Posted by Garrott Kuzzy, Lumi Experiences on Jan 31st 2026
Fresh Snow Blankets Lumi Skiers at the Marcialonga
The snowiest Marcialonga in recent memory was held this past weekend in the Italian Alps, with skiers making their way across the 70km course as heavy snowfall blanketed the region. Two Lumi groups participated in this year’s event and earned quite the tale as they capped off their trip in spectacular winter fashion!
Lumi's 2026 Dolomitenlauf & Marcialonga group celebrates a successful and challenging race
Skiing two Worldloppet races on back-to-back weekends, Lumi’s Dolomitenlauf & Marcialonga trip experienced the best of both worlds between these two events. During last week’s Dolomitenlauf in Austria, skiers enjoyed near-perfect conditions as they glided their way around the 40km course in Obertilliach.
Sipping cappuccinos in the sunshine at Passo Lavaze
This stood in stark contrast to the challenge that awaited at the Marcialonga. We don’t throw around the term lightly, but it was dumping with snow all day! The 70km ribbon of artificial snow that was prepared weeks before the race was quickly buried in fresh accumulation, along with the surrounding landscape. Cavalese and the surrounding communities in the valley were suddenly transformed into a winter wonderland.
(left) Heavy snow made for beautiful scenery and tough conditions throughout the day. (middle) The fresh snow just kept coming down! (right) Post-Marcialonga cheers!
Guests on Lumi’s other Marcialonga Trip also experienced how rapidly conditions can change from one day to the next. Just after undertaking the Marcialonga, guests enjoyed the serene beauty of Passo Lavaze, where the fresh snowfall enhanced the picture-perfect winter landscape. Skiers sipped trailside cappuccinos under sunny skies as the Dolomites stood watch over the freshly groomed trails below. The blue-bird day and excellent trail conditions were a reminder that there are always better days ahead. It was a classic case of the calm after the storm.
Passo Lavaze had copious snow before the recent storm brought even more to this part of the Alps 
Exploring Passo Lavaze before the Marcialonga
And what a storm it was! Winter has a way of showing us who is in charge and it exerted its muscles during this year’s Marcialonga. The thick snow made one of the longest races on the Worldloppet circuit, occasionally referred to as the Much-too-longa, even tougher as tracks quickly filled in and drifts slowed skiers to a crawl on the final Cascata climb. Perseverance and tenacity were the words of the day, and not just for the skiers out on the course. Those spectating trailside also had to cope with challenging conditions as the snow piled up around – and on – them. Anybody pack a snow brush?
(left) Coming across the 45km Marcialonga finish line in Predazzo. Some skiers still had 25km to go! (middle) Big smiles after a big race! (right) There was no worry about if there'd be enough snow on race day this year!
Even spectating was a fun challenge!
All in all, despite the thick snow we wouldn’t have had it any other way. The fresh snowfall across the region bodes well for the season ahead, particularly for Lumi’s upcoming Seefeld & Engadin and Slovenia Sight-Skiing trips. We look forward to sharing our love of snow with guests on these trips soon.
Eager to experience the beauty of fresh snowfall in the Alps? Lumi’s Dolomitenlauf & Marcialonga and Marcialonga & König Ludwig trips are open for 2027 bookings. Reach out for a trip itinerary to start planning your next cross country ski vacation today. All 2027 bookings made before March 31 will receive a $300/person early booking discount.
See you on the trails,
Garrott Kuzzy
Founder & Olympian