SellaRonda Skimarathon

The classic nocturnal race of the Dolomites

The SellaRonda Skimarathon is one of the most prestigious and recognizable ski mountaineering competitions in the world. It takes place every March in the heart of the Dolomites, following the famous Sellaronda route: the complete circuit around the Sella massif via the four great surrounding passes — Passo Campolongo, Passo Pordoi, Passo Sella, and Passo Gardena. The race is held at night, with athletes tackling the course illuminated by headlamps in a setting that is unique in the world.

The route and Canazei

The start and finish are set in Corvara in Badia (Alta Badia, Province of Bolzano), but the track crosses several valleys and territories of the Dolomite range. After Passo Campolongo and Arabba, the race climbs to Passo Pordoi and descends towards Canazei, in Val di Fassa (Province of Trento), which represents one of the most scenic passages along the route. It is no coincidence that the organization is entrusted to Val di Fassa Grandi Eventi, based in Canazei itself. The full course measures approximately 42 kilometers with 2,700 meters of positive elevation gain, an athletic challenge of the highest level that has earned the race the nickname "Formula 1 of ski mountaineering".

A team race

The SellaRonda Skimarathon is run in teams, in men's, women's, and mixed categories. Every year, over one thousand athletes take part, coming from more than twenty nations, ranging from champions of the international ski mountaineering circuit to enthusiasts seeking the thrill of completing the Dolomite circuit by night. The collective start in the early evening, with the stream of headlamps winding along the climbs, is one of the most iconic spectacles of Italian winter sports.

History and tradition

Founded in 1995 by a group of enthusiasts — including Diego Perathoner, the historic president of the event — the SellaRonda Skimarathon has grown to become an unmissable appointment on the ski mountaineering calendar. The first edition saw just over a hundred teams participate; today, the race is a true international event, followed via live streaming and broadcast by television networks. The event symbolically unites Trentino-Alto Adige and Veneto, crossing the territories of three provinces and showcasing the entire Sellaronda area.

The atmosphere

What makes this race unique is the combination of top-level sport and the Dolomite landscape. The night, the silence of the mountains, and the long luminous trail of headlamps create an unrepeatable atmosphere. At the finish line in Corvara, the pasta party and the awards ceremony conclude an evening of celebration that involves athletes, staff, and the public.