Marcialonga: A skiing event that’s getting global attention
One of the spectacular highlights of the international skiing calendar is the Italian Marcialonga. For over half a century this cross-country ski race has brought together competitors from around the world.
Held each year in the picturesque Fassa and Fiemme Valleys of Trentino Italy on the last Sunday in January, the majestic Dolomite mountains provide a stunning setting for this event.
The Marcialonga is a wonderful example of the unifying power of sports. The event brings together competitors, spectators, and the local inhabitants of the villages that the ski-route passes through.
The start of the Marcialonga provides one of the iconic moments of this race. The starting line-up is divided into three groups. The “senators”, those who have participated in all the races since its founding in 1971 start first with the professional athletes. The center of the pack is formed by skiers who obtained good placement in previous events. The rest are made of “the bisons”, the amateur skiers.
The race is also Italy’s chosen inclusion for the Worldloppet Ski Federation. Only one race which is considered the best from each member country can be a member of Worldloppet .
The Route
The Marcialonga runs the classic cross-country ski race distance of 70km. The race starts at the city gates of the town of Moena. From Moena, the route follows the Avisio stream and takes the participants up the length of the Fassa Valley. Near Soraga di Fassa, the skiers cross the Avisio stream and head toward Vigo di Fassa. This leads to the second climb of the race. Even though this climb is short, it is tough and is nicknamed the “leg breaker”.
From here, the route passes through the villages of Pozza di Fassa, and Campitello di Fassa before leading to the first turning point at the control point of Canazei. From Moena to Canazei the route has climbed just under 300 meters in altitude.
From Canazei the route heads downhill back toward Soraga di Fassa, leading to the third climb of the race. The length of this third climb and the effort involved in its ascent have earned it the nickname of “The Endless”.
The route then descends to the village of Someda and takes the skiers through Moena’s town center before heading straight to the Fiemme Valley. From here the route goes to the village of Predazzo and onto the village of Ziano di Fiemme.
Here in the lower Fiemme Valley the route passes the waterfall in Masi di Cavalese and onto the second control point at Molina di Fiemme. Molina di Fiemme is also the lowest point of the route with an altitude of 800 meters. From Canazei, the skiers have descended a little over 600 meters.
From Molina di Fiemme the route enters its most challenging stretch. The next 2.5 kilometers of the route climbs 144 meters and is referred to as the “ascent of the waterfall” or “Full Gas”. This climb takes the skiers to the Mendini boulevard in Cavalese and onto the finish line.
This final climb provides the site of many of the Marcialonga’s battles for a winning placement in the race.
Promoting A Sense Of Community
In the same way that live sports, eSports, and digital games like online pokies have brought people together from all over the world, the Marcialonga unites everyone with an interest in skiing or winter sports globally.
The local villages benefit from this global interest too, with an estimated event turnover of approximately 8 million Euros.
Local traditions are also celebrated as the competitors are rewarded at the finish line with a laurel wreath by the Soreghina . The Soreghina is a girl chosen from the local villages who wears traditional dress.
All along the route are places for spectators to cheer on the skiers and the spectators provide much needed encouragement to the competitors.
The route can also be enjoyed out of the winter season. When there is no snow, the route can be done on foot, horseback, by bicycle, or on roller skis.
The success and popularity of the Marcialonga has also resulted in two sister competitions being established in the area. Marcialonga Cycling is an event held in June and covers 135 kilometers in a circular route beginning and ending in Predazzo. Marcialonga Running is a 26-kilometer walking race on part of the track from Moena to Cavalese that’s held in September.
A Rich History
The Marcialonga was started by Mario Cristofolini, Giulio Giovannini, Roberto Moggio, and Nele Zorzi. Known as the Four Founders, these Italian skiers were inspired by the 1968 Grenoble Winter Olympic Games. They wanted an Italian cross-country skiing event. As the cradle of Italian cross-country skiing, the valleys of Fassa and Fiemme were a natural place for the event.
The inaugural race was held on 7 February 1971 with 1,157 entrants recorded.
An event that keeps growing
The popularity of the Marcialonga classic has led to the development of related events.
The Marcialonga light is a shorter 45-kilometer route that follows the first 45 kilometers of the Marcialonga classic. This provides a shorter route that finishes near Predazzo for those who don’t feel up to the whole 70 km race.
The Marcialonga story requires participants to use vintage skiing materials from before 1976. Done on an 11-kilometer route from Lago di Tesero to Predazzo this event was introduced to celebrate the 40th Marcialonga in 2013.
The race organizers have also added three events for younger skiers. Marcialonga baby covers 100 meters and is for skiers under age 6, showing that you are never too young to participate. Mini Marcialonga is a 3 km route for 6- to 12-year-olds, and Marcialonga young for minors over 12 years old that can’t compete in the Marcialonga classic.
Whether you are a fan of skiing or not, the Marcialonga provides a memorable experience amidst a stunning Italian landscape . Showcasing international quality and embodying the principles of friendly competition, the races all combine traditional skiing with the warmth of the Italians.