Ski Classics World Championship reaches its final Grand Classics event of Season XVIII on Saturday, March 20, 2027, when Birkebeinerrennet takes the field across 53km from Rena to Lillehammer, Norway.
First held in 1932, Birkebeinerrennet commemorates the dramatic rescue of infant Prince Haakon Haakonsson in 1206, when two Birkebeiner warriors skied across the mountains to secure his safety. In honor of that journey, every participant carries a mandatory backpack throughout the race, a symbol of history as much as a safety requirement.
The weight has evolved over the decades, from an original 5.5kg to 3.5kg in 1993, and now to 2kg, reflecting advances in lightweight technical equipment while preserving the tradition.
Also Read: Birkebeinerrennet reduces backpack weight requirement to 2kg
The event also features the Iconic Climb Raudfjellet, one of the longest and most decisive tests of the season, alongside the second Climb in the event, Midtfjellet.
As the final Grand Classic of the season, Birkebeinerrennet often plays a decisive role in the fight for the Champion bib, with Pro Teams under maximum pressure heading into the season’s closing stretch.
“Birkebeinerrennet is much more than a ski race. It is a journey through Norwegian history and beautiful mountain scenery, from Rena to Lillehammer, where every skier carries a 2kg backpack symbolizing the young King Haakon Haakonsson. The combination of history, tradition, challenging terrain and the incredible atmosphere makes Birkebeinerrennet truly unique,” says the event’s Chief of Competition.
“Birkebeinerrennet is our fourth and final Grand Classic, so if anyone is still chasing the Grand Slam, this is where it gets decided. With Raudfjellet and Midtfjellet both in play, and every skier carrying the same 2-kilogram backpack up those climbs, this course puts everyone under the exact same physical strain. There’s no easing into Birkebeinerrennet. You arrive under pressure and race under pressure,” says Lukas Bauer, Ski Classics Race Director.
Read More: Ski Classics World Championship Season XVIII
Birkebeinerrennet — Ski Classics World Championship Season XVIII – Event 13
- Date: Saturday, March 20, 2027
- Location: Rena–Lillehammer, Norway
- Distance: 53km classic technique
- Highest point: 907 meters above sea level
- Elevation gain: 1051 meters
- Format: A to B course
- Starting procedure: Mass start
- Start times: Men 07:45 CET / Women 08:00 CET
- Points: Pro Event 500p, Grand Classics – See exact point distribution
- Climb: Iconic Climb Raudfjellet, Climb Midtfjellet
- Last edition winners: Anikken Gjerde Alnæs (2:43:42.2), Torleif Syrstad (2:20:27.3)
- Grand Classics: Birkebeinerrennet is the fourth and final of four Grand Classics events this season
- Participation: More than 90 years of history since 1932; record participation of 17,161 skiers, set in 2014. Open for recreational skiers.
- Registration: Register here
- Link to SC Play: Watch here
Map and Profile
More information about Birkebeinerrennet can be found HERE
Ski Classics World Championship Season XVIII (2026/2027)
• Event 1: December 11, 2026 – Bad Gastein Prologue – Austria – 1km
• Event 2: December 13, 2026 – Sportgastein Criterium – Austria – 30km
• Event 3: December 19, 2026 – Bad Gastein ITT – Austria – 7km
• Event 4: December 20, 2026 – Bad Gastein Criterium – Austria – 36km
Bad Gastein Tour (Events 1–4 of Ski Classics World Championship Season XVIII)
• Event 5: January 16, 2027 – Engadin La Diagonela – Switzerland – 55km
• Event 6: January 17, 2027 – Zuoz–St. Moritz Sprint – Switzerland – 30km
• Event 7: January 31, 2027 – Marcialonga – Italy – 70km
• Event 8: February 12, 2027 – Bedřichov Heat Sprint – Czech Republic – 1.5km
• Event 9: February 14, 2027 – Jizerská50 – Czech Republic – 50km
• Event 10: February 27, 2027 – Oxberg–Mora Sprint Women – Sweden – 30km
• Event 11: February 28, 2027 – Oxberg–Mora Sprint Men – Sweden – 30km
• Event 12: March 7, 2027 – Vasaloppet – Sweden – 90km
• Event 13: March 20, 2027 – Birkebeinerrennet – Norway – 53km
• Event 14: April 3, 2027 – Reistadløpet – Norway – 35km
• Event 15: April 4, 2027 – Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja – Norway – 60km
For more updates and detailed information about the Ski Classics World Championship, visit skiclassics.com.
Author: Leandro Lutz
Top photo: Ski Classics
