Marcialonga of Fiemme and Fassa

Champions, athletes, and enthusiasts participate in Italy's most celebrated cross-country ski race, from Moena to Cavalese, along a 70 km course.

Since 1971, the last Sunday of January has been synonymous with the Marcialonga of Fassa and Fiemme, a race that has made these two Trentino valleys a global benchmark for Nordic skiing. Now in its 53rd edition, the Marcialonga is a must-attend event for athletes and enthusiasts, thanks to its spectacular route that mostly winds through villages. Both the main 70 km course from Moena to Cavalese and the shorter variant from Moena to Predazzo must be covered exclusively using classic technique. Most of the 7,500 registered athletes, affectionately known as "bisonti" (bison), come from Scandinavian countries, particularly Norway, turning the weekend into a genuine Nordic skiing celebration. Along the entire course, spectators enthusiastically cheer on every competitor, from the first to the last.

The Marcialonga starts from the plains of Moena at 08:00 with a spectacular mass start. From there, cross-country skiers ascend the Val di Fassa, following the Avisio river upstream to Canazei, where they reverse course to return along the other bank of the stream. The descent towards Cavalese is smooth and gradual: first passing Campitello, then Pera, Pozza, and Moena, before continuing towards Predazzo and the Val di Fiemme. The decisive moment comes on the climb up the Cavalese waterfall, known as "Mur de la Stria" (Wall of the Witch), with gradients nearing 20%. Only the most tenacious will cross the finish line in Viale Mendini, celebrating their achievement in one of Nordic skiing's most iconic competitions. The record to beat is 2 hours and 35 minutes.

Programme Friday 23 January 2026:
- 16:00 Pozza di Fassa - Marcialonga Story, a revival event with historical equipment

Programme Saturday 24 January 2026:
- 13:00 Pozza di Fassa - Marcialonga Stars, a charity cross-country ski and snowshoe race reserved for VIPs. In collaboration with the League Against Cancer
- 14:00 Pozza di Fassa - Minimarcialonga, a 3 km classic technique cross-country ski race for children aged 6 to 12
- 15:00 Pozza di Fassa - Marcialonga Young, a 4 km cross-country ski race for the "Ragazzi" (youth) category, aged 14 to 16
- 17:00 Canazei - Marcialonga Baby, an initiative dedicated to children up to 6 years old
- 17:00 Moena - Official opening ceremony

Programme Sunday 25 January 2026:
- 08:00 Moena - Start of the Marcialonga of Fiemme and Fassa
- 11:00 Cavalese - Expected arrival of the first competitors, followed by prize-giving

On Sunday morning, State Road No. 48 of the Dolomites will be temporarily closed between Predazzo, Trampolini locality, and San Giovanni di Fassa, Costalunga Pass junction (07:30 – 08:30). Public transport may therefore experience delays.

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