The Ski Classics Challengers event, Marathon International de Bessans, will be held in one month. The long-distance ski race in classic technique takes place on January 10, 2026, in Bessans, France.
Marathon International de Bessans is a historic long-distance skiing event held annually since 1980. The French race joined the Ski Classics Challengers circuit in 2023 and returns once again to the Challengers calendar.
The competition unfolds in the beautiful Haute Maurienne Vanoise Valley, where wide-open tracks run mostly flat across the scenic plateau, punctuated by short but steep climbs. Sitting at 1750 meters above sea level, Bessans provides an ideal New Year season opener for both classic and skating races, welcoming professional athletes and recreational skiers alike.
The Marathon International de Bessans will take place on January 10 and 11, 2026. On Saturday, the focus is on the Ski Classics Challengers event, a 30km classic mass start, accompanied by a shorter 15km classic race, plus 2km and 5km youth categories.
On Sunday, skiers can choose between 23km, 42km, and 60km freestyle events, along with a 10km race. The organizing committee warmly welcomes all participants.
Marathon International de Bessans – Ski Classics Challengers Event
- Date: January 10, 2026
- Location: Bessans
- Country: France
- Race distance: 30km
- Technique: Classic
- Website: Marathon International de Bessans
- Facebook: Marathon International de Bessans
- Instagram: Marathon International de Bessans
- Registration: Marathon International de Bessans
More information about the event can be found HERE
As the 30km classic race 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 for the season 2025/2026 can be found at Ski Classics. The list is updated continuously with new events.
Everyone participating in Ski Classics, Pro Tour, or Challengers events, as well as professional and recreational skiers, can connect their profile to Ski Classics’ results database, MyPages.
MyPages can be connected for free. In the profile, you can view your Ski Classics event results, collect pins, print diplomas, and analyze your results with friends in the SC ranking system. In your profile, you collect points according to your performance and are rewarded with pins and diplomas.
One of the central features of MyPages is that you get your global SC ranking. The SC Ranking is a live-updated international ranking that is unique for combining women and men, professional and recreational skiers, in a single list.
As a member of ProXCskiing.com, you get full access to all content on the site. Also, live streaming of Ski Classics events with English commentaries is available.
When you become part of one of the World’s leading XC ski communities, you will receive many exclusive offers all year round.
Are you interested in Ski Classics and long-distance skiing? Click HERE and read more about it.
Author: Leandro Lutz
Top Photo: Nils Louna
