Date: January 15, 2022
Place: Val Venosta, Italy
Distance: 75 km Classic technique
Active years: new edition
Record number of participants: new edition
Highest peak and total climb:
Number of VSC sprints/climbing points: TBC
Start times: Men 8:00 CET, women 8:05 CET
Reschenseerennen is a brand-new addition to the Visma Ski Classics Pro Tour. The race is 75 km long, and it has three 25-kilometer laps around the beautiful artificial lake, Reschensee, which is located at 1,498 meters above sea level. The race starts and finishes in Graum in Vinschgau following partially the same course that is used for the summer running race.
The charming Vallelunga valley in South Tyrol is situated close to the borders of Switzerland and Austria. The area around Reschensee is a hidden jewel that not many Nordic skiers are aware of, but it offers breathtaking sceneries and the South Tyrolian nature at its best. The atmosphere in the area is captive, and the opportunity to experience something totally new is worth the visit. Before and after the race, you can check out the surrounding small towns and do some shopping at local markets or just enjoy a warm cup of Italian coffee, hot chocolate or mullet wine.
Rechensee is famous for the steeple of a submerged 14th-century church; when the water freezes, this can be reached on foot. A legend says that during winter one can still hear church bells ring. In reality the bells were removed from the tower on July 18, 1950, a week before the demolition of the church nave and the creation of the lake.
The area, Val Venosta, is also known for its apple farming. There are approximately 1,700 farmers in Val Venosta, producing average 350,000 tons of apples annually. These apples can be bought in many countries in Europe. Additionally, Val Venosta is the largest dry valley in the Alps, with less than 500 mm of rainfall per year and being characterized by sunny days and cool winds at night.
