Event description

JIZERSKÁ 50 – TRUE FOLKFEST IN THE HONOR OF FALLEN HEROES

Jizerská50 is one of the biggest cross-country ski events in Central Europe and the fourth oldest race in Ski Classics after Vasaloppet and Birkebeinerrennet. It is the second of the four Grand Classics events.

The idea for the race came about when a team of mountain climbers decided to organize a race in the Jizera Mountains. The first race in 1968 had only 52 participants, but the event grew quickly, and in 1978 almost 7,000 skiers took part in Jizerská50.

The event honors 15 Czechoslovak mountain climbers who participated in the race in 1970 and four months later met their doom in the mountains of Peru when an avalanche hit their expedition.

The start and finish are both in Bedrichov, a mountain village with a unique atmosphere enhanced by local delicatessen and beer. The organizers want to emphasize the fact that Jizerská50is a true “folk-fest” where pro and recreational skiers are standing side by side ready to experience an unforgettable journey in the wilderness of the Jizera Mountains. Besides the global audience that Ski Classics brings to the table, the race is followed by millions of Czech viewers making it one of the most popular sport events in the country.