Organizers of Kobberløpet in Sulitjelma, Norway, have announced a date change for the 2026 edition of the long-distance skiing event, part of the Ski Classics Challengers calendar.
The event has moved from Saturday, April 11, to Saturday, April 18, 2026, to avoid a direct clash with the Northern Norway Championships in cross-country skiing.
Kobberløpet’s Managing Director, Mona Mosti, explained that feedback from the cross-country community — particularly younger skiers — was a significant factor in the decision.
“We’ve received several messages from skiers who were disappointed that this year’s Kobberløp conflicted with the Northern Norway Championships. Our local ski community in Salten made it clear: they want to race Kobberløpet. We really appreciate that, and have decided to change the date to April 18,” Mosti said in a press release.
Listening to the next generation
Mosti emphasized the importance of supporting youth and grassroots skiing.
“It’s fantastic to see so many children and young athletes active in cross-country here in Salten. We want Kobberløpet to support training through the season and ensure people can take part in the race itself,” she said. Last year, when the original date also overlapped with the championships, organizers held a separate youth Kobberløp — but this year all age groups will compete together on the same day, creating an authentic ski festival atmosphere.
Quick turnaround
Mosti noted that arranging the reschedule took intensive coordination, but that most participants responded positively.
“We pulled this together in record time. Everyone who was registered has been informed by SMS and email, and most see the change as fine,” she said, thanking event partners including Nordland Ski Association, Ski Classics, the Kobberløpet organizing committee, board, and race leadership for their support.
About Kobberløpet — a long-distance classic
Kobberløpet is an annual long-distance skiing event held in the mountains around the historic mining town of Sulitjelma, in Fauske, Norway. It has attracted recreational and elite skiers for more than 50 years. In its modern form, it features a 43km classic race, and — as part of the Ski Classics Challengers series — allows Pro Team athletes to earn Ski Classics Champion and Youth points alongside recreational competitors.
The race has roots stretching back to 1968, when it was first held in honour of Mons Petter — the man credited with discovering the first ore in Sulitjelma and launching the region’s long mining history. Over the decades, Kobberløpet has grown from a local tradition into an international challenge that blends sport, history, and scenic Arctic terrain.
World-class competitors and local ski heroes have stood at the start line over the years, and participants continue to include a mix of elite athletes chasing Ski Classics points and recreational skiers seeking a memorable classic distance challenge.
Author: Leandro Lutz
Photo: Sebastian Loraas/SL Media
