January 31 2018 is the night of the first full moon of the year and Alpe di Siusi will be buzzing with excitement for the start of the spectacular Moonlight Classic cross-country skiing event now on its 12th outing. This is much more than an ordinary race – it is a truly unique experience, an evening of cross-country skiing in the spectacular surrounds of Europe’s largest plateau bathed by the light of the moon. A total of 400 skiers will be taking part on a choice of two routes of 15 and 30 kilometres apiece. The other characters of the evening, of course, will be the moon, the stars and the flickering lights of the torches marking out the route to the finishing line.
As they wait for the first snow of the year, cross-country skiing fans can get busy pencilling one of the most attractive events on the upcoming winter calendar in their diaries. We mean, of course, the Alpe di Siusi Moonlight Classic cross-country skiing race, which uses the classic technique. In a particularly busy part of the competitive season, spanning the Marcialonga and the Granfondo Dobbiaco-Cortina amongst others, the Alpe di Siusi event remains unique because it takes place by the light of the full moon. On Wednesday, January 31 2018, in fact, the “big white disc” will thrill 400 skiers from all over Europe as they race through the silent countryside. Their way will be lit not just by their own headlamps but also flickering torches marking out the route. What makes this event even more unique and unforgettable, however, will be the large crowd of supporters in traditional costume ringing cowbells to encourage the competitors on their way and cheer the hearts of all and sundry.
TWO ROUTES – ONE EXHILARATING EMOTION
The format that has made the Moonlight Classic one of the most eagerly-awaited events of the season remains unchanged as has the stunning natural setting of the Alpe di Siusi. Participants can choose to tackle either the long 30-kilometre route or a shorter 15-kilometre version that is more suitable for athletes of all abilities. The start-line is at Compaccio, at an altitude of 1,800 metres, on the high plateau of Alpe di Siusi, which itself is part of the larger Province of Bolzano. The highest point of the route comes at the 17-kilometre mark when competitors on the Long Route tackle the 2,030-metre Goldknopf uphill, before skiing downhill towards Spitzbühl and then on to the finish-line. Participants that choose the 15-kilometre version, on the other hand, will take a circular route, which at Ritsch veers towards Wolfsbühl, before rejoining the main route and running on to the finish-line, also at Compaccio.
The Moonlight Classic thus offers Nordic ski enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy a truly magical evening in magnificent surroundings bathed by the light of the full moon glittering on the snow-covered expanses of the plateau. To be part of this fairytale event and get yourself one of the 400 bibs available – this is the cut-off number set by the organisers – just sign up for the event at: www.moonlightclassic.info. Until November 30, the entry fee is 40 euro for the 15-kilometre route and 45 euro for the 30-kilometre route. From December 1, it rises to 60 euro for both routes.
ALPE DI SIUSI/SEISER ALM
Extending over 56 square kilometres and ranging in altitude between 1,680 and 2,350 metres, Alpe di Siusi is Europe’s largest high plateau. It is a natural gem set in the very heart of the Alto Adige between the Sciliar, Sassopiatto and Sassolungo Massifs. A huge draw for snow and winter sport lovers, the Alpe di Siusi is a wonderful natural amphitheatre for outdoor activities right throughout the year: from trekking to mountain biking in summer and then Nordic skiing, alpine skiing and snowboarding in winter. High altitude training couldn’t be more rewarding or exhilarating thanks to a huge choice of spectacular itineraries that play host to runners in summer but in winter are transformed into long Nordic skiing routes. Thanks to the stunning nature of the Dolomites and 80 kilometres of such pistes, Alpe di Siusi has become a huge popular destination for the Italian, Norwegian, US and Swedish national Nordic skiing teams.
But that is far from the end of its talents. Alpe di Siusi also has fantastic modern, well-equipped skiing facilities, a snow park that’s ideal for high-adrenaline challenges as well as superb skating and sledding runs.
For further information: Alpe di Siusi Moonlight Classic
