6 More Dolomites Winter Ski and Snowboard Races Not to Miss
The Sellaronda Skimarathon is a world famous international touring ski competition that runs through the Dolomites passes of Campolongo, Pordoi, Sella and Gardena. This year marks the event’s 17th anniversary. Perhaps what makes this competition so unique is the fact that it takes place at night around the impressive Sella Massif. Participants must wear special skis, front lamps and other special equipment to be able to navigate their way down the steep runs and face the challenging conditions.
The track of the race connects the main resorts of the four Ladin valleys which are Corvara, Arabba, Canazei and Selva and covers and area of 42 km with a breathtaking height difference of 2700 m. It is widely considered one of the most unique ski mountaineering competitions in the world and a fantastic event to watch! The 2013 Sellaronda Skimarathon is scheduled for March 8th.
This magnificent touring ski mountaineering competition is slated to take place on the 17th of February 2013. It starts in the town of Badia and covers the snow-covered landscapes of Fanes, Sennes and Braies to the Lavarella mountain hut before returning to Badia via the challenging Val de Medesc. The distance of the race stretches 25 km and features and altitude difference of 2,100 m, an area that must be covered in a maximum of 5.3 hours. Participants in the Tour de Sas must meet specific criteria and conform to strict technical requirements, including equipment used. It is a very challenging race for highly skilled skiers and a spectacular event for spectators.
FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Gran Risa – Men's Giant Slalom
According to ski world cup insiders, the Gran Risa slope in La Villa / Alta Badia is among the most challenging giant slopes of the entire ski world cup circuit. Slated for the 16th of December, 2012, this traditional pre-Christmas highlight will again be hosting the world’s greatest Giant Slalom skiers. This incredible race features a height difference of 448 m. which is distributed over 1255 m. It’s a breathtaking descent into the heart of the woods of the Dolomite wilderness. The Gran Risa run features all of the technical characteristics required to qualify as a Giant race and which can challenge even expert skiers. It’s an exciting event which is sure to leave both participants and spectators holding their breath from start to finish.
For snowshoeing enthusiasts, the Val Gardena Ciasp is a very popular race that takes place on Mount Pana, near the village of S. Christina. Each January in Val Gardena, this race is organized to delight both competitors and those who prefer to watch from the sidelines. Race participants must cover a distance of 5.5 km on Mount Pana’s cross-country ski run in less than 2 hours. There’s even an easier race that’s designed for the less experienced snow boarder, so everyone can enjoy the event. This year’s Val Gardena Ciasp is scheduled to take place on January 20, 2013.
Imagine flying on snow behind a kite on a pair of skis. That is the latest and fastest trend sport known as kiteskiing, or snowkiting. The Dolomites area of Cortina on the 2,236 m high Passo Giau is one place where it is both practiced and taught, and at the end of March, it is also the venue for the fantastic international Cortina Snowkite Contest. In March 2013, the snowkiting elite from all over the world will meet up to compete in five contests of four rounds: Freestyle, Big Air, Best Trick, Race, and Snow X. Watch breathlessly as professionals reach speeds of up to 70 km an hour and perform awe-inspiring jumps with perfect landings. It’s simply unforgettable.
Helmissimo
Helmissimo is the longest giant slalom race in Pustertal. The event takes place on Mount Helm, in the skiing area of Hochpustertal, and covers an area of 4.5 km with 905 m of altitude. This year's event will be held on the 16th March, 2013. Teams of skiers from each country participate, and the race is open to both men and women. Following the race, a spectacular awards ceremony will be held in the finish area in Vierschach. As in year’s past, this year’s race promises to be very exciting, so you don’t want to miss it!
Given the spectacular mountainous terrain, it’s no wonder the Dolomites are home to such a wide variety of world-renowned winter sporting events. There’s no doubt about it - this is the place to be in the coming months. We look forward to seeing you!