The Ski Classics Pro Tour moves deeper into the Scandinavian leg of Season XVII with a landmark weekend in Orsa Grönklitt. On March 7–8, 2026, the venue hosts the first-ever 50-kilometer individual time trials in Ski Classics history, with separate racing days for women and men.
Just a short drive north of the Vasaloppet finish line in Mora, Orsa Grönklitt stands as one of Sweden’s most respected cross-country skiing destinations. Known for its reliable winter conditions, demanding trail network, and peaceful wilderness character, the venue offers the perfect setting for a new chapter in long-distance skiing.
A historic step for Ski Classics
The introduction of two 50-kilometer individual-start races marks a significant evolution in the Pro Tour. While long-distance events have traditionally relied heavily on group dynamics and team tactics, the Orsa Grönklitt ITTs place every athlete alone on the course — requiring athletes to manage effort, pacing, and technique with no drafting and no margin for hesitation.
“The 50k individual time trial is maybe the most classical format in cross-country skiing, and we have been waiting for the right moment to bring this format into Ski Classics,” said Oskar Svärd, Director of Ski Classics, in a previous statement. “It demands some special type of mental strength, and athletes will need a well-prepared game plan. A lot happens in the body over 50 kilometers.”
Also Read
Historical 50k ITT returns in Ski Classics
ITT double in Grönklitt continues with the men’s 50k event
Both races follow the same demanding 50km course, reaching a highest point of 553 meters, 485 meters of total ascent, and winding through the deep forests and rolling terrain that define the Grönklitt area. The profile rewards athletes who can combine sustained power with smart pacing — especially in the long middle section, where the terrain constantly shifts.
The story continues below.
Saturday: Orsa Grönklitt 50k ITT Women
The women open the weekend on Saturday, March 7. This is the first time a 50-kilometer ITT is held in Ski Classics, making the race a significant milestone for the sport and a rare opportunity for athletes who excel in long solo efforts.
Coming just six days after Vasaloppet, the ITT offers a stark contrast: instead of group positioning and sprint timing, the focus shifts to individual control, energy management, and the ability to stay mentally settled over nearly two hours of racing.
For Pro Teams, it also represents a valuable moment in the overall standings — especially for athletes with a strong threshold engine and proven time-trialling skills.
Orsa Grönklitt 50k ITT Women – Ski Classics Pro Tour Event 8
- Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026
- Location: Grönklitt, Sweden
- Distance: 50km Classic Technique
- Highest Point: 553m
- Total Ascent: 485m
- SC Play: Orsa Grönklitt 50k ITT Women
More information about Orsa Grönklitt 50k ITT Women can be found HERE
The story continues below.
Sunday: Orsa Grönklitt 50k ITT Men
On Sunday, March 8, the men take on the same 50-kilometer solo challenge. With no chance to hide in a group, no help from teammates, and every second counting toward the Pro Tour points, the race becomes a pure examination of long-distance capacity.
“Hosting the first long-distance race with an individual start feels both significant and inspiring, and we truly look forward to being part of the journey ahead,” said Tomas Bredberg, Head of Cross-Country Skiing at Orsa Grönklitt, in a previous statement. “We also hope many Pro Teams stay in Grönklitt between Vasaloppet and Birken and enjoy our ski track system fully.”
The doubleheader ITT format is a bold innovation in Season XVII — adding tactical depth to the calendar and highlighting athletes whose strengths often remain overshadowed in pack racing.
Orsa Grönklitt 50k ITT Men – Ski Classics Pro Tour Event 9
- Date: Sunday, March 8, 2026
- Location: Grönklitt, Sweden
- Distance: 50km Classic Technique
- Highest Point: 553m
- Total Ascent: 485m
- SC Play: Orsa Grönklitt 50k ITT Men
More information about Orsa Grönklitt 50k ITT Men can be found HERE
The story continues below.
Orsa Grönklitt: skiing, nature, and Nordic winter culture
Beyond the racing, the Grönklitt weekend is also a chance to highlight one of Sweden’s most versatile winter destinations.
Food & local favorites
- Toppstugan – Panoramic views over Lake Orsa and Lake Siljan, a perfect spot after training or spectating.
- Ugglan & Björnen – Popular for its lunch buffet and cozy à la carte dinners.
- Baka Kaka – Celebrated for top-quality bread and pastries.
- Smidgården, Fryksås – A rustic Dalarna experience just minutes away.
Where to stay
Orsa Grönklitt offers a wide range of lodging options inside the resort — from cabins in different village clusters to apartments, camping areas, and motorhome facilities. Visitors can choose to stay near the tracks, in the forest area, or close to the central resort hub.
What to do
The region is known for much more than skiing:
- Dog sledding tours
- Snowmobile safaris
- A floating wood-fired sauna, including the traditional icy dip in Lake Rädsjön
- Family activities around the resort, making it a complete winter destination
A defining weekend in Season XVII
The Orsa Grönklitt ITT doubleheader stands out as one of the most innovative elements of the Season XVII calendar. It showcases pure endurance, celebrates the roots of cross-country skiing, and pushes athletes into a format that demands resilience and precision.
With the forests of Dalarna as the backdrop and two historic races on the schedule, the weekend promises to deliver something unique — both for athletes and for fans following the Pro Tour into the final stretch of the Scandinavian season.
Follow the Action
Instagram: @orsagronklitt
Facebook: facebook.com/gronklitt
Full live coverage of Orsa Grönklitt 50k ITT will be available on the streaming platform SC Play with English commentary.
Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XVII (2025/2026)
- Event 1: December 13, 2025 – Bad Gastein Pro Team Tempo – Sportgastein, Austria, 7km
- Event 2: December 14, 2025 – Bad Gastein Criterium – Sportgastein, Austria, 36km
- Event 3: January 17, 2026 – Engadin La Diagonela – Pontresina-Zuoz, Switzerland, 55km
- Event 4: January 25, 2026 – Marcialonga – Moena-Cavalese, Italy, 70km
- Event 5: January 30, 2026 – Bedřichov Sprint – Bedřichov, Czech Republic, 1.5km
- Event 6: February 1, 2026 – Jizerská50 – Bedřichov, Czech Republic, 50km
- Event 7: March 1, 2026 – Vasaloppet – Sälen-Mora, Sweden, 90km
- Event 8: March 7, 2026 – Orsa Grönklitt 50k ITT Women – Grönklitt, Sweden, 50km
- Event 9: March 8, 2026 – Orsa Grönklitt 50k ITT Men – Grönklitt, Sweden, 50km
- Event 10: March 14, 2026 – Birkebeinerrennet – Rena-Lillehammer, Norway, 54km
- Event 11: March 21, 2026 – Marcialonga Bodø – Bodø, Norway, 50km
- Event 12: March 28, 2026 – Reistadløpet – Setermoen-Bardufoss, Norway, 35km
- Event 13: March 29, 2026 – Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja – Bardufoss-Finnsnes, Norway, 60km
For more updates and detailed information about the Ski Classics Pro Tour, make sure to visit skiclassics.com.
Author: Leandro Lutz
Photos: Orsa Grönklitt
