Lavarone Triathlon Cross

A cross triathlon between lake and mountains in Trentino

The Lavarone Triathlon Cross is a cross triathlon race recognized by FITRI (Italian Triathlon Federation) held in the municipality of Lavarone, on the Alpe Cimbra plateau in the province of Trento (Trentino-Alto Adige). The event is centered around the shores of Lake Lavarone, a swimmable alpine lake nestled in the woods, offering a setting that is as spectacular as it is technically demanding for athletes.

The sprint race format

The event is a sprint-distance cross triathlon designed to test swimming, mountain biking, and trail running skills in a natural environment. The course includes:

• 750 meters of swimming in the waters of Lake Lavarone;
• a mountain bike leg of approximately 15-17 kilometers through the dirt roads and forest trails of Lavarone and Folgaria;
• a final trail running leg of about 5 kilometers on Monte Rust, passing by the historic Austro-Hungarian Observatory.

The combination of cold lake water, wooded single-tracks, and mountain climbs makes the race suitable for cross triathlon specialists while remaining accessible to well-trained amateurs.

A sporting tradition of the Alpe Cimbra

Triathlon in Lavarone has deep roots in the sporting tradition of the Alpe Cimbra, where the discipline has been a staple on the plateau since the 1980s. Organized by A.S.D. PDNTRI with the support of the Municipality of Lavarone and the APT Alpe Cimbra, the event is now a highly regarded stop on the national Cross Circuit, attracting clubs from all over Italy.

Sport, nature, and families

Beyond the competitive race, the Lavarone Triathlon Cross is a celebration of outdoor sports that involves athletes of all ages, families, and fans. The atmosphere along the lake shore, with hundreds of colorful swim caps diving into the water, is one of the most photographed moments of the summer on the plateau. The backdrop of the Alpe Cimbra, with its meadows, forests, and Dolomite views, provides the perfect setting for a day that combines competition with active tourism in Trentino.