The Ski Classics Pro Tour reaches its conclusion on March 28–29, 2026, with the final weekend of Season XVII featuring two of the most challenging and visually striking races of the entire calendar: Reistadløpet on Saturday and the Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja on Sunday.

Together, the northern double Reistadløpet and the Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja showcase the raw Arctic beauty, steep mountain terrain, and coastal landscapes that define Norway’s far north.

Reistadløpet – a legendary Arctic mountain challenge

Reistadløpet is changing its race format for the coming season. Starting in 2026, there will be a single standard distance of 35 kilometers, but it will remain one of the most iconic and physically demanding races in Ski Classics.

The 35km course between Setermoen and Bardufoss climbs steeply from the valley floor into exposed highlands, rewarding athletes with sweeping views before challenging them with long, technical descents toward the finish.

As one of the toughest races on the circuit, Reistadløpet has historically played a defining role in both the men’s and women’s standings and continues to be a proving ground for athletes with exceptional climbing strength.

Reistadløpet – Ski Classics Pro Tour Event 12

• Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026
• Location: Setermoen–Bardufoss, Norway
• Distance: 35km classic technique
• Highest Point: 567m
• Elevation Gain: 905m
• Last Edition Winners (46km): Ebba Andersson (2:27:27.3) and Eirik Sverdrup Augdal (2:13:59.8)
• SC Play: Reistadløpet

More information about Reistadløpet can be found HERE

Summit 2 Senja – the 60km Grand Finale between mountains and fjords

The season ends with one of the most visually spectacular races ever in Ski Classics. Summit 2 Senja takes athletes from Bardufoss across demanding inland terrain, then descends toward the coast and finishes in Finnsnes, the gateway to the island of Senja.

At 60 kilometers, the Grand Finale is a true endurance test that closes the season with a blend of high-mountain scenery and dramatic coastal views. With its length, elevation profile, and late-season conditions, Summit 2 Senja is expected to influence the final battles for the Yellow, Green, Pink, and Climb bibs.

Introduced in Season XIV, the event has quickly become a standout in the Pro Tour. In 2025, Summit 2 Senja was voted ‘Best Event of the Year’ in Ski Classics for the second time, earning the highest recognition from Pro Team athletes, staff, and organizers.

Also Read: Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja wins Event of Season XVI

Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja – Ski Classics Pro Tour Event 13

• Date: Sunday, March 29, 2026
• Place: Bardufoss-Finnsnes, Norway
• Distance: 60km
• Highest Point: 475m
• Elevation Gain: 1357m
• Last Edition Winners: Ebba Andersson (3:02:00.1) and Ole Jørgen Bruvoll (2:36:35.9)
• SC Play: Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja

More information about the Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja can be found HERE

Grand Finale Concept

Ski Classics introduced the Grand Finale concept to conclude Season XV, and now Summit 2 Senja concludes Season XVII with unparalleled greatness.

As of 2025, the 2026 edition of the Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja will include up to 250 participation spots for recreational skiers outside the Pro Team field.

To qualify, skiers must have completed, during Season XVII, at least one Pro Tour race within the winner’s time +50% for their gender or two Ski Classics Challengers events under the same time requirement.

Once qualification is confirmed, a Grand Finale coin will appear in the skier’s SC MyPages account, granting access to register for the event. This initiative allows recreational skiers to take part in the Grand Finale alongside the Pro Team athletes.

Where to stay: from mountain basecamps to coastal comfort

Setermoen (Reistadløpet start area)

Setermoen, home to Norway’s oldest military garrison, offers convenient and straightforward lodging close to the start.

• Bardu Hotell, a central and practical option suitable for teams
• Bardufosstun, located right by the ski tracks
• Local cabins and apartments throughout the Bardu valley
• Lians Caravan, for those wanting a camping or caravan-style experience

Bardufoss (Reistadløpet finish and Summit 2 Senja start)

Bardufoss is the logistical heart of the race weekend, with fast airport access and short distances to both events.

• Bardufoss Hotell, 5 minutes (by car) away from the finish line at Reistadløpet
• Målselv Fjellandsby, cabins and apartments surrounded by mountains and winter wilderness
• Haraldvollen, cabins and apartments, about ten minutes from the finish area

Finnsnes (Summit 2 Senja finish)

Finnsnes offers a marine atmosphere and views toward the island of Senja.

• Comfort Hotel Finnsnes, close to shops, restaurants, and the finish line
• Senja Hotell, centrally located and popular with visitors

Where to eat: local favorites and athlete-friendly options

Setermoen & Bardufoss (Reistadløpet)

These options are close to the start and finish areas, offering reliable and straightforward meals for race weekend.

Setermoen & Bardu

• Pizza Kjelleren, a classic local pizza spot, is ideal for a pre-race carb load.
• Jokern Pizza is another popular local choice for pizza and takeaway meals.

Bardufoss

• O’Learys Bardufoss, located directly below Bardufoss Hotell, offers hearty American-style food and burgers.

Finnsnes (Summit 2 Senja)

Finnsnes provides a short list of favorites highlighted by the organizers, all close to the finish area.

• Skreien Spiseri is a modern coastal restaurant offering fresh fish options.
• Tiger Sushi, high-quality sushi in the town center.
• Senjastua is a well-known restaurant serving traditional Norwegian dishes and Arctic ingredients.

What to do: Arctic adventures between mountains and fjords

Setermoen and Bardufoss region

• Polarbadet, a newly renovated water park, reopened in October 2025
• Polar Park, the world’s northernmost zoo
• Målselv Fjellandsby, with downhill skiing and 13 kilometers of cross-country tracks
• Randonee touring in the surrounding mountain areas:
  • Senja
  • Tromsø and Kvaløya
  • Lyngen

Finnsnes and Senja

• Randonee skiing across Senja’s famous alpine terrain
• Senja Husky, dog sledding experiences
• Snowshoe hiking for all levels
• Northern lights watching throughout the winter season
• Scenic coastal walks and viewpoints on and around Senja

How to travel: simple access across Northern Norway

Arrival

• Bardufoss Airport (BDU) – 5 minutes from Bardufoss, 25 minutes from Setermoen
• Tromsø Airport (TOS) – around 2h15min by car or bus
• Harstad/Narvik Airport (EVE) – alternative for international arrivals

Departure

• Bardufoss Airport – closest for domestic flights
• Tromsø Airport – best for international connections
• Ferry options connect Finnsnes to Tromsø and Harstad

Follow the action

Instagram: @reistadlopet / @summit2senja
Facebook: facebook.com/reistadlopet / facebook.com/Summit2Senja/

Full live coverage of both races 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: Manzoni/NordicFocus