On Saturday, December 13, Ski Classics Season XVII bursts into action with the Bad Gastein Pro Team Tempo, a 7km PTT race that returns to the calendar after a one-year break. The event gives Pro Teams and their athletes the chance to showcase their brand-new race suits, unveil sponsors, and introduce recruits to the world of Ski Classics and long-distance skiing.
The action continues on Sunday, December 14, with the second Pro Tour event of the weekend, the Bad Gastein Criterium. This 36km event offers breathtaking views of the Tauern Alps in Austria, providing a spectacular setting for the first long-distance battle of the season.
Besides the Pro Tour events, Saturday afternoon also features the Gastein Classics over 15 or 30 kilometers (Ski Classics Challengers). Participants can enjoy the unique atmosphere of an international competition with a highly professional setup.
The story continues below.
Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XVII
The Pro Tour season kicks off once again in the breathtaking setting of Bad Gastein, Austria, for an opening weekend full of excitement with the Bad Gastein Pro Team Tempo on December 13 and the Bad Gastein Criterium on December 14, 2025.
Switzerland and Italy host the Alpine segment
After Christmas and the New Year, the Pro Tour resumes in Switzerland with Engadin La Diagonela on Saturday, January 17, 2026, a 55km race that combines altitude and stunning mountain landscapes.
The following weekend, the focus shifts to Italy for the first Grand Classics event of the season, Marcialonga, on Sunday, January 25. This legendary race from Moena to Cavalese is one of the pillars of the Ski Classics heritage.
Historic moment in the Czech Republic
Next, the circuit moves to the Czech Republic for a milestone event: the first-ever sprint competition in Ski Classics history, the Bedřichov Sprint, on Friday, January 30.
Two days later, on Sunday, February 1, attention turns to the second Grand Classics event, Jizerská50, one of Central Europe’s most traditional and beloved long-distance ski races.
Scandinavian segment after the Winter Olympics
After the February break for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, the Pro Tour returns in Scandinavia with Vasaloppet on Sunday, March 1, the season’s third Grand Classics race and the world’s largest ski event.
The following weekend, Orsa Grönklitt hosts two more historic races: the first-ever 50km Individual Time Trials. The Orsa Grönklitt 50k ITT Women is set for Saturday, March 7, followed by the Orsa Grönklitt 50k ITT Men on Sunday, March 8.
The Nordic finale
As the season enters its final phase, the fourth Grand Classics event, Birkebeinerrennet, takes place on Saturday, March 14.
The Pro Tour remains in Norway the following weekend for Marcialonga Bodø on Saturday, March 21, bringing urban racing and Arctic landscapes into the spotlight.
The season concludes in Northern Norway with Reistadløpet on Saturday, March 28, and the Ski Classics Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja on Sunday, March 29, 2026, the 13th and final event of the season, celebrating all Pro Teams and athletes.
Grand Finale: Open also for recreational skiers
The 2026 edition of the Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja will once again be open to up to 250 recreational skiers outside the Pro Team field.
Qualification requires completing at least one Pro Tour race within the winner’s time plus 50% (for the skier’s gender) or two Ski Classics Challengers events within the same time frame. Qualified athletes will receive a Grand Finale coin in their MyPages account, unlocking registration access to the event.
Read More: Ski Classics Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja – Qualification now open to all skiers
Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XVII (2025/2026)
• Event 1: December 13, 2025 – Bad Gastein Pro Team Tempo – Austria – 7km
• Event 2: December 14, 2025 – Bad Gastein Criterium – Austria – 36km
• Event 3: January 17, 2026 – Engadin La Diagonela – Switzerland – 55km
• Event 4: January 25, 2026 – Marcialonga – Italy – 70km
• Event 5: January 30, 2026 – Bedřichov Sprint – Czech Republic – 1.5km
• Event 6: February 1, 2026 – Jizerská50 – Czech Republic – 50km
• Event 7: March 1, 2026 – Vasaloppet – Sweden – 90km
• Event 8: March 7, 2026 – Orsa Grönklitt 50k ITT Women – Sweden – 50km
• Event 9: March 8, 2026 – Orsa Grönklitt 50k ITT Men – Sweden – 50km
• Event 10: March 14, 2026 – Birkebeinerrennet – Norway – 54km
• Event 11: March 21, 2026 – Marcialonga Bodø – Norway – 50km
• Event 12: March 28, 2026 – Reistadløpet – Norway – 35km
• Event 13: March 29, 2026 – Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja – Norway – 60km
Read More: Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XVII 2025/2026
For more updates and detailed information about the Ski Classics Pro Tour, make sure to visit skiclassics.com.
Author: Leandro Lutz
Top Photo: Reichert/NordicFocus
