The Dolomitenlauf Cross Country Ski Race in Austria: how did I do?

Was my training and preparation enough to conquer the Dolomites?

Just before the start of the race on January 19, 2025 in Obertilliach, Austria

Setting a big goal and following through

When I committed myself to participate and to finish the largest cross country ski race in Austria, I probably did not take into account everything - would I be physically and mentally prepared?

What would be the impacts of the travel and logistics on my health and well-being?

Would I have the self-confidence to get me to the starting line?

Would I be able to conquer the big mountain climbs and handle the downhills?

Lots of questions. Lots of uncertainty.

But I knew I needed to keep moving forward and as Jesse McEntee writes about in The Enemies of Adventure - face our fears and “stare them down like a mean dog or bully.” I made up my mind that I was willing to give my best effort.

It’s the uncertainty that adds the thrill to our adventures. - Jesse McEntee

What is the Dolomitenlauf?

Held almost every year since 1970, it is the largest cross country ski event in Austria. The event is part of the World Loppet international sports federation of cross-country skiing races which are held annually on almost every continent.

Skiers from all over the world descend on the small alpine village of Obertilliach to ski the Dolomitenlauf. Obertilliach is situated in the Dolomites - near the Italian border and is about 167 kilometers southeast of Innsbruck.

Read more about the small farming village of Obertilliach in my recent post: A postcard from Obertilliach in the Dolomites: a true Austrian adventure destination

More about the Dolomites

The Dolomites are a mountain range in northern Italy and southern Austria. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the mountains are characterized by jaw-dropping jagged cliffs, narrow valleys and dramatic mountain landscapes. A popular destination for adventure seekers who come here for hiking, mountain climbing, winter sports, hang gliding and BASE jumping.

A nordic ski trail overlooking the Dolomites. Photo Credit: Bernd Jürgens

Leaning on my experience from other long-distance endurance events

The Dolomitenlauf would not be my first long-distance event. I have completed several other cross country ski events but not recently. My last long distance ski event was in 2016 - almost 9 years ago. Since then, I have been participating in long distance running events - mostly marathons and ultra-marathons.

I am hoping that my endurance base and recent experience in running long distances will help me to meet the demands of the Dolomitenlauf.

My training leading up to the race

For about 4 months before I left for Austria, my preparation focused on endurance workouts - mostly running, fast hiking with poles and indoor rowing on a Concept2 rower. At least twice a week, I added in strength training which included the use of the SkiErg - an indoor machine that emulates skiing.

To learn more about my preparation, read my interview with Jake Griggs of Working Order here.

Luckily, I had local snow where I live in upstate New York in December and I was able to get in about 10 days of skiing before I left for Austria.

For a January race, I felt this was the best I could do. However, my feelings of uncertainty continued to plague me - would it be enough to get me through the race?

Travel to Austria

The plan was to arrive about a week before the race so I could work with a ski coach on refreshing my core skills - tackling downhills, climbing hills, balance drills, striding and poling, step turns and course management.

Working with my coach. Practicing balance, striding on hills and skiing without poles.

Practicing on the course before race day

During the week, I had the opportunity to ski parts of the race course which helped to boost my confidence and reduce my feelings of uncertainty.

Whereas alpine ski racing is all downhill, cross country ski events cover a lot of varied terrain - lots of ascending and descending.

The Dolomitenlauf course includes two big climbs, many smaller climbs and a lot of steep downhills with tricky turns. All this is done on lightweight skis that are narrower than alpine skis and with no metal edges. My ability to balance carefully on each ski as needed was critical to mastering the downhills and not falling.

Below is a course map as provided by the organizers. The course includes a lot of “corkscrew” turns (back and forth) on the downhills.

Being able to ski the actual race course removed some of the uncertainty and fear of the unknown.

The course elevation chart (below) provides an excellent overview - a lot of climbing in the first two-thirds of the course and then a lot of downhills to tackle on fatigued legs.

Race day arrives: was I able to face my fears and stare them down?

Race day dawned with almost perfect weather for the Dolomites. The sun was shining. The temperature was not as bitter as it had been all week. The excitement was contagious. Everyone wanted to get racing. Things were looking positive before the start.

Waiting to start the race.

Below: a nice overhead shot of the start of the event with 100’s of other skiers jockeying for position on the narrow trail. Stay tuned for find out what happened to me in the first 400 meters…..

Photo Credit: EXPA Photos

Did I overcome my fears of uncertainty? What happened during the first 400 meters of the race? Was I able to conquer the hills? Did I fall on any of the curvy and steep downhills? Did I cross the finish line? Did I survive?

Stay tuned.

A short (47 seconds) video below of the race start from last year’s race (2024).

You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength. - Marcus Aurelius

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