The Ski Classics Challengers season continues at full speed in January 2026, with a packed calendar of long-distance races across Europe and Asia.
Following the winter opening events in December, January offers multiple opportunities for recreational skiers to compete in Challengers races and take an important step toward qualifying for the Ski Classics Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja Season XVII.
While the Ski Classics Pro Tour intensifies with key events such as Engadin La Diagonela and Marcialonga, the Challengers circuit mirrors that momentum, providing skiers worldwide with the chance to experience Ski Classics racing formats and secure qualification results for the Season XVII Grand Finale.
Also Read: Ski Classics Challengers calendar and how to qualify for the Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja
Below is an overview of confirmed Ski Classics Challengers events for January 2026.
Ski Classics Challengers events – January 2026
- Vasaloppet China (CHN) – January 4, 2026
- Marathon International de Bessans (FRA) – January 10, 2026
- Craft Ski Marathon (SWE) – January 11, 2026
- Dachsteinlauf (AUT) – January 11, 2026
- La Saireda Roseg (SUI) – January 15, 2026
- Moraloppet (SWE) – January 17, 2026
- Granfondo Dobbiaco/Toblach – Cortina Classic (ITA) – January 17, 2026
- Granfondo Dobbiaco/Toblach – Cortina Skating (ITA) – January 18, 2026
- La Sfida (SUI) – January 18, 2026
- Subaru Skadi Loppet (GER) – January 25, 2026
- Südtirol Moonlight Classic Seiser Alm (ITA) – January 30, 2026
- Västgötaloppet Skate (SWE) – January 31, 2026
- Billingens Långlopp (SWE) – January 31, 2026
January features a mix of classic and skating formats, night races, and traditional long-distance competitions, offering varied terrain and race experiences for both elite amateurs and recreational skiers.
All confirmed Ski Classics Challengers events can be found HERE
How January Challengers events count toward Summit 2 Senja
Ski Classics Season XVII concludes with the Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja, taking place from Bardufoss to Finnsnes, Norway, on Sunday, March 29, 2026. Recreational skiers can qualify for the Grand Finale by participating in Ski Classics Pro Tour or Challengers events during the season.
There will be 250 starting spots available for recreational skiers in addition to Pro Team athletes. To be eligible for registration, skiers must meet one of the following criteria during Season XVII:
- Complete one Ski Classics Pro Tour event within the winner’s time + 50%, or
- Complete two Ski Classics Challengers events within the same time limit.
January’s dense Challengers schedule offers one of the best windows of the season to secure the required results and earn the Grand Finale Qualifier Pin.
Registration and qualifier pin
Skiers who meet the qualification criteria will receive a Grand Finale Qualifier Pin on their SC MyPages. Once the pin appears, registration is available via SC Events → All Ski Classics Events. Due to limited starting spots, early registration is strongly recommended.
January stands out as a key month in the Ski Classics Challengers season, with races across several countries and strong alignment with the Pro Tour calendar. For many skiers, these events represent both a competitive highlight and a direct pathway to experiencing the Ski Classics Grand Finale in northern Norway.
For more updates and detailed information about the Ski Classics Pro Tour, make sure to visit skiclassics.com.
Author: Leandro Lutz
Photo: Benjamin Eckert/Engadin La Diagonela
