The Ski Classics Pro Tour moves north for Event 11 of Season XVII as Marcialonga Bodø returns on Saturday, March 21, 2026, delivering a spectacular blend of Arctic nature, coastal landscapes, and the unique energy of one of Norway’s fastest-growing cities.

Now entering its second year on the Pro Tour schedule, the 50-kilometer classic race has quickly become one of the most distinctive and talked-about events in long-distance skiing.

Previously staged as a Challengers event before joining the Pro Tour last season, Marcialonga Bodø stands out for its combination of accessibility, dramatic terrain, and the powerful light and atmosphere found just north of the Arctic Circle.

A new course designed for reliability and challenge

For 2026, the event introduces a redesigned course to ensure predictable snow conditions and improve the competitive flow. Elite skiers will start at Bestemorenga Ski Stadium, complete two laps around Soløyvannet, and then take on a signature final ascent to Junkerfjellet, finishing atop one of the most scenic viewpoints overlooking the Bodø region.

The course profile features a demanding mix of continuous terrain: frequent undulations, repeated transitions, and accumulated elevation gain that wears on athletes from the start. While there are no massive climbs like Birken, Reistadløpet, or Summit 2 Senja, Marcialonga Bodø is still a tough race — the difficulty comes from the constant up-and-down movement, the Arctic conditions, and the decisive final ascent.

The final climb to Junkerfjellet – a unique Pro Tour finish

The final climb to Junkerfjellet creates one of the most distinctive and demanding race endings in Ski Classics:

• The ascent begins just above 107 meters, near the stadium
• The route climbs to 283 meters at the summit
• More than 200 vertical meters are gained over this stretch
• The ‘climb’ section includes two small downhill segments, creating tactical decisions and rhythm changes

Finishing on a mountaintop, with Bodø and the Norwegian Sea in the background, gives Marcialonga Bodø a signature identity — an uphill finale that is both scenic and demanding. Athletes will reach the line fully exposed to the elements, making this a race where preparation, pacing, and resilience play an outsized role.

Marcialonga Bodø – Ski Classics Pro Tour Event 11

• Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026
• Location: Bodø, Norway
• Distance: 50km Classic Technique
• Highest Point: 283m
• Elevation Gain: 1334m
• Last Edition Winners: Stina Nilsson (2:26:52.4) and Eirik Sverdrup Augdal (2:09:21.6)
• SC Play: Marcialonga Bodø

More information about Marcialonga Bodø can be found HERE

A dynamic setting between sea, mountains, and culture

Bodø, European Capital of Culture in 2024, is one of Norway’s fastest-growing cities. The region blends modern coastal city life with steep alpine mountains, islands, the Arctic Sea, and the famous northern light conditions that define this part of Norway.

While the race now starts outside the city center, athletes and spectators still benefit from Bodø’s compact layout: hotels, restaurants, the airport, and the train station all sit close together, making logistics simple and contributing to a lively event atmosphere throughout the weekend. Frequent daily flights between Bodø and Oslo connect efficiently with major European hubs, ensuring easy access for international teams and fans.

Things to do in Bodø

Beyond the race, the region offers experiences that help define Northern Norway:

• Saltstraumen, the world’s strongest tidal current, where visitors can join sea safaris, wildlife tours, and powerful water excursions
• Rampen Via Ferrata, one of Norway’s most scenic vertical adventures
• Kjerringøy, a historic coastal community known for its trading post and cultural heritage
• Bodø’s vibrant cultural scene, from galleries and music venues to urban cafés and restaurants

Where to stay

The official partner hotel is Quality Hotel Ramsalt, located on the waterfront with easy access to both the city center and the race venues. Additional hotels throughout Bodø’s compact core offer a wide range of services and price levels, making it easy for athletes and fans to stay close to the action.

Where to eat

Bodø’s food scene blends northern Norwegian ingredients with international influences. Highlights include:

• Bjørk, known for its grilled dried cod from Værøy
• Piccadilly, the city’s oldest pub and a cultural landmark
• Nabolaget, an intimate food and wine bar known for high-quality Nordic dishes
• Dama Di, a local favorite for concerts, casual drinks, and relaxed nightlife

Marcialonga Bodø within the Pro Tour

As Event 11 of Season XVII, Marcialonga Bodø sits in a decisive phase of the calendar, coming just one week after Birkebeinerrennet and ahead of the demanding northern double of Reistadløpet and the Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja.

With its challenging terrain and unpredictable conditions, the Arctic race could play a key role in shaping the battles for the Yellow, Green, Pink, and Climb bibs.

Follow the action

• Instagram: @marcialongabodo
• Facebook: Marcialonga Bodø

Full live coverage of Marcialonga Bodø 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
Top Photo: Stian Høgland