Antarctic Loppet 50km, a Ski Classics Challengers event planned to take place at Union Glacier Camp, Antarctica, this week, is now canceled due to very high winds and cold temperatures.

The 50km long Antarctic Loppet, the first-ever long-distance skiing race in Antarctica, planned to take place this week in the Union Glacier area of the Ellsworth Mountains, had to be canceled due to adverse weather conditions. According to the Organizing Committee, very high winds and cold temperatures prevented the 50km event from being held.

The Antarctic Loppet 50km course was planned to traverse the Driscoll, Schneider, and Schanz glaciers, featuring a challenging elevation gain of about 762 meters.

Despite lacking the 50km event, the Organization could successfully run the shorter 10km and 20km timed events, held on a 10km loop near the iconic Union Glacier camp.   

Antarctic Loppet

Cross-country skiing has a long and storied heritage in Antarctica. Amundsen’s team was the first to reach the South Pole, and their skiing ability was key to their success.

Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions (ALE) was proud to offer the newest experience to celebrate this key element of Antarctica’s heritage and invited cross-country skiing enthusiasts to be a part of modern sporting history. 

The term Loppet is Scandinavian in origin and refers to a long-distance cross-country skiing event. Whether you are an elite athlete looking to push yourself in a new environment or a cross-country skiing enthusiast seeking adventure on the White Continent, the Antarctic Loppet provides an incredible opportunity like no other. 

ALE’s exclusive travel itinerary allowed guests to learn from specially curated lectures, compete in the timed Antarctic cross-country skiing events, and take guided excursions to some stunning Union Glacier locations. Personal ski time and a celebratory event rounded out this experience, which honors cross-country skiing as an important aspect of Antarctic history.

More information about updates on Antarctic Loppet and Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions (ALE) can be found HERE

A list of Ski Classics Challengers events with confirmed dates for season 2024/2025 can be found at Ski Classics. The list is updated continuously with new events.

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