La Sportiva Lavaredo Ultra Trail by UTMB
La Sportiva Lavaredo Ultra Trail by UTMB – Lavaredo 20K
Cortina d'Ampezzo → Cortina D'Ampezzo
Race guide
Updated 19 July 2026
The La Sportiva Lavaredo Ultra Trail by UTMB – Lavaredo 20K is the short-course entry into one of the Dolomites' most iconic race weekends. It loops out from Cortina d'Ampezzo and back, covering 20 km with 1024 m of vertical gain and topping out at 2042 m. Despite the modest distance, this is a genuine mountain course: nearly all of the climbing is packed into the first half, so it rewards runners who can grind uphill and then move confidently on technical Dolomite descent. Starting and finishing in the heart of Cortina, the 20K shares the same dramatic limestone scenery that makes the longer Lavaredo races famous. It suits trail runners who want a hard, honest day in the high mountains without committing to an all-night ultra, and it works well as a first taste of alpine racing or a sharp early-season test.
The Course: A Loop Above Cortina d'Ampezzo
The route leaves Cortina d'Ampezzo at 1217 m and returns to the town after 19.9 km, making a single high loop rather than an out-and-back. From the start the trail climbs steadily to the Crepe de Zumeles checkpoint at 8.5 km (1634 m), then continues sharply up to Forcella Zumeles at 9.8 km (1993 m), close to the course high point of 2042 m. The second half reverses the profile: a long descent to Malga Larieto at 14.8 km (1608 m) and then down again to the finish at 1164 m. Expect classic Dolomite footing — rocky mountain paths, exposed high ground around the forcella, and steeper wooded descent lower down. Because the whole loop is compressed into 20 km, the gradients are meaningful in both directions: there is very little flat running to hide on, and the terrain switches from sustained climb to sustained descent with only the brief high traverse in between.
Where the Race Is Decided: The Climb to Forcella Zumeles
This is a course defined by a single decisive climb. From the 1217 m start, you gain roughly 780 m in under 10 km to reach Forcella Zumeles at 1993 m and the 2042 m high point just beyond. The lower part to Crepe de Zumeles (1634 m at 8.5 km) is runnable in places, but the pitch steepens noticeably in the final push to the forcella, where power-hiking is often faster and cheaper than trying to run. The race is won or lost on how you manage that ascent and the descent that follows. Cresting the high point at 9.8 km, you drop about 385 m to Malga Larieto (1608 m at 14.8 km) and then continue losing height to the 1164 m finish — nearly 830 m of descent across the back half. Runners who overspend on the climb pay for it on legs that then have to absorb a long, technical downhill. Save something for the descent and you can make up real time on the way back to Cortina.
Pacing and Fuelling for a Compressed Mountain 20K
The cut-offs give a clear framework: Crepe de Zumeles closes at Thu 18:50, Malga Larieto at Thu 20:15, and the finish in Cortina at Thu 21:00. With aid roughly every 5-6 km — Crepe de Zumeles (8.5 km), Malga Larieto (14.8 km) and the finish — you are never far from support, so you can run light and refill at each checkpoint rather than carrying heavy. Because the climb comes first, resist the urge to attack the early gradient. Settle into a sustainable hiking rhythm to the forcella, fuel steadily on the way up, and treat the top as the moment to shift gears. The back half is where a strong runner banks time, so top up at Malga Larieto before committing to the final descent. On a short mountain course like this, small, regular energy intake beats waiting for a mid-race meal — you will be finished before a big stomach load pays off.
Conditions to Expect in the High Dolomites
At altitudes between 1164 m and 2042 m, Dolomite weather can swing quickly. The high ground around Forcella Zumeles is the most exposed part of the loop, where wind, cold and sudden shifts are most likely even when Cortina below is warm. Lower sections through the trees offer more shelter but can be slick if it has rained. Plan for variable footing and pack accordingly: the exposure up high argues for carrying at least a light protective layer, while the technical descents reward secure, well-lugged shoes. Because the whole event fits inside a compact window closing at 21:00, most runners will be on course in daylight or fading light, but the mountains cool fast once the sun drops behind the peaks. Prepare for the summit conditions, not the town conditions, and you will be equipped for the hardest stretch of the day.
Who This Race Suits
The Lavaredo 20K is ideal for runners who want the atmosphere and scenery of the Lavaredo weekend in a single hard mountain effort. With 1024 m of gain in 20 km it is short but far from easy — the climb-then-descend shape demands real uphill strength and confident downhill running rather than flat speed. It makes a strong choice as an introduction to alpine trail racing, a build-up event before a longer Dolomite ultra, or simply a sharp, scenic race for those who love steep terrain. If you are comfortable power-hiking a sustained climb, moving well on rocky ground, and holding form on a long descent back into Cortina d'Ampezzo, this course will play to your strengths.
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Checkpoints & cut-offs
✓ Course data verified against the official source (2026-07-17) · official source
0 km · 1217 m · —
8.5 km · 1634 m · Thu 18:50
9.8 km · 1993 m · —
14.8 km · 1608 m · Thu 20:15
19.9 km · 1164 m · Thu 21:00
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