La Venosta Criterium cross-country ski race

For some years now, South Tyrol has been enriched by an additional international winter sports event: the La Venosta Criterium in mid-December. It is part of the Visma Ski Classics, a series of cross-country ski races including also the Marcialonga Arctic Ski Race in the Val di Fassa and the Ganghoferlauf in North Tyrol. The Vallelunga, dedicated to soft and sustainable tourism, is the perfect place: It is a power place for hikers in summer and for cross-country skiers and ski tourers in winter. Its tracks belong to the Venosta Nordic cross-country skiing association.

The 37 km in classical style with mass start take place on Saturday, starting point is the hamlet of Melago at the head of the valley. The circuit leads through a stone pine forest and along the Rio Carlino brook to the Melago Mountain Hut at 1,975 m a.s.l. The next day, the 10 km long classic individual time race takes place, leading the professional cross-country skiers up to the Melago Mountain Hut again. Many volunteers help turn the race into a great event. Also the traditional Krampus with their carved masks and goat skins are on visit, a fascinating sight.