Val Casies cross-country ski race

Since 1984, one of South Tyrol’s most traditional cross-country skiing events has taken place every February in the Val Casies

The mass start at the Val Casies cross-country ski race which takes place in the Val Casies valley.
© GsieserTal Lauf
It represents one of the most popular and most famous skiing marathons in the alpine area.
© GsieserTal Lauf
Every year, thousands of athletes meet here on two consecutive days in mid-February.
© GsieserTal Lauf

The starting signal for the GsieserTal Lauf, the second-largest ski marathon in Italy and the tenth-largest worldwide, was given for the first time in 1984. It has taken place on the third weekend of February for four decades, with the exception of 2021 (cancelled due to the pandemic) and 2026 (postponed to the end of February due to the Milano-Cortina Winter Games).

Thousands of cross-country skiers from a total of 35 nations join in every year in the Val Casies to cover the 30 or 42-kilometre route. The classic style race and the MINI-Gsieser for young skiers take place on Saturdays. The skating competition then follows on Sundays. Besides the sport, the ingredients for the success of the Val Casies cross-country ski race include the culinary delights, the "Just for Fun" race, the opening party and lunch for participants and spectators in the marquee. A mass for athletes is held on Saturdays in the parish church of Santa Maddalena in Casies.

Numerous volunteers contribute every year to making the event an unforgettable folk festival where everyone - whether as an athlete or a fan - can take part. The trails in the valley belong to Dolomiti Nordicski, the largest cross-country skiing carousel in Europe.