About This Race
The La Sportiva Lavaredo Ultra Trail 20K serves as the gateway distance in one of Europe's most prestigious mountain trail series. Set in the Dolomites near Cortina d'Ampezzo, the course delivers 1,200 meters of elevation gain across technical terrain beneath the region's signature limestone towers. Part of the UTMB World Series, this race attracts runners seeking either a first encounter with serious alpine trail running or a shorter distance option within the multi-day Lavaredo festival. The route maintains a technical profile throughout, demanding confident footing on rocky trails and sustained climbing fitness. While shorter than the event's ultra distances, the 20K presents genuine Dolomites character without the recovery demands of the 50K or 120K options. The course showcases the UNESCO World Heritage landscape that defines this region, with views that rival any trail race in the Alps. Cortina d'Ampezzo, host of the 1956 Winter Olympics and a fixture on the international alpine sports calendar, provides the race base with established infrastructure for mountain events. The late June timing typically offers stable weather and accessible high-altitude trails, though mountain conditions always warrant preparation for temperature swings and potential afternoon storms.
The 20K route navigates the technical trails surrounding Cortina d'Ampezzo, climbing 1,200 meters through terrain that reflects the Dolomites' distinctive geology. Runners encounter rocky singletrack, exposed alpine sections, and sustained ascents that require both climbing strength and technical descending skills. The limestone formations that make this region famous provide constant visual landmarks throughout the course.
While specific route details vary by year, the distance consistently delivers technical demands that prepare runners for the event's longer offerings. The course design emphasizes quality over distance, packing meaningful elevation and alpine exposure into a timeframe that allows most runners to finish while afternoon mountain weather remains favorable.
Elevation Profile
Elevation profile estimated from terrain data. Actual course may differ.
The course gains 1,057m over 20km, with the steepest section between km 25–km 25.
Location
Practical Info
Late June in the Dolomites typically brings warm valley temperatures (15-25°C) with cooler conditions at altitude. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the mountains, with mornings generally offering the most stable weather windows.
VCE - Venice Marco Polo Airport
Cortina d'Ampezzo offers full resort accommodation ranging from hotels to apartments, though early booking is essential for this popular UTMB World Series event. The town's tourism infrastructure supports mountain visitors year-round, with options at various price points.