The Gsiesertal Lauf is one of the best-known and best-loved ski marathons in the entire Alpine region. It is the second largest ski marathon in Italy, and is held on the 3rd weekend in February in the Val Casies Valley, South Tyrol (Italy). Ever since it was first held back in 1984, this race has never once been cancelled due to weather conditions. In 2021, the event was cancelled for reasons of force majeure (Corona). The event attracts a great deal of international skiers, with a good forty nations at the starting line every year and a great many World and Olympic Champions listed on the roll of honour. In 2026, it will take place at the same time as the ‘Milan-Cortina Olympics’. This is a unique opportunity for all participants to experience some Olympic competitions either in the neighbouring Antholz Valley or in Cortina (distance 35 km) in addition to their own sporting activities. The race runs along two routes, one of 30 km and one of 42 km; the classic race is held on Saturday and the skating race on Sunday. The amateur “Just for Fun” group. with none of the stress of rankings and timekeeping, is also extremely popular, and the programme of events also includes the “Gsiesertal KIDS Run” on Saturday.
