---
slug: "marcialonga"
name: "Marcialonga"
tier: 1
score: 89
distance_km: 70
discipline: "classic"
country: "Italy"
region: "Trentino-Alto Adige"
location: "Moena to Cavalese"
date: "2026: January 25"
url: "https://xcskilabs.com/race/marcialonga/"
---

# Marcialonga

> *Source: [XC Ski Labs](https://xcskilabs.com/) — a cross-country ski race database covering 229 races, scored on 14 criteria. Canonical page: https://xcskilabs.com/race/marcialonga/*

> Seventy kilometers beneath the Dolomite spires — Italy's frozen masterpiece where alpine grandeur meets the longest Worldloppet classic.

## Vitals

| | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 70 km |
| Distance Options | 70km, 45km |
| Elevation Gain | 1,050 m |
| Altitude | 1,100 m |
| Location | Moena to Cavalese |
| Country | Italy |
| Date | 2026: January 25 |
| Discipline | classic |
| Field Size | 7000 |
| Founded | 1971 |
| Registration | Lottery system; registration opens in summer |
| Website | https://www.marcialonga.it |

## Course

Point-to-point through the Val di Fiemme and Val di Fassa, following the Avisio River valley beneath the Dolomites. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs, passing through multiple villages. The course is predominantly valley-floor skiing with stunning mountain scenery above.

Format: point-to-point  
Surface: Machine-groomed classic tracks through alpine valley terrain  
Technical rating: 3/5  
Grooming: World-class Worldloppet standard, expertly maintained valley tracks

### Features

- Dolomite panorama throughout the entire course
- Passes through historic Ladin-speaking villages
- Italian feed stations with local pastries and espresso
- Valley skiing along the Avisio River
- Finish in Cavalese — also a FIS World Cup venue

## Climate

Alpine valley winter

January race date means consistent cold. The valley location between Dolomite peaks provides some wind shelter but can trap cold air. Temperatures typically -10°C to -2°C. Snow is generally reliable at altitude but January warm spells can soften lower sections.

Typical race-day temperature: -10 to -2°C

Challenges:
- Cold start in January darkness
- Valley fog can reduce visibility in early kilometers
- Snow quality varies between shaded and sun-exposed valley sections
- Late January thaw risk at lower elevations

## XC Ski Labs Rating

**Overall Score**: 89/100
**Tier**: 1
**Discipline**: classic

| Criterion | Score |
|-----------|-------|
| Distance | 5/5 |
| Elevation | 3/5 |
| Altitude | 3/5 |
| Field Size | 5/5 |
| Prestige | 5/5 |
| Int'l Draw | 5/5 |
| Technicality | 3/5 |
| Snow Reliability | 4/5 |
| Grooming | 5/5 |
| Accessibility | 4/5 |
| Community | 5/5 |
| Scenery | 5/5 |
| Organization | 5/5 |
| Comp. Depth | 5/5 |

Maximum scenery score anchored by Dolomite views. The Italian hospitality and alpine setting create an atmosphere unmatched in long-distance skiing. Only snow reliability prevents a perfect score.

Prestige 5 with score >= 75 confirms TIER 1

## History

Founded in 1971 as a 70km classic race through the Val di Fiemme and Val di Fassa in the Italian Dolomites. It quickly grew into one of the most prestigious events on the Worldloppet circuit. The race celebrates the Ladin culture of the valleys and has become Italy's defining cross-country ski marathon. The Val di Fiemme has also hosted multiple FIS Nordic World Ski Championships.

### Notable Facts

- Val di Fiemme has hosted FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in 1991, 2003, and 2013
- The Ladin-speaking valleys are a unique cultural enclave within Italy
- Italian feed stations famously serve strudel, hot chocolate, and espresso
- One of the original founding members of the Worldloppet series
- Part of both Worldloppet and Ski Classics Grand Classic series
- The race name means 'Long March' in Italian

## Series Membership

- worldloppet
- ski_classics_grand_classic

## Race Footage

*YouTube titles referenced during research (not embedded).*

- Marcialonga 2019 1080p (Tore Stensrud)
- Marcialonga, l'impresa dei «bisonti» sotto la neve (IlT Quotidiano)
- Marcialonga 2023 Race report vlogg Magnus (Magnus Högfeldt)
- 47th Marcialonga (26.01.2020) (Towards Snowbound Horizons)
- hillrunner68@ Marcialonga 2015 (hillrunner68)
- Marcialonga 2017 (Video Project)
- 53a MARCIALONGA di Fassa & Fiemme - Moena - Trentino (in 4K) (jamala travelling)
- Marcialonga 2021 Me standing in front of La Cascata (final 3 km uphill) loosing composure (Worldloppet)
- MARCIALONGA 2025 SCI FONDO | FIEMME E FASSA | TRENTINO (DiscoveryAlps)
- Marcialonga 2017 & Gita in Val di Fiemme (Trentino, Italia) (chievoalto)
- Swix Ski Classics Marcialonga 2013 (SC - The Ski Community)
- Atomic / Nordic diaries - Marcialonga (Atomic Skiing)
- Marcialonga 2016 double poling finish (Maya Guseynova)

### Rider Quotes

> You can divide Marcialonga into three parts: the first 15K where you go from the start to Canazei, it's gradual uphill all the way, then you turn around and it's just down the valley high speed, then you turn again and it's 5K to the finish and it's more uphill with the last three K's pretty steep.
> Something happens with the body when it passes two and a half hours and that's when you really see who's the best. You have to be really focused to get the feeding during the race and to drink energy drink.

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*This profile is by XC Ski Labs (xcskilabs.com). Cite as: "XC Ski Labs — Marcialonga". Canonical: https://xcskilabs.com/race/marcialonga/. Generated 2026-07-26.*