The Ski Classics Challengers event Fossavatnsgangan is a 50km long-distance race in classic technique taking place this Saturday, April 18, in Ísafjördur, Iceland.
Fossavatnsgangan is the Ski Classics Challengers event in Iceland. The event takes place in Ísafjördur and was established in 1935, making it the oldest long-distance race in Iceland. The 50-kilometer classic-style race has been on the program since 2004.
The race starts and finishes at Seljalandsdalur-Ísafjördur’s main cross-country skiing area. The trails run along the mountains surrounding Ísafjördur, offering breathtaking views and pleasant spring weather.
The course in a nutshell
The first 15km is tough as you work your way from 290m altitude up to 614m. From there, you have a fairly easy 10km descent towards Nónvatn and Engidalur, to the turning point at “Steinn” (approximately 26km). The next 4km are not easy and are followed by a very long and demanding climb up to Fellsháls.
After that, you have a long section in a gentle terrain, before the final climb up the notorious Miðfellsháls. From there, the last 7km are all flat or downhill.
Everyone carries a backpack
According to the Local Organization, skiers can face all weather, and anything can happen. For safety, participants in the 25km and 50km races on Saturday are required to carry a backpack; waist packs are not allowed.
The backpack should include at least an outer pair of pants, a jacket, a cap, and gloves. In addition, most bring some nutrition, a cup or a flask (organizers provide drinks along the way but not cups), ski wax, and a phone. The bag should weigh at least 1.5kg. Staff can weigh bags at any time during the race. If it is too light or if some requirements are not fulfilled, organizers add 15 minutes to your time.
In addition to the 50km main event, Fossavatnsgangan is a series of events running from April 15 until April 18, offering night races of 35 and 70km, a freestyle race, 12.5 and 25km in classic technique, and kids and family races of 1 and 5km.
Highlights from Fossavatnsgangan 2025
Video Credits: Haukur Sigurdsson/Fossavatnsgangan
Fossavatnsgangan – Ski Classics Challengers
- Location: Ísafjördur, Iceland
- Date: Saturday, April 18, 2025
- Start Time: 10:00 CEST
- Distance: 50km Classic Technique
- Website: Fossavatnsgangan
- Facebook: Fossavatnsgangan
- Instagram: Fossavatnsgangan
The Fossavatnsgangan program, start lists, live results, and final standings can be followed HERE and HERE
You can find more information about the event HERE
Course Map and Profile
As Fossavatnsgangan 50km is a Ski Classics Challengers event, Pro Team registered athletes can collect points for the Ski Classics Champion and Youth competitions in their respective genders.
A list of Ski Classics Challengers events with confirmed dates can be found on the Ski Classics website. The list is updated continuously with new events.
Author: Leandro Lutz
Photo: Ágúst Atlason/Gústi Productions
