For cross-country skiing enthusiasts, Lago di Tesero is one of the iconic destinations in Val di Fiemme. Here, the tradition of Nordic skiing meets an internationally renowned sports centre, surrounded by the valley floor landscape and the mountains of Trentino. The Olympic Cross-Country Ski Stadium at Lago di Tesero has hosted three editions of the Nordic World Ski Championships – in 1991, 2003 and 2013 – as well as numerous World Cup and Tour de Ski races; and, in 2026, it will host the Nordic events of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. A rich history, but above all a place where cross-country skiing continues to be enjoyed every winter by athletes, enthusiasts and those wishing to try the sport for the first time.
The Lago di Tesero Cross-Country Ski Centre
For over fifty years, dedicated cross-country ski trails have been groomed at Lago di Tesero. Although the centre is situated at an altitude of around 900 metres, the expertise in trail preparation and the programmed snowmaking system normally allow for skiing from December until mid-March, subject, of course, to seasonal conditions. Over time, the facility has become one of the main hubs for Nordic skiing in Italy and internationally. However, the stadium is not reserved for athletes alone: during the winter season, it also offers an opportunity for enthusiasts and anyone wishing to try cross-country skiing whilst on holiday in Val di Fiemme.
Skiing on the slopes of the great champions
Hitting the slopes at Lago di Tesero means finding yourself in one of the places that have shaped the history of Nordic skiing in Val di Fiemme. The stadium hosted the World Championships in 1991, 2003 and 2013, as well as numerous Cross-Country and Nordic Combined World Cup events and the final stages of the Tour de Ski. In 2026, it also became one of the Olympic venues for the Milan-Cortina Games. This makes the experience special even for amateur skiers: it is not simply a matter of cross-country skiing in the mountains, but of doing so in a place deeply linked to the international history of the sport.
Cross-country skiing for beginners and experts
You don’t need to be an athlete to take up Nordic skiing. Val di Fiemme offers a very extensive network of cross-country trails, with routes suitable for both beginners and more experienced skiers. The two main centres are Lago di Tesero and Passo Lavazè. At Lago di Tesero, you can practise both the classic and skating techniques, and equipment hire for both disciplines is available at the stadium. For those who have never tried it before, this could be the perfect opportunity to discover a completely different way of experiencing the snow: slower than downhill skiing, very physical yet deeply connected to the landscape.
The Marcialonga Trail
From the Cross-Country Centre, you can link up with the Marcialonga trail, another name closely associated with the tradition of Nordic skiing in these valleys. From the centre, this link allows you to cover over 8 km of almost flat trail, heading either towards Predazzo or Molina di Fiemme. The Marcialonga trail crosses the valley floor and therefore offers a different experience to the more technical loops at the stadium: you ski along the natural course of the valley, passing through a landscape that forms the backdrop to some of the most famous moments in Trentino cross-country skiing.
Cross-country skiing in the evening too
One of the unique features of the Lago di Tesero Cross-Country Centre is the opportunity, on certain days, to ski even after sunset. According to information published by the Val di Fiemme Tourist Board, on Tuesdays and Thursdays the trails are floodlit until 9.00 pm. Skiing in the evening offers a completely different experience: the valley floor becomes quieter, temperatures drop and the illuminated snow creates a special atmosphere. Before planning your outing, however, it is advisable to check the updated timetables and whether the trails are actually open.
Hire skis directly at the stadium
Those arriving in Val di Fiemme without their own equipment can hire what they need directly at the Stadio del Fondo in Lago di Tesero. During the winter, the hire centre stocks cross-country skiing equipment for both classic and skating styles, suitable for beginners and experienced skiers alike. Skates are also available for hire for the adjacent ice rink. This is a particularly handy option for those who want to try cross-country skiing for a day without having to buy or carry all the equipment themselves.
Lago di Tesero: a year-round sporting destination
Lago di Tesero’s sporting identity does not fade away with the end of winter. The Cross-Country Ski Stadium has been developed for use in other seasons too and now also features a roller-ski circuit of around 2.5 km, designed for use from May to October. The area is also crossed by a cycle path, and during the summer the stadium’s hire service provides both conventional and electric bikes. This makes Lago di Tesero an attractive destination not only for a skiing holiday, but also for those who enjoy an active holiday during the rest of the year.
Where to stay near the Lago di Tesero Cross-Country Ski Centre
For those choosing Val di Fiemme primarily for cross-country skiing, staying right in Lago di Tesero provides a particularly convenient base. Lago House is situated in Lago di Tesero and offers four three-room apartments, ranging from 55 to 98 m², designed to accommodate up to 4 or 6 people depending on the type. The location means you can stay in the same town as the Cross-Country Ski Centre whilst also being able to travel easily to Tesero, Predazzo and other parts of Val di Fiemme. For those travelling with skis and equipment, Lago House also has a dedicated storage room for skis and bicycles.
Discover the apartments at Lago House
Why choose Lago di Tesero for a cross-country skiing holiday
Lago di Tesero offers something different from a traditional ski resort. Here, cross-country skiing isn’t simply one of the activities on offer: it’s part of the place’s identity. You can ski on the trails that have hosted World Championships, World Cups and the Olympics, reach the Marcialonga route, try classic or skating techniques, and experience a discipline deeply rooted in the sporting history of the Val di Fiemme. And at the end of the day, you stay in the valley floor, in a convenient location from which to explore the rest of the area too.
Frequently asked questions about cross-country skiing at Lago di Tesero
Where can you go cross-country skiing in Lago di Tesero?
Lago di Tesero is home to the Olympic Cross-Country Ski Stadium, one of the two main centres dedicated to Nordic skiing in the Val di Fiemme, alongside Passo Lavazè.
Is the Lago di Tesero Cross-Country Centre also suitable for beginners?
Yes. Cross-country skiing in Val di Fiemme caters for all levels, and at the stadium you can hire equipment for both classic and skating styles.
When does the Cross-Country Centre open?
The APT normally indicates a season running from December to mid-March, thanks in part to the snowmaking system. However, opening times, the number of kilometres available and conditions may vary and should be checked before setting off.
Can you ski in the evening?
According to the information currently published, the trails are floodlit until 9.00 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It is, however, advisable to check the timings before setting off.
Can you hire skis at Lago di Tesero?
Yes. The stadium has a hire service offering cross-country equipment for both classic and skating styles.
Has Lago di Tesero hosted the Olympics?
Yes. The Cross-Country Ski Stadium was one of the venues for the Nordic competitions at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. It had previously hosted the Nordic World Ski Championships in 1991, 2003 and 2013.
