Event 12 of Season XVII, the 46-kilometer Reistadløpet from Setermoen to Bardufoss in Northern Norway is famous for its combination of Arctic nature, military history, and challenging elevation, featuring 1.225 meters of climbing and a high point of 567 meters above sea level.

Starting in the garrison town of Setermoen in Bardu municipality, skiers face a relentless course that, from the Sprint, climbs to the notorious Iconic Climb Orta before winding through mountain plateaus and descending into Bardufoss, Målselv.

“Reistadløpet has become a famous race with one of the most spectacular courses in the Pro Tour. The Orta climb is perhaps the toughest climb on the entire Pro Tour, and thereafter, the skiers pass the folkfest in Kampenhytta before it goes down and then turns into the second hill, Halvor Hill. The course also invites to the beautiful mountain views and most likely reindeer,” says Ski Classics Director Oskar Svärd.

Reistadløpet – Ski Classics Pro Tour Event 12

Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026
Location: Setermoen-Bardufoss, Norway
Distance: 46km Classic Technique
Highest Point: 567m
Elevation Gain: 1225m
Last Edition Winners: Ebba Andersson (2:27:27.3) and Eirik Sverdrup Augdal (2:13:59.8)
SC Play: Reistadløpet

More information about Reistadløpet can be found HERE

A Decisive Event

Reistadløpet is a crucial battleground for the overall standings. The demanding terrain has historically favored all-rounders and mountain specialists. In 2025, Ebba Andersson dominated the women’s side, while Eirik Sverdrup Augdal claimed the men’s victory.

Skiers must manage not only the physical climbs but also changing weather and wind exposure.

A Legacy Forged in Military Tradition

First held in 1958 to honor Colonel Ole Reistad, an Olympic gold medalist and Norwegian sports icon, Reistadløpet remains rooted in the area’s military tradition. With one of Norway’s oldest army camps, Setermoen has trained generations of soldiers, many of whom still take part in the race, some in full military gear.

Remote, Yet Within Reach

Despite its remote Arctic location, Bardufoss is surprisingly accessible thanks to its civilian and military airport, situated about 82km north of Narvik and 70km south of Tromsø, the largest city in Northern Norway. Setermoen and Bardufoss may be small in size, but they offer a unique charm with stunning landscapes that leave a lasting impression.

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Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XVII (2025/2026) Calendar Release

• 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 – Grönklitt 50k ITT Women – Grönklitt, Sweden, 50km
• Event 9: March 8, 2026 – 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, 46km  

For more updates and detailed information about the Ski Classics Pro Tour, make sure to visit skiclassics.com.

Are you interested in Ski Classics and long-distance skiing? Click HERE and read more about it.

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