Race preparation guide
Ultra Dolomites 2026 guide: prepare for Lavaredo 80K
Ultra Dolomites 2026 is the Lavaredo 80K format: 80 km, 4,600 m of climbing, a Saturday 27 June 2026 start from Val Marzon in Auronzo di Cadore and a finish in Cortina d'Ampezzo. Treat it as a real Dolomites project: get to Cortina, use the shuttle to the start, check the UTMB-style mandatory kit and keep mountain margin even though it is shorter than the 120K.
Race overview
The 80K is deceptive because it looks like the sensible Lavaredo weekend option while still being a full alpine day. Long climbs, technical descents and altitude all reward patient pacing from the first kilometres.
Logistics matter as much as fitness. The start and finish are separate, so accommodation, the Cortina shuttle and post-finish recovery need to be planned before race week rather than solved on the morning.
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The most useful preparation mixes vertical blocks, long descents, power hiking and nutrition tested over six to twelve hours. The goal is not just to cover 80 km; it is to keep enough muscular control to descend cleanly into Cortina after several mountain passes.
Ultra Dolomites mandatory gear
The brief specifies UTMB-standard mandatory kit. Prepare a complete mountain setup and expect possible checks at bib pickup or during the race.
- Charged phone, emergency blanket, whistle, personal cup, food reserve, hooded waterproof jacket with sealed seams.
- Sufficient water capacity, charged headlamp with spare battery or cells, elastic bandage, ID and a pack that keeps everything easy to reach.
- Warm layers, hat or buff, gloves and rain protection adjusted to Dolomites weather, even in late June.
- Poles are useful if allowed and carried from the start under the organiser's rules; check the final Lavaredo regulations before travelling.
The safe approach is to pack like a short but alpine UTMB race: nothing exotic, everything tested, everything reachable.
Three practical gear choices for Ultra Dolomites
This 80K needs grip, clean carrying capacity and poles only if you already handle them smoothly.
Speedgoat 7
A versatile option for Dolomites trails, protective enough for long descents without feeling too blunt on runnable terrain.
Open brand pageADV Skin 12
A good fit for UTMB-style kit, water, layers and food without making the upper body feel overloaded on an 80K.
Open brand page3-piece Carbon Folding Trail Running Poles
Useful on the long climbs if your storage and transition routine is already automatic before race day.
Open brand pageThese are direct links to the brands' official product pages for now. Awin Decathlon, Salomon and HOKA links can be activated later once the advertiser programs are approved on the publisher account.
Logistics to solve early
Cortina d'Ampezzo should be the main planning anchor. It is the finish location, the most practical post-race base and the simplest place to connect with the official start shuttle.
Venice Marco Polo is the reference airport, around two hours by road in good conditions. Build in extra time if you arrive on Friday, because mountain roads and bib pickup do not mix well with tight schedules.
Transport: Venice, Cortina, then start shuttle
The simplest plan is to fly to Venice Marco Polo, reach Cortina by rental car, coach or private transfer, then take the official shuttle from Cortina to Val Marzon / Auronzo di Cadore.
If you stay outside Cortina, check the first connection to the shuttle area. A cheap room too far away can create unnecessary start-line stress.
Accommodation: sleep where the finish is easy
Cortina is the most practical choice for the finish, food and recovery. Book early: Lavaredo weekend fills hotels, apartments and guesthouses quickly.
Auronzo di Cadore can work before the race if you want to be closer to the start, but then you must solve the return from Cortina after finishing. For a first Lavaredo, Cortina is usually simpler.
Ultra Dolomites race-week timeline
D-3 / D-2
Arrive in the Dolomites, recover from the Venice transfer and confirm shuttle times before worrying about the final shakeout run.
D-1
Collect the bib, check the UTMB-style kit, pack clearly and buy any simple race food you still need in Cortina.
Race morning
Take the Cortina shuttle with plenty of margin, keep a warm layer accessible and avoid any improvisation at Val Marzon.
Race
Hike early on steep climbs, eat before you are hungry and save strength for the technical descents into Cortina.
After the finish
Stay in Cortina if possible, recover before driving and avoid scheduling a long transfer immediately after the ultra.
Turn the guide into action
A good Ultra Dolomites starts before the gun: a Cortina base, a clear shuttle plan, a clean UTMB-style pack and patient pacing. Lock those in and Lavaredo 80K becomes a readable alpine project rather than a chain of surprises.
Ultra Dolomites 2026 FAQ
How long is Ultra Dolomites 2026?
The Lavaredo 80K format is 80 km with 4,600 m of climbing between Val Marzon / Auronzo di Cadore and Cortina d'Ampezzo.
Which airport should I use?
Venice Marco Polo is the practical airport in the brief, around two hours by road from Cortina depending on traffic and weather.
Should I stay in Cortina?
Usually yes. It is simplest for the finish and the shuttle, especially if you want to avoid a complicated transfer after the race.
How do runners reach the start?
A shuttle from Cortina is available. Confirm the official booking or pickup details and arrive with plenty of margin.
Is UTMB-style mandatory kit required?
Yes. Prepare waterproof jacket, headlamp, emergency blanket, phone, water, cup, food and mountain layers.
Are poles worth carrying?
Yes if you already use them well. Over 4,600 m+, they help on climbs but become a nuisance if transitions are clumsy.
What is the biggest mistake?
Treating the 80K as an easy middle-distance option. The Dolomites still bring altitude, technical descending and changeable weather.
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