Italy · Veneto
Distance
55 km
Date
Entry fee
€95
€ / km
€1.73
Dolomiti Extreme Trail 55km: Top 12% Most Vertical and Top 9% Steepest Descents in European Ultra Racing
The Dolomiti Extreme Trail 55km is the founding distance of Italy's DET festival — running since 2013 from Forno di Zoldo, a mountain village in the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites. With 3,600m of D+ over 55km (65.5 m/km), it ranks 46th out of 390 European ultras for vertical density — top 12% most demanding. The descents are harsher: average downhill gradient ranks 355th gentlest out of 390, meaning only 35 races in the database have steeper average descents. The biggest single descent drops 851m at a -22.6% average gradient.
Runners loop through scree fields and high alpine passes, cresting Bivacco Grisetti at 2,050m before traversing Passo Staulanza (km 37) and descending steeply back to Forno di Zoldo. The 15-hour cutoff closes at 20:30, with time gates at Passo Duran (km 11.6) and Passo Staulanza (km 37). UTMB-qualifying and ITRA-certified. The 2026 edition sold out, drawing 3,200 runners from 70 nations. Venice airport is 82 minutes by car; public transport is limited and a car is strongly recommended. Entry ran €120 (2.18 €/km) for 2026.
Elevation and Terrain
Total Meters
3,600m
D+/KM
65.5m/km
For context, the Tor des Géants 330 loop has 73 D+/km.
Avg Uphill Gradient
14.7%
Avg Downhill Gradient
-16.4%
Uphill gradient distribution
| 2–5% | 4.5 km | |
|---|---|---|
| 5–10% | 6.5 km | |
| 10–15% | 4.4 km | |
| 15–20% | 3.0 km | |
| 20%+ | 6.1 km |
Route Profile
AnalysedTerrain breakdown
| 44.5% | Uphill |
|---|---|
| 15.8% | Flat |
| 39.7% | Downhill |
Terrain
Dolomiti Extreme Trail – 55 km 55km Top Climbs
Top Climbs
| 1 | 7.6 km · 851 m gain starts km 0 · avg 11.3% · max 47.5% |
|---|---|
| 2 | 2.2 km · 452 m gain starts km 13 · avg 20.9% · max 84.8% |
| 3 | 4.5 km · 435 m gain starts km 22 · avg 9.6% · max 52.3% |
Top descents
| 1 | 10.2 km · 1,049 m drop starts km 45 · avg -10.3% · max -54.2% |
|---|---|
| 2 | 2.1 km · 469 m drop starts km 15 · avg -22.6% · max -79.1% |
| 3 | 2.8 km · 464 m drop starts km 20 · avg -17.0% · max -54.3% |
Route: Forno di Zoldo Loop Through Passo Duran, Bivacco Grisetti (2,050m), and Passo Staulanza
How steep is the Dolomiti Extreme Trail 55km compared to other European ultras?
▼
Very steep — 3,600m of D+ over 55km (65.5m/km) ranks 46th out of 390 European ultras for vertical density (top 12%). The descents are even more extreme: average downhill gradient ranks 355th out of 390, meaning only 35 races in the database have steeper average descents.
Elevation Data: What 65.5m/km of D+ and Average Descent Rank 355/390 Actually Feels Like
What is the route of the Dolomiti Extreme Trail 55km?
▼
A loop from Forno di Zoldo, climbing to Passo Duran (~km 11.6), cresting Bivacco Grisetti at 2,050m, descending to Malga Grava and Belvedere Refuge (~km 30.5), crossing Passo Staulanza (~km 37), then returning steeply to Forno di Zoldo via a military road descent and 2km of asphalt. Start at 05:30; 15-hour cutoff closing at 20:30.
DET History: The 55km Distance That Started the Festival in 2013
Does the Dolomiti Extreme Trail 55km sell out?
▼
Yes — the 2026 edition sold out and drew a record 3,200 runners from 70 nations across all DET distances. The 55km has been running since 2013 as the founding distance of the DET festival. Registration for future editions typically fills early.
UTMB Index, ITRA, and Europe Trail Cup: What DET 55km Qualifies For
Is the Dolomiti Extreme Trail 55km a UTMB-qualifying race?
▼
Yes — the DET 55km is a UTMB Index race, qualifying for UTMB Mont-Blanc. It is also ITRA-certified (ITRA National League) and part of the Europe Trail Cup circuit.
Getting to Forno di Zoldo: Venice Airport, Car Logistics, and Mountain Village Accommodation
How do I get to Forno di Zoldo for the Dolomiti Extreme Trail 55km?
▼
The nearest airports are Venice (VCE) and Treviso (TSF), both approximately 82 minutes by car. Public transport to Forno di Zoldo is very limited — a car is strongly recommended. Accommodation in the mountain villages books out early; reserve well in advance.
Dolomiti Extreme Trail – 55 km 55km GPX
Getting to Dolomiti Extreme Trail – 55 km
Nearest airport
Venice (VCE) / Treviso (TSF)
Notes
Start: ~2–3 hrs (car) / Public transport: Limited; car strongly recommended / Accommodation: Mountain villages; limited inventory—book early
