As the Tour de Ski 2023/2024 reaches its pinnacle, Val di Fiemme gears up to host the grand finale on January 6 and 7, 2024, marking the 18th appearance of this prestigious competition in the charming Italian locale. 

The Lago di Tesero cross-country skiing stadium and the Olimpia III track on the Alpe Cermis will witness the epic battles, featuring the 15 km classic on Saturday and the iconic 10 km free technique race up to Val di Fiemme Final Climb on Sunday.

Also Read – Tour de Ski: Complete program for the 2023/2024 edition

The Final Climb: A Symbol of Greatness

The renowned “Final Climb” is not merely a Mass Start over a medium distance; it stands as a symbol of cross-country skiing, reserved for the true titans of the sport. Victory on this challenging course not only secures a position among the great champions but also earns valuable points for the World Cup along with substantial prize money.

The journey unfolds with a smooth 6-7 kilometers, allowing athletes to warm up before the real ascent on the Alpe Cermis. Spanning over 3600 meters, this ascent demands a climb of 420 meters in altitude. The initial ascent maintains a firm but regular gradient of 12.2%, leading to the formidable “Jump of Skiri,” a daunting 26.5% climb, followed by the demanding Pallua climb with a 14.3% average gradient. 

Athletes face challenging segments, including a heart-pounding 28% gradient at “the deer’s den” and a relentless climb up the “direttissima del Cermis” with an average never below 10%. The final sprint at an 11% gradient marks the triumphant approach to the finish line at the middle station of the Doss dei Laresi cableway.

Historic Records and Contenders

Records reveal impressive performances on this challenging climb. Until 2019, the climb time recorded only the final section, showcasing the prowess of athletes like Heidi Weng and Maurice Manificat. With men leading the climb this season, anticipation is high as they aim to surpass their predecessors’ records.

Tour de Ski Season 2023/2024

Now in its 18th edition, Tour de Ski consists of seven competitions over nine days in three different locations and two countries, and it’s the fifth stage of the 2023/2024 cross-country skiing World Cup.

The event starts on Saturday, December 30, 2023, with a sprint in freestyle technique in Toblach, Italy, and ends on January 7, 2024, with a 10km Final Climb in freestyle technique in Val di Fiemme, Italy. See below the complete program for Tour de Ski 2023/2024.

FACTS Tour de Ski Season 2023/2024

• When: Saturday, December 30, 2023, to Sunday, January 7, 2024 
• Who: Elite national skiers – women and men
• Where: Toblach/ITA, Davos/SUI, and Val di Fiemme/ITA
• What: FIS Tour de Ski

PROGRAM

Saturday, December 30, 2023 – Toblach/ITA: Sprint Freestyle (More details can be found here)

• 12:00 CET: Sprint Quali F, Men
• 12:00 CET: Sprint Quali F, Women
• 14:30 CET: Sprint Final F, Men
• 14:30 CET: Sprint Final F, Women

Sunday, December 31, 2023 – Toblach/ITA: 10km Interval Start Classics (More details can be found here)

• 12:15 CET: 10km Interval Start C, Women
• 15:00 CET: 10km Interval Start C, Men

Monday, January 1, 2024 – Toblach/ITA: 25km Pursuit Freestyle (More details can be found here)

• 10:00 CET: 25km Pursuit F, Men
• 12:30 CET: 25km Pursuit F, Women

Wednesday, January 3, 2024 – Davos/SUI: Sprint Freestyle (More details can be found here)

• 14:30 CET: Sprint Quali F, Men
• 14:30 CET: Sprint Quali F, Women
• 17:00 CET: Sprint Final F, Men
• 17:00 CET: Sprint Final F, Women

Thursday, January 4, 2024 – Davos/SUI: Pursuit Classic (More details can be found here)

• 10:45 CET: Pursuit C, Women
• 13:00 CET: Pursuit C, Men

Saturday, January 6, 2024 – Val Di Fiemme/ITA: 15km Mass Start Classic (More details can be found here)

• 11:30 CET: 15km Mass Start C, Women
• 15:25 CET: 15km Mass Start C, Men

Sunday, January 7, 2024 – Val Di Fiemme/ITA: 10km Mass Start Freestyle – Final Climb (More details can be found here)

• 14:30 CET: 10km Mass Start F, Men
• 15:45 CET: 10km Mass Start F, Women

Read More: World Cup calendar for the 2023/2024 Winter Season