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. 

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, you have a long section in a gentle terrain before the final climb up the notorious Miðfellsháls. From there, the last 7km are all 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 must 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 April 5 until April 15, offering events such as night races of 35 and 70km, freestyle race, 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 15
• Start Time: Women & Men 10:00 CET
• Distance: 50km Classic technique
• Website: Fossavatnsgangan  
• Facebook: Fossavatnsgangan  
• Instagram: Fossavatnsgangan 

Course Map

Course Profile

Map

The Fossavatnsgangan program, start lists, live results, and final standings can be followed here when available.

You can find more information about the event here.

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 gender. 

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.