The Ski Classics Challengers season continues at full speed during the final weekend of January 2026, with a packed calendar of long-distance events across Sweden.
The last weekend of January offers multiple opportunities for professional and recreational skiers to compete in Challengers events in Sweden. On Saturday, January 31, Åsarna Ski Marathon, Billingens Långlopp, and Västgötaloppet Skate take place, followed by Västgötaloppet Classic and Wadköpingsloppet on Sunday, February 1.
Also Read: Ski Classics Challengers calendar and how to qualify for the Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja
Below is an overview of the Swedish Ski Classics Challengers events this weekend, Saturday, January 31, and Sunday, February 1, 2026.
Åsarna Ski Marathon
The 18th edition of Åsarna Ski Marathon takes place in 2026 and became a Ski Classics Challengers event in 2021. The tracks of Åsarna Ski Marathon are presented in a single 47km loop that leads through true Swedish wilderness.
Throughout the course, there are 4 possibilities to provide athletes with drinks (approximately at 11, 20, 28, and 39.5km). The start is near Åsarna Old Church, and the finish is a bit further south at Åsarna Ski Stadium. The town Åsarna is located 70km south of Östersund. Competition is seeding for Vasaloppet and Tjejvasan.
A warm welcome awaits in a small village with a big ski history.
- Date: January 31, 2026
- Location: Åsarna
- Country: Sweden
- Race distance: 47km
- Technique: Classic
- Website: Åsarna Ski Marathon
- Register: Åsarna Ski Marathon
More information about the event can be found HERE
Billingens Långlopp
Billingens Långlopp became part of the Ski Classics Challengers circuit two seasons ago with a 40-kilometer race in classic technique in Skövde, Sweden. The upcoming edition will be held on January 31, 2026.
Billingens Långlopp is one of the largest long-distance races in southern Sweden. The competition is popular due to its proximity to many larger Swedish cities, where skiing is very popular.
The Billingen Ski Arena is a top modern ski center and hosted the Swedish skiing championships in 2023.
- Date: January 31, 2026
- Location: Skövde
- Country: Sweden
- Race distance: 40km
- Technique: Classic
- Website: Billingens Långlopp
- Register: Billingens Långlopp
More information about the event can be found HERE
Västgötaloppet Skate & Classic
Västgötaloppet becomes part of the Ski Classics Challengers circuit with two long-distance skiing events in Ulricehamn, Sweden – the 42km Skate on Saturday, January 31, and the 42km Classic on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
A true Swedish classic, Västgötaloppet was first held in 1929 between Ulricehamn and Borås and is one of Sweden’s oldest and most popular long-distance ski races. Today, the event takes place at the modern Lassalyckan Vasaloppet Center in Ulricehamn, featuring excellent facilities, long artificial snow tracks, and a festive atmosphere.
Each winter, the Västgötaloppet Classic attracts around 1,000 participants and serves as one of Sweden’s largest seeding races for both Vasaloppet and Tjejvasan. With its scenic and spectator-friendly course, excellent service, and welcoming environment, the event offers the perfect mix of competition and community for elite and recreational skiers alike.
The Västgötaloppet Skate, introduced in 2025, quickly became a success. It stands out as one of the few pure long-distance races in the world contested in freestyle technique. Both the Classic and Skate races share the same 42km course at Lassalyckan, allowing participants to choose their preferred style while enjoying the same exciting atmosphere and high-quality organization.
Over the years, Västgötaloppet has evolved into more than just a race — it’s a whole winter festival, the Västgötaloppet Winter Weekend, offering sprint and relay events that draw skiers, families, and companies for a memorable snow experience.
Västgötaloppet Skate
- Date: January 31, 2026
- Location: Ulricehamn
- Country: Sweden
- Race distance: 42km
- Technique: Freestyle
- Website: Västgötaloppet Skate
- Register: Västgötaloppet Skate
More information about the event can be found HERE
Västgötaloppet Classic
- Date: February 1, 2026
- Location: Ulricehamn
- Country: Sweden
- Race distance: 42km
- Technique: Classic
- Website: Västgötaloppet Classic
- Register: Västgötaloppet Classic
More information about the event can be found HERE
Wadköpingsloppet
Wadköpingsloppet has long-standing traditions, but over the past years, it has developed into a modern classic long-distance race. A perfect race for those who want to prepare for Vasaloppet and gain seeding.
The arena is located in Ånnaboda, 15km outside Örebro, easily accessible from most places in mid Sweden. The “original” track runs through a scenic, undulating forest landscape, but there are also several options to alter it if needed to adapt to weather conditions.
- Date: February 1, 2026
- Location: Örebro
- Country: Sweden
- Race distance: 40km
- Technique: Classic
- Website: Wadköpingsloppet
- Register: Wadköpingsloppet
More information about the event can be found HERE
As Åsarna Ski Marathon, Billingens Långlopp, Västgötaloppet Skate & Classic, and Wadköpingsloppet are Ski Classics Challengers events, Pro Team-registered athletes can earn 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.
Author: Leandro Lutz
Photos: Local Organizing Committees
