46th Edition Of Toblach-Cortina
The story of the popular long-distance cross-country ski event began in 1977 when two friends from Dobbiaco and Cortina d’Ampezzo met after a heavy spring snowfall. It is said that the Olympian Fredy Dibona suggested to Herbert Santer (current President of the Organizing Committee) to organize a cross-country race from Dobbiaco to Cortina along the old railway. They then did so with the participation of many enthusiasts.
After Marcialonga, Toblach-Cortina is Italy’s second-largest cross-country race, with over 2,000 participants.
In 2023, many skiers from all over the world will start in Toblach, Landro – Drei Zinnen, and master the route that has written many, many stories of skiers, cyclists, runners; athletes, and amateurs; slow or fast; from Pustertal, Ampezzo, Italy and from around the world.
The old railway becomes a sports track and tourist attraction.
The route of the popular cross-country skiing is unique, starting from the Three Peaks viewpoint, past lakes, and through enchanted forests at the foot of the most beautiful mountains in the world (Dolomites – Unesco World Heritage). You’ll cross an Alpine pass, ski from one region to another, ski near a medieval church, through illuminated tunnels and a daring railway bridge until you reach the heart of Cortina d’Ampezzo, site of the 1956 Winter Olympics and future headquarters of Milan-Cortina 2026.
The traditional 42 km Classic course runs along the former Dolomites Railway in the middle of the Unesco World Natural Heritage. Highlights are the crossing of two illuminated tunnels during the race.
This time, the race starts in Landro – Three Peaks Viewpoint, heading towards Dobbiaco. Then, to Lake Dobbiaco, where you turn again towards Cortina d’Ampezzo, past the war cemetery, Lago di Landro, Carbonin/Schluderbach, on to Cimabanche/Gemärk, the highest point of the route at 1,529 m above sea level, Ospitale, to the village center/bus station of Cortina d’Ampezzo.
For the 2023 edition, the skating race on Sunday will be held on the same course as the classic, so those skiers registered for both races (combined registration) will complete two real ski marathons.
Internationally, the unique route from Cortina to Dobbiaco has become well-known thanks to the Tour de Ski since 2010.
Some participants of the last editions: Norwegians Tord Asle Gjerdalen, Anders Aukland, and Anders Gløersen; Swedes Jörgen Brink, Oskar Kardin, Lina Korsgren, and Britta Johansson Norgren; and Czech Katerina Smutna.
The Organizing Committee will again give much energy and attention to the fans and participants. Thanks to the many volunteers who work with the organization, welcome and cheerfulness are guaranteed. The classic and skating races are on the FIS calendar, and the classic race is a seeding event for Vasaloppet 45km. A high-quality gift awaits the participants in the combined ranking.
The municipalities and other entities support the event (province, region, authorities, police, carabinieri, local ski clubs, local businesses – sponsors, volunteers, etc.). The event will be as sustainable as possible, with organized bus transport, eco gadgets, and the use of local products. Due to last year’s success, the trophies will be made of wood again this year by the Liceo Artistico di Cortina students.
PROGRAM
- Date: February 4 and 5, 2023
- Distance: 42km Classic (Saturday) and Skating (Sunday)
- Place: Dobbiaco, Landro – Tre Cime, Italy
- Start Times: both races start at 9:30
- Website: Toblach – Cortina
Course Map
Course Profile