Less than 100 days remain until the World Masters Cross-Country Ski Championships Sappada–Forni Avoltri 2026, and the two Friulian towns are gearing up to host one of the most important sporting events of the winter season. The event, scheduled from January 29 to February 6, 2026, is expected to bring around 1,000 athletes from 30 nations to Sappada and Forni Avoltri, serving as a fitting prelude to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, which will begin the day after the championships conclude.
Preparations are in full swing: the World Masters Championships Organizing Committee, chaired by Olympic champion Silvio Fauner, is working intensively on all logistical and sporting aspects. “It is an honor for us to host an event of this magnitude right here in Sappada and Forni Avoltri,” says Fauner. “This is a unique opportunity to show the world the beauty of our territory, our organizational capabilities, and the passion that has always bound us to cross-country skiing. The atmosphere here already feels like that of a great occasion, and we’re doing our best to welcome athletes, companions, and guests from all over the world.”
To date, more than 850 athletes have registered, and bookings at local accommodations are well underway. The two towns are offering the best available lodging options, while the committee is finalizing transfer schedules to and from Venice Airport and from Dobbiaco. Menus for daily meals, to be served in a large heated tent structure, are also being defined—along with the much-anticipated Gala Dinner menu.
Among the side events, the celebratory evening titled “Waiting for the Milano Cortina Olympics” stands out. It will feature the champions of the legendary golden relay teams from the Lillehammer 1994 and Torino 2006 Olympics: Silvio Fauner, Pietro Piller Cottrer, Giorgio Di Centa, Maurilio De Zolt, and other Olympic legends will be in Sappada for a night of celebration and remembrance. They’ll even return to the snow for a symbolic race—the “legendary” relay.
The event will be further enriched by musical and cultural performances every evening, ranging from folk to opera, bringing both towns to life and offering entertainment beyond the slopes. A special day trip to Cividale del Friuli is also planned, inviting participants to discover the city’s Roman and Lombard history and to enjoy tastings of the renowned wines of the Collio region—a truly immersive experience in the local culture.
The World Masters Cross-Country Ski Championships Sappada–Forni Avoltri 2026 will not only be a high-level sports competition, but also a major opportunity for economic, social, and tourism promotion across the region. And even though winter still seems far away, Sappada and Forni Avoltri are already working at full speed to shine on the international stage for what promises to be one of the most anticipated events in recent years.
Sappada, 21.10.2025
