The Ski Classics Pro Tour enters one of the most scenic weekends of Season XVII as the Bedřichov Sprint and the Jizerská50 take over the Czech Republic from January 30 to February 1, 2026. Together, they form a vibrant mix of high-intensity racing, Grand Classics tradition, and local mountain culture in one of Central Europe’s most picturesque cross-country skiing regions.
For the first time in Ski Classics’ history, a sprint event opens a Pro Tour weekend, adding new dynamics to the standings before Sunday’s legendary Jizerská50 — the second Grand Classics event of the season.
A historic Friday night: Bedřichov Sprint makes Pro Tour history
Friday, January 30, marks a milestone moment for Ski Classics as the Bedřichov Sprint becomes the first sprint event ever included in the Pro Tour. The double-poling battle unfolds under the lights of the Bedřichov Ski Stadium, framed by fire effects and the dark winter forests of the Jizera Mountains.
The format begins with a qualification round, narrowing down to the semifinals, where seven athletes compete each. The top three in each semifinal advance to the final, joined by the fastest ‘lucky loser.’ In the final, seven sprint specialists go head-to-head for points in both the Sprint and Champion competitions.
“Adding a sprint to the Pro Tour calendar is an exciting step for Ski Classics. It highlights a different skill set and brings new energy and intensity to the circuit,” said Ski Classics Director Oskar Svärd in a previous statement. “The Jizerská organization has arranged the Friday sprint for several years, and we noticed the excitement it created among athletes and fans.”
The local organizers share the excitement:
“We’re thrilled that, on the occasion of its 12th anniversary, the Sprint is joining the Ski Classics Pro Tour. We look forward to witnessing the world’s top female and male athletes battle for the podium amid the stunning night scenery of the Jizera Mountains,” said David Douša, Head of Jizerská50.
Bedřichov Sprint – Ski Classics Pro Tour Event 5
- Date: Friday, January 30, 2026
- Location: Bedřichov
- Distance: 1.5km Classic
- Highest point: 752m
- Total Ascent: 31m
- Last edition winners: Anniken Gjerde Alnæs (3:23) & Alvar Myhlback (2:57)
- SC Play: Bedřichov Sprint
More information about Bedřichov Sprint can be found HERE
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Sunday brings a Monument: Jizerská50, the second Grand Classics of Season XVII
Two days later, the atmosphere shifts from speed to endurance. On Sunday, February 1, the legendary Jizerská50 takes center stage. As one of the four Grand Classics, it holds Monument status in Ski Classics — placing it alongside Marcialonga, Vasaloppet, and Birkebeinerrennet.
“Jizerská Padesátka is a fantastic ski race that has continuously grown and become a natural Grand Classics event,” said Oskar Svärd in a statement. “We expect close to 10,000 skiers to take part during the week.”
Held in the Jizera Mountains since 1968, Jizerská50 blends Central European character with the wilderness and racing style of Scandinavia. The 50km course climbs to nearly 1,000 meters above sea level, crossing rolling ridges, open plateaus, and deep forests. For many athletes, it is one of the most beautiful and emotional races of the winter.
The event is also deeply tied to regional history — commemorating the 15 Czech mountaineers who participated in the 1970 race before losing their lives in the Peru Huascarán landslide.
Jizerská50 – Ski Classics Pro Tour Event 6
- Date: Sunday, February 1, 2026
- Distance: 50km Classic
- Location: Bedřichov
- Highest point: 999m
- Elevation gain: 887m
- Last edition winners: Anniken Gjerde Alnæs (2:09:24.2) & Ole Jørgen Bruvoll (1:51:16.3)
- SC Play: Jizerská50
More information about Jizerská50 can be found HERE
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Discover the Jizera Mountains – culture, nature, and Czech craftsmanship
The Bedřichov–Jablonec–Liberec region is one of the most diverse outdoor destinations in the Czech Republic. Beyond the races, visitors can experience:
Crystal Valley – a world-famous glassmaking region
The Jizera Mountains are home to the historic Crystal Valley, where Czech glass and crystal have been crafted for centuries. You can visit:
- Crystalex (Nový Bor) – one of the world’s largest producers of Czech glassware
- Sans Souci (Cvikov) – premium hand-blown decorative glass
Workshops, galleries, and showrooms offer guided tours and exhibitions.
