The Ski Classics Challengers event, Marathon International de Bessans, is a 30km long-distance race in classic technique taking place this Saturday, January 10, 2026, in Bessans, France.
The Marathon International de Bessans is a long-distance skiing event held since 1980. The French event joined the Ski Classics Challengers circuit in 2023 and is on the Challengers calendar again this year.
The event takes place in the beautiful Haute-Maurienne-Vanoise Valley. The tracks are mostly flat in the stunning and large valley, with short but steep climbs. At an altitude of 1750 meters above sea level, Bessans offers a lovely New Year premiere for classic and skating techniques, as well as for professional and recreational skiers.
The Marathon International de Bessans will take place on January 10 and 11, 2026. On Saturday, it’s time for the Ski Classics Challengers event, a 30km long-distance classic mass start race. On the same day, a shorter 15km classic race is also on the program, along with the 2km and 5km events.
On Sunday, 23km, 42km, and 60km races in freestyle technique are on the menu, as well as a 10km and Just for Fun events. 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 and HERE
As the Marathon International de Bessans – 30km Classic 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
Photo: Nils Louna/Marathon International de Bessans
