Skinnarloppet is a long-distance skiing event taking place in Malung, Sweden, and was first held in 1924. The 45km classic event joined the Ski Classics Challengers circuit last season, and the upcoming edition will take place on February 21, 2027.
Skinnarloppet boasts a rich heritage, first held in 1924, just two years after Vasaloppet, making it one of the oldest ski marathons in Sweden and globally. The 2027 edition marks the 95th time the classic race will take place.
Over the years, Skinnarloppet has attracted impressive participation numbers, with several editions reaching up to 1,000 skiers and a record of over 1,500. Renowned not only for its long-standing tradition but also for its generous prize table, the event continues to offer one of the largest prize sums in Sweden for elite skiers, and this season, also for juniors. Beyond podium places, the event features raffle prizes available to all participants.
The course has taken various forms over the decades. Still, the event has now settled on a two-lap format entirely on natural snow, starting and finishing at the Skinnarloppet Arena in Malung. Hosting a long-distance ski race with only two laps on natural snow has become increasingly rare in Sweden, a tradition that the organizers take great pride in preserving.
Set in the scenic forests and rolling hills of Dalarna, the racecourse offers moderate climbs and sprint checkpoints, creating a flowing and enjoyable experience for both elite and recreational skiers. The course has earned strong praise from participants across all levels, providing the ideal mix of challenge and accessibility.
Held two weeks ahead of Vasaloppet and featuring a similar elevation profile, Skinnarloppet is often seen as the perfect tune-up race for Sweden’s most iconic long-distance event. It is not uncommon for the Skinnarloppet champion to go on and win Vasaloppet.
Over the years, the race has attracted several big names in the sport, including Sixten Jernberg, Jerry Ahrlin, Jørgen Aukland, and Stina Nilsson - the latter born in Malung and introduced to skiing on the very tracks used for Skinnarloppet.
