How Hard Is Lavaredo Ultra Trail by UTMB 120km — 42% Uphill, 18.9% Flat, a Km-85 Crux at 87% Max Gradient, and a 1,031m Descent in the Final 12km?

The course circumnavigates the Sesto Dolomites Natural Park, starting and finishing in Cortina d'Ampezzo (1,210m). The route passes through or beneath the major Dolomite massifs: Cristallo, Tofane, Cinque Torri, and most iconically the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. For mid-pack runners, the passage below the Tre Cime typically occurs near sunrise, making it one of the most photographed moments in UTMB World Series racing. The course uses dirt roads, mountain trails, and off-road tracks throughout, with orange-band signage described as very strong. Aid stations are distributed across the route and at mountain stations offer local Dolomite produce including cheese and sausage.

To enter the 120km, runners must have completed at least one ultra-trail of 60km with 3,000m D+ or more within the two years prior to the race. The race uses a lottery format with 1,800 places available — it regularly oversubscribes and was sold out for 2026 when research was conducted. Entry costs €267.05, which includes 22% Italian VAT and the 9% NJUKO registration platform fee; the underlying race entry before fees is lower. As a UTMB World Series event, finishers earn UTMB Index points. Cancelled entries are not refunded on administrative fees.

The start is at 23:00 from Cortina d'Ampezzo town square, and it is consistently described by runners as one of the great moments in trail racing. Balconies and streets are packed with spectators, the square fills with music, and the send-off of 1,800 runners into the Dolomites darkness at midnight is electric. The wider event runs June 24-28, 2026 and includes multiple distances: 120K, 80K, 50K, 20K, and a 10K night race. The multi-day festival format means the surrounding week is a significant trail running gathering in its own right.

Cortina d'Ampezzo has no direct train connection — the nearest station is Calalzo di Cadore, requiring an onward bus. The most practical airports are Venice Marco Polo (VCE) and Treviso (TSF), each approximately 2.5-4 hours from Cortina by car or bus, and Innsbruck (INN) in Austria as a northern alternative. Flixbus runs seasonal direct services from Venice to Cortina, and shuttle transfer services operate during race week. This is a FAR race by DTR criteria. Accommodation in Cortina is strong in volume but expensive and books out early — the race festival runs across five days in peak summer season in a premium resort town. Booking several months in advance is essential.

Cortina d'Ampezzo is in the eastern Dolomites, Veneto, Italy. The nearest major airports are Venice Marco Polo (VCE) and Treviso (TSF), approximately 2.5–4 hours from Cortina by car or bus. Innsbruck (INN) in Austria is also accessible in a similar transfer time. Public transport options include bus connections from Venice and train+bus combinations, though car hire is the most convenient option. Accommodation in Cortina is strong but expensive and books out early for race week. Book as early as possible. Note: the Lavaredo 80K starts in Val Marzon (Auronzo di Cadore), not Cortina — shuttle or transport to the start is arranged as part of race logistics. Cortina hosted alpine skiing at the 2026 Winter Olympics in February 2026. Check lavaredo.utmb.world for transport and accommodation guidance.