The Ski Classics Pro Tour returns to Norway on Saturday, March 14, 2026, for Event 10: Birkebeinerrennet, the last Grand Classics stage of Season XVII and one of the sport’s most historic long-distance races.
The 54-kilometer journey from Rena to Lillehammer is a defining challenge of the season, blending long climbs, open mountain terrain, and a finish packed with Olympic heritage.
First held in 1932, the Birkebeinerrennet commemorates the dramatic rescue of infant Prince Haakon Haakonsson in 1206, when two Birkebeiner warriors skied across the mountains to secure his safety. In honor of this journey, all participants carry a 3.5kg backpack throughout the race. The symbolism, combined with the demanding profile of the course, has made Birkebeinerrennet one of the most respected and culturally significant events on the Pro Tour calendar.
A demanding and historic route across the mountains
The course climbs steadily from the start in Rena, gaining 1059 meters and reaching its highest point at 906 meters above sea level. After the opening ascent, skiers are rewarded with expansive views over Norway’s winter landscape before facing the long second climb and the fast, technical descent into Lillehammer’s Olympic stadium.
“Birkebeinerrennet is more than a ski race — it’s a tribute to strength, endurance, and historic courage. Every stride carries the legacy of those who bore the Royal Prince across the mountains in the year 1206. We are proud to be hosting one of the iconic races in Ski Classics Season XVII,” said Jostein Buraas, CEO at Birkebeinerrennet, in a previous statement.
Also Read – Birkebeinerrennet: The final Grand Classics event of Season XVII
The event often plays a decisive role in both the women’s and men’s overall standings, and as the final Grand Classics event of the season, the pressure on athletes and Pro Teams will be at its peak.
Birkebeinerrennet – Ski Classics Pro Tour Event 10
- Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026
- Location: Rena–Lillehammer, Norway
- Distance: 54km Classic Technique
- Highest Point: 906m
- Elevation Gain: 1059m
- Last Edition Winners: Stina Nilsson (2:44:48.1) and Andreas Nygaard (2:20:15.2)
- SC Play: Birkebeinerrennet
More information about Birkebeinerrennet can be found HERE
Where to stay: from the start village calm to Olympic comfort
The event connects two contrasting environments: the quiet forest surroundings of Rena and the vibrant Olympic setting of Lillehammer.
Rena offers a small-town atmosphere and the convenience of staying close to the start. Athletes can choose traditional Birken house accommodation, simple mattress lodging arranged by the organizers, or comfortable rooms at places such as Trudvang Hotel and Granlund Guesthouse. Cabins and private rentals are also popular, especially among groups and Pro Teams. Shuttle buses connect accommodation areas to the start at Tingstadjordet on race morning.
Lillehammer offers a broader range of post-race recovery and comfort options, with central hotels such as Scandic Victoria Lillehammer, Mølla Hotel, and Birkebeineren Hotel & Apartments, for those looking for a more secluded mountain setting, cabins and lodges in Sjusjøen, Nordseter, and Hafjell offer easy access to ski trails and panoramic views.
Where to eat: local and international options
Rena’s compact center offers several convenient choices before race day. Åmot Kulturhus Café is located in the same building as bib pick-up and is a lively meeting point during the days leading up to the event. Milano Restaurant & Pizzeria and Andaman Thai & Sushi Restaurant offer reliable meals in the days leading up to the event.
In Lillehammer, athletes and spectators can choose from a mix of modern Nordic cuisine and classic Norwegian favorites. Kjøpstaden Brasserie & Bar, Bryggerikjelleren steakhouse, Lillehammer Bakeri, Hvelvet Restaurant, and the family-friendly Lille Pannekakehuset are among the city’s well-known venues for celebrating after finishing the race.
What to see and experience
Rena is a quiet Østerdalen village surrounded by forests, cold winter air, and a distinct pre-race atmosphere. Many participants enjoy a short ski on the nearby trails or settle in and prepare for the start.
Lillehammer, host of the 1994 Winter Olympics, offers several notable attractions. Lysgårdsbakkene Ski Jumping Arena provides panoramic views over the town, Maihaugen open-air museum presents Norway’s architectural and cultural history, and the Norwegian Olympic Museum gives visitors insight into the legacy of the Olympic Games through original artifacts and multimedia experiences.
A key moment in the final phase of Season XVII
As the last Grand Classics of the season, Birkebeinerrennet carries significant weight in the overall standings and often plays a decisive role in the fight for the Yellow, Green, Pink, and Climb bibs. With its blend of heritage, demanding terrain, and strong cultural identity, it represents one of the signature events of long-distance skiing.
Skiers, spectators, and fans following the Pro Tour can expect a memorable day as the Pro Teams cross the mountains between Rena and Lillehammer, continuing one of Norway’s most enduring winter traditions.
Follow the action
- Instagram: @birken_no
- Facebook: facebook.com/Birkebeinere
Full live coverage of Birkebeinerrennet will be available on the streaming platform SC Play with 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
