Races

Lavaredo Ultra Trail

Cortina d'Ampezzo, ItalyJune

Cortina at eleven pm. The Dolomites by headlamp. Tre Cime at dawn. Sesto, Dobbiaco, and the Forcella Lavaredo before the loop home.

120 km+5,800 m-5,800 m30 hours1,217 m to 2,454 mtech 7/10loopDolomitesTre CimeJune
Distance120 km
Gain+5,800 m
Loss-5,800 m
Altitude1,217 m to 2,454 m
Technicality7/10
Air45°F to 85°F
Gradient profile
  • Start3,973 ft
  • High8,016 ft
  • Low3,973 ft
  • Finish4,008 ft

Terrain

trail80%jeep15%paved5%

The cruxForcella Lavaredo beneath the Tre Cime

Course DNA

The Course

Cortina d'Ampezzo start at night. Rifugio Auronzo and Passo Monte Croce open the eastern arc. Sesto and Dobbiaco in the Alta Pusteria. Cimabanche crosses the border ridge. Cortina at km 80 is half distance with crew access. Rifugio Cinque Torri and Passo Giau close the western Dolomite loop. Forcella Lavaredo at 2,454 meters sits beneath the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the postcard and the crux. Finish back in Cortina after 120 km. Late June valley heat between Sesto and Dobbiaco is a recurring factor.

The Work

Dolomite trail with runnable descents and steep limestone switchbacks. Train night hiking for the opening hours. Heat management for low valley sections in the second day. The Forcella Lavaredo climb rewards athletes with strong poles and calm pacing after 70 km.

Kit

UTMB World Series mandatory kit. Headlamp for the 11 pm start and possible second night. Poles for Forcella Lavaredo. Sun cap for exposed Dolomite ridges after dawn. Layers for cold at altitude and heat in the valleys.

Race Day

Run the night. Tre Cime at sunrise is the emotional high. Sesto at km 40 is the first crew hub. Cortina at km 80 is half distance. Do not treat it like a finish. Passo Giau and Forcella Lavaredo still decide the story. The final Cortina loop is celebration or survival depending on what the Forcella took.