MARCIALONGA - 50th Anniversary Event

The Marcialonga ski marathon in Italy is one of the most popular events on the annual Worldloppet calendar. The classic-only event attracts thousands of skiers every winter and registration fills within minutes.

Spectators line the course of the Marcialonga

What makes this event so popular? The trail winds its way through South Tyrol’s Fassa and Fiemme valleys in the heart of the Italian Dolomites, skiing through the snowy streets where villagers cheer on racers. Each town has its own special atmosphere, whether that’s a local band playing traditional tunes or kids lining up to practice their English. Don’t be surprised if they yell “die, die, die!” -- that’s Italian for “go, go, go!”

Lots of sunshine and smiles along the course

Lumi Experiences is an official Tour Operator of the Marcialonga and we have special access to guaranteed entries. The Marcialonga is also the most popular event for our travelers. That’s why we have two trips to this unique event. The Marcialonga & König Ludwig Lauf Trip and Dolomitenlauf & Marcialonga Trip. Both offer the opportunity to ski to Worldloppet events in one 10-day trip.

Skiers in the Marcialonga Story Vintage Event

This winter is sure to be special as the Marcialonga celebrates its 50th anniversary. The long cross country ski tradition in northern Italy is honored with the annual Marcialonga Story event, where skiers dress up in vintage clothes and traditional equipment. You can either watch this festive spectacle or even participate.

The area has also hosted several World Championships and is the final stop for the annual Tour de Ski, where skiers climb 10 grueling km up the Alpe Cermis to finish 1500 feet higher than the start. But don’t worry, the Marcialonga course zips past the base of the climb, so you can see it and have an appreciation for the challenging World Cup course, but still cruise along the river through the undulating trails along the river in the valley.

Lumi trip leaders Kathi, Raphi and Anna at the Tour de Ski while preparing for Lumi's Marcialonga trip

Italy’s Nordic ski infrastructure also looks towards the future. Val di Fiemme was recently named as the cross country ski venue for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympic Games. You will ski through the future Olympic stadium on the trip and see how the infrastructure is developing in preparation for the next Olympics.

Tradition and tech meet in the 2026 Olympic Stadium

In addition to great ski trails, Italy is the destination for food lovers. The freshest pasta and perhaps a glass of full-bodied Lagrein red wine are a great way to taste the local culture after a day outside.

Ben Popp, American Birkebeiner Race Director, skied the Marcialonga several years ago and says “the Marcialonga is like no other ski experience in the world. Beautiful valley vistas, welcoming villages of volunteers and a guaranteed artificial snow track make for an unforgettable experience. One highlight was getting a fresh layer of klister and an espresso shot for extra power before the final climb into Cavalese, where we were welcomed by a crowd of cheering spectators.”

Finishing in downtown Cavalese

Visit www.lumiexperiences.com or email info@lumiexperiences.com for more information or to sign up for the Marcialonga & König Ludwig Lauf trip -- get two Worldloppet passport stamps in one week on this fully-supported trip. Sign up by May 31 for guaranteed entry in the 50th anniversary of the Marcialonga!

See you on the trail soon,
Garrott