The 38th edition, scheduled from 22 to 25 January in Madonna di Campiglio, comes back with a demanding route of 500 km to be tackled in 2 legs for a total of 16 hours of driving, 14 dolomite passes, 65 precision time trials and 6 regularity tests
The 2026 Winter Marathon, scheduled from 22 to 25 January, introduces a completely renewed route that crosses some of the most striking landscapes of Trentino-Alto Adige and the Dolomites. A 500 km itinerary, once again divided into 2 legs, that renews tradition by offering an intense and scenic journey through alpine passes, characteristic villages and snow-carved mountain roads.
An exciting night-time opening
The event will kick off on Thursday 22 January at 19.00 hrs from Madonna di Campiglio, which once again provides the backdrop for the entire competition. The first stage will immediately lead crews along the Val di Sole, passing through Folgarida, Mezzana and Vermiglio before climbing towards the Tonale Pass. Here, at 1884 metres above sea level, the caravan will tackle the first major mountain pass of the 2026 edition, lit by the charm of the snow reflecting the evening lights. After descending to Ponte di Legno and climbing back up to the Tonale – where dinner is scheduled at Ristorante La Baracca – the crews will return to Madonna di Campiglio, retracing the valley in the opposite direction and reaching the finish around 23.00 hrs, after completing 16 precision time trials, 8 of them in the Ice Track on Tonale Pass. A short stage, yet ideal to immediately immerse participants in the spirit of the competition, among ice, night-time silence and alpine scenery.
The great Dolomite crossing
Friday 23 January will represent, as tradition dictates, the sporting heart of the Winter Marathon. The second stage will offer a long loop that, starting from Madonna di Campiglio, will touch some of the most iconic areas of the Dolomites. After Dimaro and Malè, the route will climb towards the Val di Non up to Fondo, before tackling the Palade Pass, the gateway to South Tyrol. The following stretch through Senale-San Felice, Tesimo and Andriano will offer gentler, more panoramic sections before the lunch break in the heart of the Oltradige, scheduled for the first time at Grill House Restaurant inside the Appiano Golfclub.
From here, the caravan will continue towards the Safety Park in Vadena, then reach Bolzano and head towards the Renon plateau, passing through Collalbo, Barbiano and Castelrotto. After crossing the Pinei Pass, the route will descend into Val Gardena, touching Ortisei and Selva, where a coffee break is planned at Chalet Gerard at the foot of the Sassolungo. From this point begins a breathtaking sequence of major Dolomite passes: Gardena Pass, followed by Campolongo Pass and the imposing Pordoi Pass, which at 2239 metres will be the highest peak of the 2026 edition.
After descending to Canazei, the race will continue along Val di Fassa, passing Mazzin and San Giovanni before tackling two additional passes: Costalunga Pass and Nigra Pass, which will lead the caravan back towards the areas of Tires and Cornedo all’Isarco. The return to Bolzano for dinner – served once again at the Four Points by Sheraton within the modern exhibition centre – will mark the beginning of the final segment: a new ascent towards the Oltradige and the Mendola Pass, before the descent through Fondo, Malè and Dimaro and the final arrival in Madonna di Campiglio, expected around 23.00 hrs after completing an additional 49 precision time trials and 6 regularity tests (with a total of 30 secret checkpoints).
A route that enhances the spirit of the event
The 2026 Winter Marathon route stands out for its variety: from the tranquility of the Val di Sole to the open vistas of South Tyrol, from the hairpin bends of the Pordoi to the intimate atmosphere of Val Gardena, the itinerary creates a unique story that blends sport, tradition and alpine environments. The alternation between major Dolomite passes and characteristic villages results in a complete, demanding yet captivating competition, capable of showcasing winter driving and crew precision at their very best.
The new edition thus reaffirms the identity of the Winter Marathon: an event that continues to evolve without losing its connection to its history, offering each year a fresh experience while remaining true to the timeless charm of the Dolomites.
© photo Pierpaolo Romano