Sky Running in the Italian Dolomites

The summer season in the Fiemme and Fassa Valleys in Trentino (the Dolomites of Italy) is already in full swing: the sun is beginning to really warm up, the sky is a beautiful cobalt blue and the sky runners are beginning to speed up their training in preparation of the forthcoming competitions. First lets take a look at what Sky Running really is. The FSA (Federation for Sport at Altitude) defines Sky Races in 3 different categories as follows:

SKYMARATHON: Races with a minimum of 2,000m total elevation gain and between 30 km to 42 km long. The course may be over paths, trail, moraine, rock or snow, and reach or exceed 4,000m in altitude. Races that exceed these parameters by more than 5% are defined as Ultra SkyMarathons.

SKYRACE: Races between 2,000m and 4,000m in altitude gain and up to 30 km long (5% tolerance admitted).

VERTICAL KILOMETER: Race with 1,000m vertical elevation gain over variable terrain with a substantial incline, not exceeding 5 km in length. The Vertical Kilometer is defined at three altitude levels (+/- 200m variable) example: from 0 - 1,000m, 1,000 - 2,000, 2,000-3,000m, with 5% tolerance.

Sky Running or Mountain Running is the same thing as trail running in the USA. The goal is the same: beautiful single track, lots of uphill and downhill running, beautiful scenery and peace and quiet in a serene environment. Here is a quick run through of the Sky Running series in the Italian Dolomites.

From Canazei to Cavalese passing through Predazzo, Tesero and Varena, preparations are well on their way for the organization of the Sky Running competitions. The Italy Sky Running series consists of five not-to-be missed races for mountain running enthusiasts, which will take place in breathtaking surroundings. These competitions are becoming increasingly important and well recognized, as shown from the number of entrants, and are constantly growing from year to year. The impressive impact of the Dolomites, the high level of competition and the great variety of the trails lend themselves to attract people from all over the European continent and the World. In the end the beauty of sky running is this: sharing an experience which may be exhausting but can fully satisfy the senses due to the direct contact with nature and its wonderful scenery.

It begins on 1 July, with its first race in Canazei and will continue until 26 August. Five Sundays of pure passion. Let's look at them in more detail.

Pian Trevisan - Pian Dei Fiacconi (Canazei, Valdi Fassa, 1 July)

The first competition of the season, starting from Pian de Trevisan (1620 m) and finishing at Pian dei Fiacconi hut (2626 m). A thousand meters in elevation gain for a course of approximately 6.5km long crossing old mule trails and wonderful scenery. In fact, the Marmolada will be in the background: the perfect backdrop for numerous photo opportunities for your souvenir album. For information and registration: www.bogndania.com, tel. 328-1218738.

Lavazé Skyrace (Varena, Val di Fiemme, 8 July)

The Lavazé skyrunning competition which has now been inserted in the FSA (Federation for Sport at Altitude) calendar, takes place in Varena in Val di Fiemme (TN), along a 17.5 km long course with an elevation gain of 1600 meters. It starts at 9:30 a.m. from the centre of the village at 1180 m. Rising towards the unmistakable Corno Nero summit at 2448 m. and descending towards Passo degli Occlini as far as the finishing line on the Passo Lavazé at 1808 m. which retraces most of the accumulated elevation and exertion. All this takes place on the trails and roads through the woodsand mountains and the amazing scenery of the area. For information and registration visit: www.skitime.it/lavaze/index.htm, tel 338-1446718.

Dolomites Skyrace (Canazei, Val di Fassa, 29 July)

One of the most awaited competitions in high mountain racing, the Dolmite Sky Race, has reached its tenth anniversary this year. An official stage for the Skyrunning world championships, the competition takes place over paths, mule trails, scree and snow fields, crossing some of the most impressive and emotional views of the Dolomites. The trail has an elevation gain of 1750 meters and an overall length of 22 km. For information and registration visit: www.dolomiteskyrace.com, email skiteamfassa@tin.it, tel.0462-764111

Stava Skyrace (Tesero, Val di Fiemme, 19 August)

2007 will be the second year of this competition which is part of the Italian skyrunning championships and already has been a great success due to the course's special charm: high altitude, wide grassy areas and mule trails with continuous all-round views of the famous Trentino mountain chain of the Lagorai. It runs through the enchanted amphitheatre of Mount Cornon at the foot of the Latemar massif with an extremely challenging ascent for true skyrunners (1000 meters height gain in the first 4 km), then a continuous up and down with the final blow of 750 meters and the final arrival in Stava. The overall distance is 21 km with an overall height gain of 2100 m ascending and 1900 m descending!

For information and registration visit: www.uscornacci.it, email cornacci.tesero@virgilio.it, tel. 348-7467171

Vertical Kilometer (Predazzo, Val di Fiemme, 26 August)

A grueling competition which takes place on a course which is entirely uphill. Starting in the village of Gardonè near Predazzo at a height of 1670 meters and finishing at the Torre di Pisa hut at 2670 metres amongst the towers of the Latemar group. The total distance of the course is 3.3 km. The Vertcal Kilometer is an intense competition which arouses a lot of enthusiasm in the competitors and finishes the skyrunning season in fine form. For information and registration email: info@caisatpredazzo.com, tel 348-0062206

All you have to do now is make an appointment with us in the Fiemme and Fassa Valleys for a summer of sport and nature. The inimitable Dolomites await you!