The Ski Classics Challengers events Gsiesertal Lauf Classic and Skating are 42km long-distance skiing races taking place this Saturday and Sunday in Gsiesertal, Italy.
Gsiesertal Lauf, also known as Granfondo Val Casies, became part of the Ski Classics Challengers series this season with a double event weekend – 42km Classic and 42km Skating races – in the Gsiesertal Valley, South Tyrol, Italy.
The Gsiesertal Lauf is one of the most traditional Italian long-distance skiing events, held since 1984. It is the second biggest ski race in Italy and takes place on the third weekend in February. To celebrate its 41st edition, the event will now be part of the Ski Classics Challengers series with two races: a 42-km Classic on Saturday, February 15, and a 42-km Skating on February 16, 2025.
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 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).
Change of course from km32
The Local Organizing Committee explains:
“One thing first: The entire trail up to kilometer 32 is in perfect condition. However, due to all the rain about a week ago, we had to change the course of the trail from kilometer 33 onwards. We do not run to St. Magdalena, but before the climb to St. Magdalena we turn south towards Pichl. Once we arrive in Pichl, we turn north again at kilometer 37 towards St. Martin and the finish. This change in the course of the trail is primarily for the safety of each individual skier. You can see the adjusted course of the trail here.”
Course Map
GSIESERTAL LAUF / GRANFONDO VAL CASIES – SKI CLASSICS CHALLENGERS
- Date: February 15 and 16, 2025
- Location: Gsiesertal
- Country: Italy
- 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
More information about the event can be found HERE and HERE
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.
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Photos: Newspower.it