Ještěd – the icon of Liberec
The futuristic Ještěd Tower, designed by architect Karel Hubáček, is one of the most recognizable buildings in the Czech Republic, combining a hotel, restaurant, and observation deck.
Regional Gallery Liberec
Hosting exhibitions on Central European art and glass design, the gallery is an excellent cultural stop for visitors staying in the city.
Food & local specialties
Czech cuisine thrives in the mountains, offering warming, hearty dishes that are perfect for a winter race weekend. Regional specialties include:
- Svíčková – beef sirloin in creamy vegetable sauce
- Knedlíky – the iconic Czech dumplings served with meat or goulash
- Smažený sýr – fried cheese, a Czech classic
- Borůvkové knedlíky – blueberry dumplings popular in the Jizera Mountains
- Local craft beers from Jablonec and Liberec breweries
For visitors looking for an authentic local dining experience, many family-run chalets in Bedřichov and Janov offer traditional mountain cuisine.
Source: Visit Liberec region and Visit Jablonec nad Nisou tourism guides.
Where to stay
There are excellent accommodation options depending on whether fans prefer staying in the heart of the mountains or closer to city services:
- Hotel Jelínek, Bedřichov – perfect for skiers wanting to stay steps from the stadium
- Mountain chalets in Bedřichov & Janov nad Nisou – cozy, traditional, and close to the trails
- Hotel Zlatý Lev, Liberec – historic city hotel with easy access to the region
- Hotel Plaudit, Liberec – modern and comfortable, ideal for families
- Jablonec Apartments – excellent long-stay options for groups and recreational skiers
Official accommodation guides:
bedrichov.cz, visitliberec.eu, jablonec.com
Follow the action
Instagram: @jiz50
Facebook: facebook.com/jiz50
Full live coverage of the Bedřichov Sprint and Jizerská50 will be available on SC Play, featuring English commentary.
Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XVII (2025/2026)
- Event 1: December 13, 2025 – Bad Gastein Pro Team Tempo – Sportgastein, Austria, 7km
- Event 2: December 14, 2025 – Bad Gastein Criterium – Sportgastein, Austria, 36km
- Event 3: January 17, 2026 – Engadin La Diagonela – Pontresina-Zuoz, Switzerland, 55km
- Event 4: January 25, 2026 – Marcialonga – Moena-Cavalese, Italy, 70km
- Event 5: January 30, 2026 – Bedřichov Sprint – Bedřichov, Czech Republic, 1.5km
- Event 6: February 1, 2026 – Jizerská50 – Bedřichov, Czech Republic, 50km
- Event 7: March 1, 2026 – Vasaloppet – Sälen-Mora, Sweden, 90km
- Event 8: March 7, 2026 – Orsa Grönklitt 50k ITT Women – Grönklitt, Sweden, 50km
- Event 9: March 8, 2026 – Orsa Grönklitt 50k ITT Men – Grönklitt, Sweden, 50km
- Event 10: March 14, 2026 – Birkebeinerrennet – Rena-Lillehammer, Norway, 54km
- Event 11: March 21, 2026 – Marcialonga Bodø – Bodø, Norway, 50km
- Event 12: March 28, 2026 – Reistadløpet – Setermoen-Bardufoss, Norway, 35km
- Event 13: March 29, 2026 – Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja – Bardufoss-Finnsnes, Norway, 60km
For more updates and detailed information about the Ski Classics Pro Tour, make sure to visit skiclassics.com.
Author: Leandro Lutz
Top Photo: ČEZ Jizerská50
