The Ski Classics Challengers event, Fossavatnsgangan, is a 50km long-distance race in classic technique taking place this Saturday, April 20, 2024, in Ísafjördur, Iceland. You can follow the event live on SC PLAY with English commentary from 9:50 CET, with Teemu Virtanen as commentator.

Fossavatnsgangan is the Ski Classics Challengers event in Iceland. The event takes place in Ísafjördur and was established in 1935; being the oldest long-distance race in Iceland, with the 50-kilometer-long classic-style race being on the program since 2004.

The race starts and finishes at Seljalandsdalur-Ísafjördur’s main cross-country skiing area. The trails go along the mountains surrounding Ísafjördur with a breathtaking view and under the pleasant spring weather. 

On SC PLAY, you can watch the event live, with a broadcast with English commentary, together with Teemu Virtanen as commentator. SC PLAY is included in the ProXCskiing.com membership.

WATCH FOSSAVATNSGANGAN HERE ON SC PLAY

Fossavatnsgangan live-streamed for the first time

Earlier this year, Fossavatnsgangan signed an agreement with W sportsmedia AB to produce the event’s live broadcast, the first time that Fossavatnsgangan will be live-streamed.

According to Kristbjörn Róbert Sigurjónsson, a board member of Fossavatnsgangan, the broadcast will be a great lever for the event.

“It increases our visibility and elevates the race in many ways,” says Sigurjónsson.

Read More: Challengers Fossavatnsgangan on April 20 in Iceland – Live Streamed on SC Play

Best Moments of Fossavatnsgangan 2023

Opportunity for Pro Team athletes to get points for Ski Classics Season XVI

The Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XV ended last weekend with the Grand Finale Janteloppet. Still, the Ski Classics Challengers Season XVI was already underway last week with Lapponia Ski Week. 

The next Challengers event is Fossavatnsgangan on Saturday, April 20, and Pro Team athletes can already get points for Ski Classics Season XVI. 

As Fossavatnsgangan is a Ski Classics Challengers event, Pro Team registered athletes could collect points for the Ski Classics Champion and Youth competitions in their respective genders. 

According to Ski Classics Rules and Regulations, all Pro Team athletes may calculate the single best result from a Ski Classics Challengers event per season in the Champion and Youth bib competitions. Challengers event points are handed out according to the rules and regulations. 

The Course in a Nutshell

The first 15 km are challenging as you work your way from 290m of altitude up to 614m. From there, you have a relatively easy 10km descent towards Nónvatn and Engidalur, to the turning point at “Steinn” (approximately 26km). The next 4km are not easy and are followed by a very long and demanding climb up to Fellsháls. 

After that, there is a long section of gentle terrain before the final climb up the notorious Miðfellsháls. From there, the last 7km are flat or downhill.

Everyone carries a Backpack

According to the organization, skiers can face all weather, and anything can happen. For safety, participants in 25km and 50km races on Saturday are required to carry a backpack and waist packs are not allowed.

The backpack should at least include outer pants, a jacket, a cap, and gloves. In addition, most bring some nutrition, a cup or a flask (organizers provide drinks along the way but not cups), ski wax, and a phone. The bag should weigh at least 1,5kg. Staff can weigh bags at any time during the race. If it is too light or some requirements are not fulfilled, organizers add 15 minutes to your time.

In addition to the 50km main event, Fossavatnsgangan is a series of events running from March 27 until April 20. It offers events such as night races of 35 and 70km, freestyle races of 12,5 and 25km in classic technique, and kids and family races of 1 and 5km. 

Fossavatnsgangan – Ski Classics Challengers

Location: Ísafjördur, Iceland
Date: Saturday, April 20
Start Time: Women & Men 10:00 CET
Distance: 50km Classic technique
Website: Fossavatnsgangan  
Facebook: Fossavatnsgangan  
Instagram: Fossavatnsgangan
Live Center: Fossavatnsgangan 
SC Play: Fossavatnsgangan

Course Map

Course Profile

Fossavatnsgangan program, start lists, live results, final standings, and SC Play can be followed HERE and HERE 

You can find more information about the event HERE

The 50km race is a Ski Classics Challengers event, and Pro Team registered athletes could collect points for the Ski Classics Champion and Youth competitions in their respective genders. 

Everyone participating in Ski Classics, Pro Tour or Challengers events, recreational and professional skiers, can connect their profile to the results database of Ski Classics, called MyPages.

MyPages can be connected when subscribing to 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 and live streaming of Ski Classics Pro Tour 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. 

Register HERE as a Member