and official tour operators guarantee valid registration, departure slot, and access to Fiemme and Fassa valley facilities. Avoid unauthorized resellers.
The 70 km classic Marcialonga from Moena to Cavalese passing through Canazei is the full Grand Classics race with finish in Cavalese after Cascata climb. The 45 km Light from Moena to Predazzo shares same route until Predazzo where Light stops, making it shorter but still competitive. The 32 km Just for Fun from Moena to Cavalese is non-competitive without ranking, sharing Cascata climb and finish line, ideal for recreational skiers.
Registration is exclusively online on official website and Worldloppet site, opening in early June for January event, with spots selling out within minutes due to cap around 7000 to 7500. Race numbers are assigned by organizing committee based on times at Marcialonga Coop or other half marathons from 2024 to 2026 seasons. Official tour operators like Globalrunners and Lumi Experiences guarantee departure slot when booking through them.
Marcialonga runs in classic style only, with technique control and disqualification for skating. The run begins in Moena, goes further up Fassa Valley and along Canazei, passing Moena on its way alongside Cavalese in Fiemme Valley. The descent to Cavalese passes Campitello, Pozza di Fassa, Moena and Predazzo, with final iconic Cascata climb to Cavalese finish.
Moena to Cavalese in Fiemme and Fassa Valleys is reachable by train to Trento then Trentino Trasporti bus to Cavalese, Predazzo, Moena and Canazei, or by car via A22 Brenner exit Ora then SS48 Dolomites road. Recommended stays are Moena for start proximity, Predazzo for Light finish, and Cavalese for 70 km finish with four star hotels including spa and waxing room. Early booking essential as January is high season.
Registration includes bib with chip, insurance, medical assistance, refreshments on course, timing and results, diploma, medal and pasta after finish, plus changing facilities and bag storage. Vintage entry includes socks, cotton bib, shoulder bag and Rode wax. Snowmaking program produces 70000 to 80000 cubic meters of snow when needed, ensuring race even in low snow years, though race was shortened to 57 km in some years and cancelled in 1975, 1989 and 1990.
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