The most beloved cross-country ski marathon in the Dolomites
The Granfondo Dobbiaco/Toblach–Cortina is a staple of the international cross-country skiing calendar and one of the most iconic winter sports events in the entire Alpine region. Established in the late 1970s, the event takes place between the municipality of Dobbiaco/Toblach, in the province of Bolzano (South Tyrol), and the nearby town of Cortina d'Ampezzo, traversing some of the most spectacular Dolomite landscapes in the world.
The classic route winds through a high-altitude environment of extraordinary beauty: from the start, it continues towards San Candido, skirts the Lago di Dobbiaco and Lago di Landro, and crosses the Val di Landro with its famous view of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, reaching its highest point at Passo Cimabanche, over 1,500 meters above sea level. It is an itinerary that combines athletic effort with scenic splendor, making this granfondo a favorite among enthusiasts.
The event is traditionally held over two days: the first dedicated to the classic technique and the second to the free technique (skating). The starting line features elite skiers, international circuit champions, and thousands of amateurs, in an atmosphere that blends top-tier competition with a spirit of popular participation. The Dobbiaco-Cortina is part of the Ski Classics circuit and has frequently hosted the Italian Master Championships.
Beyond the race, the event offers dedicated services for athletes: bib collection, a free shuttle service between Cortina and Dobbiaco, pasta parties, and award ceremonies at the Grandhotel Kulturzentrum. The setting is one of South Tyrolean hospitality in the Puster Valley, amidst mountain huts, snow-covered forests, and the charm of the UNESCO-listed Dolomites. For nearly fifty years, the Dobbiaco-Cortina has maintained its allure, becoming a symbol of Italian Nordic skiing.
The 49th Granfondo Dobbiaco-Cortina was held on the weekend of January 17 and 18, 2026. Due to the staging of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in the Pusteria-Ampezzo territory, the event was moved up by a few weeks and the route was modified from the original track.
The start and finish for both days were set at the Nordic Arena in Dobbiaco/Toblach: Saturday, January 17, featured the classic technique, while Sunday, January 18, hosted the free technique (skating). Despite the changes to the route, the event retained all the charm of a historic Dolomite race, with the participation of elite athletes and thousands of amateurs.
Saturday, January 17 — Classic technique race. Start and finish at the Nordic Arena in Dobbiaco; group starts (9:30 AM and 10:30 AM). Award ceremonies at the Grandhotel Kulturzentrum.
Sunday, January 18 — Free technique (skating) race. Start and finish at the Nordic Arena in Dobbiaco; group starts (9:45 AM and 10:30 AM). Pasta party and award ceremonies at the Grandhotel Kulturzentrum.
Start and finish at the Nordic Arena in Dobbiaco/Toblach (BZ), in the Puster Valley, South Tyrol.
Dobbiaco is accessible by car via the SS49 Pusteria road and by train via the Puster Valley railway (Dobbiaco station). A free shuttle service between Cortina and Dobbiaco is available during the event.
Official website: dobbiacocortina.org — Tel. +39 329 2417437 — [email protected]
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Nordic Arena Dobbiaco/Toblach