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

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

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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.

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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.

The Courses

Registrants can compete in either the 30km or the 42km (Ski Classics Challengers) route in classic or freestyle events, while the more clock-shy skiers may prefer to opt for the “Just for Fun” route along the original stretch. Kids from far and wide come to take part in the 3 or 5km “Kids Run.”

The Local Organizing Committee explains further:

“The 42km course links the three main villages of the Gsieser Valley in the north-east of South Tyrol with Taisten. From St. Martin, the course leads out of the valley towards Pichl and on to Taisten (municipality of Welsberg/Taisten), loops back again and past St. Martin, up to St. Magdalena at the end of the valley, and before returning to St. Martin once again. Although the course runs mostly on the flat, the 200m climb towards St. Magdalena is tough, to say the least. Generally speaking, this is the spot where the outcome of the race becomes apparent,” says Event President Walter Felderer and adds:

“The second biggest ski marathon in Italy, ‘Gsiesertal Lauf,’ is also unique in its firm roots and solidarity amongst the local residents in the valley. All 17 amateur sports groups are involved in the organization, and the 450 volunteers make sure that the participants want for nothing more.”

“Replete as it is with a Dolomite view, the landscape is another unique race feature. And it’s not alone: the cuisine is equally outstanding. Each year, the best chefs in the valley and 30 kitchen assistants cater to 7 hospitality stops along the route and at the party tent in St. Martin. The high point of the gourmet menu is the apple strudel, which measures an astounding 250m long. Small wonder, then, the number of participants and guests will outstrip the bed capacity in the valley before long.”

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GSIESERTAL LAUF / GRANFONDO VAL CASIES – SKI CLASSICS CHALLENGERS

• Date: February 15 and 16, 2025
• Place: Gsiesertal
• Country: Italy
• Race 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   

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, professional and recreational skiers, can connect their profile to the results database of Ski Classics, called MyPages.

MyPages can be connected when subscribing to Ski Classics online community proxcskiing.com. 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, including logging in to SC MyPages, where you can check your SC Ranking. Also, live streaming of Ski Classics Pro Tour and selected Challengers events with English commentaries.

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