The Cortina Snow Run: A Challenge That’s Second to None!

Do you have what it takes to tackle the toughest snow run in the Alps? Do you enjoy pushing your body to the limit for adrenaline-fuelled fun? If you think you do, why not sign up to the Cortina Snow Run and test your metal?

The Race

In 2018, this extreme Alpine event takes place on the 24th of February, high up in the Italian Alps. The run begins in the dark at 6pm local time, started by the ringing of bells in the bell tower. The race itself is around 17 kilometres long with a vertical accent of 1,380m. Each participant must finish in under five hours or is disqualified at the finish.

If this sounds a little too tough for you, there is also a mini trial available for the slightly less intrepid, with a distance of 9.5km to cover in under two hours. However, similarly to the main race, finishing outside the allotted time is not recognised.

The Route and Its Dangers

Classified as a red label run for its tough terrain, this run is not for the faint-hearted. The route includes ascents and descents throughout, differing in difficulty from least difficult red, to medium difficulty blue, to terrifying black. With that in mind, here are a few tricky sections to watch out for along the way:

Early Black – They don’t start you off easy at Cortina d'Ampezzo. The first ascent includes a tricky black run called A Olimpica 1956, which will really test those early knees.

Middle Red – The second ascent will show you a few tough reds, but the following descent is what you need to watch out for. This is where runners encounter their first red descent and must focus on not tumbling all the way down the mountain.

Finishing Stretch – The final descent towards the Olympic Ice Stadium involves a series of blues, which can be deceiving. By this point, which is maybe 4 hours or more into the race, the body and mind will be pushed to their limit.

Training Time & Gear

It’s important to get in some training before the big race. You can do this at home on the street or in the gym, but it’s best to practice on some rugged vertical terrain. If you know any local hills, run up them. It is also useful to invest in some proper gear. You won’t make it to the middle reds in trainers and shorts, I’m afraid. You need some waterproof socks, sturdy running shoes and ice grips to get you started.

Stay Covered

Whether you choose to take on the mini Cortina Snow Run, the main event or just fancy a bit of skiing in the mountains, it’s sensible to keep yourself protected with winter sports travel insurance. The last thing you want on your mind when scaling peaks and racing down pistes is the complicated repercussions of injury without insurance. You won’t get very far with that mindset! So, invest in some winter sports travel insurance and push yourself to the limit without any worries.