Skinnarloppet becomes part of the Ski Classics Challengers circuit with a long-distance skiing race in classic technique in Malung, Sweden, on February 15, 2026.
Skinnarloppet is a long-distance skiing event taking place in Malung, Sweden, and was first held in 1924. The 45km classic event will now join the Ski Classics Challengers circuit, starting with the upcoming edition on February 15, 2026.
Skinnarloppet boasts a rich heritage, first held in 1924, just two years after Vasaloppet, making it one of the oldest ski marathons in Sweden and globally. The 2026 edition marks the 94th time the classic race will take place.
Over the years, Skinnarloppet has attracted impressive participation numbers, with several editions reaching up to 1,000 skiers and a record of over 1,500. Renowned not only for its long-standing tradition but also for its generous prize table, the event continues to offer one of the largest prize sums in Sweden for elite skiers, and this season, also for juniors. Beyond podium places, the event features raffle prizes available to all participants.
The course has taken various forms over the decades. Still, the event has now settled on a two-lap format entirely on natural snow, starting and finishing at the Skinnarloppet Arena in Malung. Hosting a long-distance ski race with only two laps on natural snow has become increasingly rare in Sweden, a tradition that the organizers take great pride in preserving.
Set in the scenic forests and rolling hills of Dalarna, the racecourse offers moderate climbs and sprint checkpoints, creating a flowing and enjoyable experience for both elite and recreational skiers. The course has earned strong praise from participants across all levels, providing the ideal mix of challenge and accessibility.
Held two weeks ahead of Vasaloppet and featuring a similar elevation profile, Skinnarloppet is often seen as the perfect tune-up race for Sweden’s most iconic long-distance event. It is not uncommon for the Skinnarloppet champion to go on and win Vasaloppet.
Over the years, the race has attracted several big names in the sport, including Sixten Jernberg, Jerry Ahrlin, Jørgen Aukland, and Stina Nilsson – the latter born in Malung and introduced to skiing on the very tracks used for Skinnarloppet.
The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) is pleased to join the Ski Classics Challengers circuit:
“We are truly honored and thrilled to be part of the Ski Classic Challengers series for the upcoming season,” says the Skinnarloppet Organizing Committee.
“Becoming a Challengers event and part of Ski Classics is a quality stamp for Skinnarloppet. It feels fantastic to be included in a series alongside so many other historic and renowned races across Europe and the World. Together, we can strengthen the ski community and help it grow.”
The LOC continues:
“Our vision in joining the Challengers circuit is to attract skiers from beyond our region and offer them the chance to experience the historic atmosphere and beautiful course of Skinnarloppet. We’re looking forward to our first winter as a Ski Classics Challengers event and will be ready to welcome everyone in February.”
More information about the event can be found HERE – Registrations for Skinnarloppet 2026 will open on Tuesday, July 22, at 10:00 CET.
Skinnarloppet
- Date: February 15, 2026
- Place: Malung
- Country: Sweden
- Distance: 45km
- Technique: Classic
- Website: Skinnarloppet
- Facebook: Skinnarloppet
- Instagram: Skinnarloppet
As Skinnarloppet 45km is a Ski Classics Challengers event, Pro Team registered athletes can collect points for the Ski Classics Champion and Youth competitions in their respective genders.
A list of Ski Classics Challengers events with confirmed dates for 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, professional and recreational skiers, can connect their profile to the results database of Ski Classics, called MyPages.
MyPages can be connected when subscribing to the Ski Classics online community proxcskiing.com. 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, unique in combining women and men, professional and recreational skiers in one single list.
As a member of ProXCskiing.com, you get full access to all content on the site, including logging in to SC MyPages, where you can check your SC Ranking. Also, live streaming of Ski Classics events with English commentaries.
When you become part of one of the World’s leading XC ski communities, you will receive many exclusive offers all year round.
Author: Leandro Lutz
Photos: Skinnarloppet
