The 18th Alto Adige Moonlight Classic is set to illuminate the Alpe di Siusi on January 30, 2026, drawing hundreds of cross-country skiers for a starry night event. This race, part of the buildup to the Milano-Cortina Olympics, features ideal snow conditions and top Italian competitors. Participants can choose between 15km and 30km routes starting from Compaccio.
As the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics approach, the Italian cross-country skiing scene gains momentum with the 18th Alto Adige Moonlight Classic. Scheduled for Friday, January 30, at 8 p.m., the event will see athletes glide across Europe's largest high-altitude meadow under a night sky lit by approximately 1,000 torches. Recent snowfalls have ensured pristine conditions, with organizers finalizing the course throughout the week and making final adjustments on race day. Martina Rier from the Alpe di Siusi Tourist Association noted, “The panorama is perfect and the pistes are impeccable.” The start area in Compaccio will buzz with activity from 4 p.m., offering an after-party and awards ceremony post-race. Public access is free via the Alpe di Siusi cable car from 6 p.m., and the event will be broadcast live on YouTube. Registration remains open until 7 p.m. that day through the official website, moonlightclassic.info. On the competitive side, the race belongs to the Ski Classics Challengers 2026 series, spotlighting elite Italian skiers. A highlight is Dietmar Noeckler, the 2015 champion from South Tyrol, who, despite missing Olympic selection, returns as a strong favorite. The short 15km option suits a broader field, while the demanding 30km course winds through Giogo, Punta d’Oro, and Spitzbühl, ending with a steep descent to Ritsch before looping back to Compaccio. This flagship Italian event blends high-stakes racing with a festive atmosphere, providing a captivating preview of the upcoming Games.
