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 Central and Northern Europe.
The last weekend of January offers multiple opportunities for professional and recreational skiers to compete in Challengers events in Europe. On Friday, January 30, the night Südtirol Moonlight Classic Seiser Alm takes place in Italy.
On Saturday, January 31, the Ranka Kartonfabric Ski Marathon in Latvia takes place, followed by the La Savoyarde Marathon in France, the Marxa Beret in Spain, König Ludwig Lauf in Germany, and the Marcia Gran Paradiso in Italy 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 European Ski Classics Challengers events this weekend, Saturday, January 31, and Sunday, February 1, 2026.
Südtirol Moonlight Classic Seiser Alm
The Südtirol Moonlight Classic Seiser Alm becomes part of the Ski Classics Challengers circuit with a 30km classic technique race on January 30, 2026. Held in the stunning setting of Seiser Alm, Italy, the 18th edition begins at 20:00 CET, with 1,000 torches lighting up the course under the night sky.
The Moonlight Classic offers two distances: the 30km, part of the Ski Classics Challengers, and a shorter 15km. While the longer distance is classified as demanding, the 15km is considered moderate. All participants compete with headlamps, adding to the unique atmosphere.
Immediately after the finish, the flower ceremony takes place in the start–finish area in Compatsch, followed by the official award ceremony in the nearby refreshment and party tent. The evening concludes with music, regional specialties, and a convivial celebration for athletes and spectators alike. Arrival and departure are organized via the Seis–Seiser Alm cable car, which will run until 1:00 CET and is free for all participating athletes.
- Date: January 30, 2026
- Location: Compatsch
- Country: Italy
- Distance: 30km
- Technique: Classic
- Website: Südtirol Moonlight Classic Seiser Alm
- Register: Südtirol Moonlight Classic Seiser Alm
More information about the event can be found HERE
Ranka Kartonfabric Ski Marathon
Ranka Kartonfabric Ski Marathon is a multi-distance event in Latvia, with the 50km long-distance ski race in freestyle technique being part of the Ski Classics Challengers series from 2024.
On Saturday, January 31, in a small Latvian town, the Ranka Kartonfabric Ski Marathon, a long-distance skiing event in freestyle technique with four different distances, will take place for the third time. The longest event will be 100km, with the 50km event being a Ski Classics Challengers event. Because of the long distances, the event is also called “Vasaloppet and Birkebeinerrennet – two in one.”
The Local Organizing Committee welcomes all the local and international skiers:
“Experience Latvian skiing marathon with special 100km and 50km distances through beautiful Latvian meadows, fields, and forests with relatively flat terrain with few small uphills and downhills.”
Ranka is situated close to Madona—only 40km—and from the capital Riga, approximately 130km. Organizers are willing to develop traditions at distances of 100 and 50km. They are waiting for professional and recreational skiers from all over the World to participate in this development.
Participants can choose four different distances – 100km, 50km, 20km, and 7km, with 10km long loops. For the 100km race, the record was set by a Latvian skier and biathlete with a time of 5 hours and 18 minutes.
For skiing enthusiasts who would like to come with their family and for whom 100km or 50km is too long, try 20km or 7km.
- Date: January 31, 2026
- Location: Ranka
- Country: Latvia
- Distance: 50km
- Technique: Freestyle
- Website: Ranka Kartonfabric Ski Marathon
- Register: Ranka Kartonfabric Ski Marathon
More information about the event can be found HERE
La Savoyarde Marathon
La Savoyarde Marathon takes place in the heart of the Savoie Grand Revard Plateau, offering panoramic views of Mont Blanc and the largest natural lake in France, Lake Bourget.
The Ski Classics Challengers event is a 42km-long-distance ski race in free technique in La Féclaz, France, that crosses the Bauges Massif, just an hour from Geneva or Lyon, offering excellent snow conditions.
La Savoyarde Marathon offers a whole week of competitions, including long-distance skiing races of varying lengths, a night race, a biathlon, and a kids’ race.
- Date: February 1, 2026
- Location: La Féclaz
- Country: France
- Distance: 42km
- Technique: Freestyle
- Website: La Savoyarde Marathon
- Register: La Savoyarde Marathon
More information about the event can be found HERE
Marxa Beret
Marxa Beret became part of the Ski Classics Challengers last winter with a 42km long-distance skiing race in classic technique at Pla de Beret, Spain. The 46th edition will be held on February 1, 2026.
Marxa Beret is a long-distance skiing event in Pla de Beret, organized for decades by the Conselh Generau d’Aran (General Council of d’Aran) and the Baqueira Beret station. The event is considered one of the most consolidated Nordic skiing events held in Spain, and each year, it attracts about 1000 participants from all over Europe and the World.
This cross-country skiing festival will start in Beret on Saturday, February 1, with the Spanish Sprint Championships.
On February 1, the 46th edition of the Marxa Beret will be held in the distances of 42, 21, and 10km, with the longest 42km event being part of the Ski Classics Challengers calendar, the first-ever Ski Classics event in Spain.
- Date: February 1, 2026
- Location: Pla de Beret
- Country: Spain
- Distance: 42km
- Technique: Classic
- Website: Marxa Beret
- Register: Marxa Beret
More information about the event can be found HERE
König Ludwig Lauf
König Ludwig Lauf is one of Germany’s biggest cross-country skiing events, held in the nature park of the Ammergauer Alps. During the main race of 42km in classic technique, immerse yourself in an unforgettable winter experience in the Valley of King Ludwig II as you pass the world-famous abbey Ettal through the Graswangtal, the castle park of Linderhof, to the finish at the village in Oberammergau. Experience unique cultural highlights at one race in the most beautiful high valleys in Europe.
In addition to the 45km, participants can choose between 21km and 10km, in classic or skating style, to be part of this unique experience in the Bavarian Alps.
- Date: February 1, 2026
- Location: Oberammergau
- Country: Germany
- Distance: 42km
- Technique: Classic
- Website: König Ludwig Lauf
- Register: König Ludwig Lauf
More information about the event can be found HERE
Marcia Gran Paradiso
The Marcia Gran Paradiso is a long-distance skiing event held every year in Cogne, Aosta Valley, Italy. The event joined the Ski Classics Challengers circuit a few seasons ago, and the next edition will be held on February 1, 2025.
Since 1975, thanks to the insight of 10 locals who allowed recreational and professional skiers to enjoy the incredible ski tracks of the Aosta Valley. The race starts at the famous Sant’Orso meadows near the village. It passes through stunning landscapes, from sweeping views of the valley and mountains to the narrow passages through the woodland at the base of the Grand Paradiso Massif, which gives its name to the oldest Italian National Park.
Marcia Gran Paradiso takes place over two days and offers two competitions: the Classic, a 40km race part of the Ski Classics Challengers circuit, and a shorter 25km race. A race dedicated to young skiers is also offered, the so-called Mini Marcia Gran Paradiso.
- Date: February 1, 2026
- Location: Cogne
- Country: Italy
- Distance: 40km
- Technique: Classic
- Website: Marcia Gran Paradiso
- Register: Marcia Gran Paradiso
More information about the event can be found HERE
As the Südtirol Moonlight Classic Seiser Alm, Ranka Kartonfabric Ski Marathon, La Savoyarde Marathon, Marxa Beret, König Ludwig Lauf, and Marcia Gran Paradiso 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
Top Photo: FotoTur
