GranFondo Val Casies / Gsiesertal Lauf

A cross-country skiing classic in South Tyrol

The GranFondo Val Casies / Gsiesertal Lauf ranks among the most prestigious cross-country ski marathons in the Alps and is the second largest in Italy. Established in 1984, it takes place in the picturesque Val Casies, South Tyrol, spanning the municipalities of Valle di Casies and Monguelfo-Tesido, in the province of Bolzano. The event is a permanent fixture on the international cross-country calendar and is part of the Euroloppet continental circuit and the Ski Classics Challengers.

The Courses

The race track starts and finishes in San Martino in Val Casies, at an altitude of approximately 1,220 meters. Two distances are available, the 42 km and the 30 km, held over two days: Saturday for the classic technique and Sunday for the freestyle (skating) technique. The long loop winds through the entire valley, passing through the villages of Santa Maddalena, Pichl, and Tesido (a hamlet of Monguelfo-Tesido), including the famous climb towards Santa Maddalena that often decides the race. Seven refreshment stations and five sprint finish lines for the King & Queen of the Mountain competition are set up along the route.

Numbers and Tradition

Every year, the GranFondo Val Casies attracts over 2,000 participants from more than thirty countries, with international entries nearing half of the total and a steadily growing female participation. Since 1984, the event has surpassed forty editions, welcoming tens of thousands of finishers and hosting world-class cross-country champions over the years. The organizational machine relies on hundreds of volunteers, the beating heart of an event deeply rooted in the Val Casies community.

More Than Just a Race

The competitions are surrounded by a rich program of side events: the Mini Val Casies dedicated to young skiers, live music, award ceremonies, the party in the heated marquee, and the traditional After Race Party. The GranFondo Val Casies is much more than a race: it is a grand celebration of sport and mountain life that brings together athletes, families, and enthusiasts.

A Territory to Experience

Val Casies, with its snow-covered landscapes and some of the most beautiful cross-country tracks in South Tyrol, offers visitors an ideal setting not only for the race but also for a winter holiday. The area is connected to the Plan de Corones ski resort and the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites, a destination for skiers and hikers from all over Europe.