Dolomiten Lauf

When 2500 skiers from more than 30 nations – amongst them the most elite marathon skiers of the world – are tackling the Pustertalloipe between Sillian and Lienz, we know the time has come for the Dolomitenlauf.

The 42nd edition of Austria´s most renowned ski marathon will traditionally take place on the January 3^rd weekend, and with its free-technique marathon marks the second stage of the FIS Worldloppet Cup 2016. In order to give the skiers a chance to visit and inspect the tracks, the organisers will make the entire Pustertalloipe already accessible one week prior to the race. In addition, a bus service to the slopes will be available to the participants of the 42 km classic race and the 60 km freestyle race – both have the Worldloppet gold status – aiming to provide the participants with a sense of direction through the valley. For the same reason, the Romantiklauf was implemented 35 years ago. The Thursday before the racing weekend, hundreds of participants will enjoy the romantic atmosphere of skiing amidst the light of torches under the night sky of the Dolomiten.

Nevertheless, the ultimate highlight surrounding the Dolimitenlauf will as always be the Dolomitensprint. A night race set in the city of Lienz, taking place directly on the main square, was 30 years ago one of the first sprints to ever take place. Nowadays, it attracts more than 3000 spectators every year, which doesn’t surprise as some of the most outstanding sprinters are competing on this unique course. The start itself is already spectacular: The six rivals of every heat have to drop down a seven meters high starting ramp. After that, steep turns, a tunnel, hairpin bends and a jump awaits them.

The Worldloppet silver competitions, the 20 km classic and the 25 km freestyle race, and the Bambini Marathon (children’s race) are topping off the program of this year’s edition of the Austrian Worldloppet, Dolomitenlauf. Until the 31st of October there is a reduced early bird registration fee available.

Program:

Thursday, 21.1.

Romantiklauf Lavant

Friday, 22.1.

Opening celebration

Dolomitensprint Lienz

Saturday, 23.1.

Dolomitenlauf classic 42 km (Worldloppet gold status)

Classic 20 km (Worldloppet silver status)

Bambini Marathon (children’s race)

Sunday, 24.1.

42. Dolomitenlauf freestyle 60 km (Worldloppet gold status)

Freestyle 25 km (Worldloppet silver status)