The Ski Classics Challengers events Gsiesertal Lauf Classic and Skating are 42km long-distance skiing races taking place this Saturday and Sunday in Gsiesertal, Italy.

Gsiesertal Lauf, also known as Granfondo Val Casies, became part of the Ski Classics Challengers series this season with a double event weekend – 42km Classic and 42km Skating races – in the Gsiesertal Valley, South Tyrol, Italy.

The Gsiesertal Lauf is one of the most traditional Italian long-distance skiing events, held since 1984. It is the second biggest ski race in Italy and takes place on the third weekend in February. To celebrate its 41st edition, the event will now be part of the Ski Classics Challengers series with two races: a 42-km Classic on Saturday, February 15, and a 42-km Skating on February 16, 2025.

Gsiesertal Lauf/Granfondo Val Casies 2024 Video

One Idea, One Vision, Many Emotions

According to the Local Organizing Committee, the Gsiesertal Lauf is among the best-known and best-loved ski marathons in the entire Alpine region. A total package consisting of lots of sports, culinary delights, music, and entertainment will be on offer. Italy’s second biggest ski race is held on the 3rd weekend in February in the Gsiesertal Valley, South Tyrol.

The cross-country skiing race runs along two routes, one of 30km and one of 42km. The classic race is held on Saturday, and the skating race on Sunday. The amateur “Just for Fun” group with none of the stress of rankings and timekeeping, is also extremely popular, and the program of events also includes the “Gsiesertal-KIDS-run” on Saturday.

The Event

Numerous big names in the cross-country scene have competed in the Gsiesertal Lauf over the years, many of whom also appear on the winners’ honor roll. Among these, we can find Ski Classics Legend, Norwegian Olympic winner and World Champion Anders Aukland, Relay World Champion Michail Botvinov, Italian Olympic winners Silvio Fauner and Giorgio di Centa, Norwegians Ole Einar Bjørndalen, with eight Olympic golds under his belt, and Anders Gløersen, World Champion in Falun 2015, and double Olympic Champion and 2-times World Champion Justyna Kowalczyk-Tekieli, from Poland.

Defending champions in the 2024 long-distance 42km Skating race are Giandomenico Salvadori (ITA) and Federica Sanfilippo (ITA), while the long-distance specialists Lorenzo Busin (ITA) and Heli Heiskanen (FIN) hold the titles in the 42km Classic race.

The Gsiesertal also boasts an outstanding record: Ever since it was first held in 1984, it has never been canceled due to weather conditions. This achievement is an excellent source of pride for President Walter Federer and the organization committee. At times, when the whole Alpine region is suffering from a chronic lack of snow, the organizers work together with the Tourist Board to conjure up the tracks through the countryside, an endeavor greatly appreciated by cross-country fans worldwide. In 2021, the event was canceled for reasons of force majeure (Covid pandemic).

With over 2.600 participants, the number of participants each year matches the number of local residents in the valley. In that time, 74.064 participants from all corners of the Earth have crossed the finishing line. Given that skiers from up to 35 nations take part every year, it comes as no surprise to enjoy the unique Gsiesertal Lauf.

Change of course from km32

The Local Organizing Committee explains:

“One thing first: The entire trail up to kilometer 32 is in perfect condition. However, due to all the rain about a week ago, we had to change the course of the trail from kilometer 33 onwards. We do not run to St. Magdalena, but before the climb to St. Magdalena we turn south towards Pichl. Once we arrive in Pichl, we turn north again at kilometer 37 towards St. Martin and the finish. This change in the course of the trail is primarily for the safety of each individual skier. You can see the adjusted course of the trail here.”

Course Map

GSIESERTAL LAUF / GRANFONDO VAL CASIES – SKI CLASSICS CHALLENGERS

• Date: February 15 and 16, 2025
• Location: Gsiesertal
• Country: Italy
• Distance: 42km for both Ski Classics Challengers events
• Technique: Classic and Skating
• Website: Gsiesertal Lauf/Granfondo Val Casies
• Facebook: Gsiesertal Lauf/Granfondo Val Casies    
• Instagram: Gsiesertal Lauf/Granfondo Val Casies    
• TikTok: Gsiesertal Lauf/Granfondo Val Casies  
• Registration: Gsiesertal Lauf/Granfondo Val Casies   

More information about the event can be found HERE and HERE

As the Gsiesertal Lauf / Granfondo Val Casies events are Ski Classics Challengers events, Pro Team registered athletes can collect points for the Ski Classics Champion and Youth competitions in their respective genders. 

A list of Ski Classics Challengers events with confirmed dates for season 2024/2025 can be found at Ski Classics. The list is updated continuously with new events.

Everyone participating in Ski Classics, Pro Tour or Challengers events, and professional and recreational skiers can connect their profile to the results database of Ski Classics called MyPages.

MyPages can be connected for free. In the profile, you can view your Ski Classics event results, collect pins, print diplomas, and analyze your results with friends in the SC ranking system. In your profile, you collect points according to your performance and are rewarded with pins and diplomas.

One of the central features of MyPages is that you get your global SC ranking. The SC Ranking is a live updated international ranking, unique in combining women and men, professional and recreational skiers in one single list.

As a member of ProXCskiing.com, you get full access to all content on the site. Also, live streaming of Ski Classics events with English commentaries is available.

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