High in Italy’s Dolomites, the swanky winter sports paradise of Madonna di Campiglio hosts its annual Winter Marathon with a twist — a race for cars manufactured before 1969. Drivers of the 160 participating vintage vehicles face a 280-mile route that will take them through 11 tricky mountain passes, four of which are more than 6,500 feet above sea level. Drivers also participate in a series of timed trials on courses packed with curves and skids.

The 25th edition of the famed road race begins Friday at 2 p.m. from Piazzale Brenta. Beforehand, auto enthusiasts can stroll around and admire the vintage Alfa Romeos, Bentleys, Fiats, Jaguars, Porsches and other fine autos. Racers complete the circuits returning to Campiglio at about 2:30 a.m. Saturday. That afternoon’s events take place on the town’s frozen lake. Entry is free for all spectators. Campiglio’s four-star hotel, Savoia Palace, serves as home base for participants, making the hotel and its environs a logical point to watch the teams’ comings and goings or catch up on the latest race gossip.