The Ski Classics Challengers event, Kobberløpet, is a long-distance race in classic technique and takes place this Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Jakobsbakken, Norway.
Kobberløpet is a long-distance skiing event held in the Sulitjelma area, Norway, and has been organized for over 50 years. The long-distance classic event joined the Ski Classics Challengers series last season and returns for another season as part of the series.
For 2026, Kobberløpet courses and distances will be slightly changed due to little snow in parts of the course. The 43km course will be shortened to 40km (2x20km) – Ski Classics Challengers event. The shorter events will also change: the 23km event will be reduced to 20km, and the 11km event will be reduced to 10km.
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 (40km for 2026), 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 honor 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.
Kobberløpet
- Date: April 18, 2026
- Location: Jakobsbakken
- Country: Norway
- Distance: 40km
- Technique: Classic
- Website: Kobberløpet
- Facebook: Kobberløpet
- Instagram: Kobberløpet
- Registration: Kobberløpet
More information about the event can be found HERE and HERE
Course Map & Profile
As Kobberløpet 40km 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: Sebastian Loraas/SL Media
