The Ski Classics Challengers event, Kangaroo Hoppet, is a long-distance skiing race in freestyle technique taking place this Saturday, August 15, 2026, in Falls Creek, Australia.

On Saturday, August 15, Kangaroo Hoppet will take place in Australia. The event is a long-distance skiing event held in Falls Creek for over 30 years, and this year, it is once again part of the Ski Classics Challengers series.

Also Read: Kangaroo Hoppet – The first Ski Classics Challengers event in Australia

Event updates

The Kangaroo Hoppet Race Committee has confirmed that all Kangaroo Hoppet distances will be shortened due to recent weather conditions. Falls Creek received 64mm of rain over the past four days, with snow falling well above the elevation of the resort. Snow levels dropped on Monday, bringing approximately 10 to 15mm of snow.

Following a Tuesday night meeting, the committee narrowed down course options for each distance. The main event will consist of laps within the Falls Creek inner cross-country ski trails. Depending on grooming conditions over the coming days, an out-and-back flat section may be added to extend the lap distance. The courses for the Joey Hoppet and Australian Birkebeiner will be decided based on snow and grooming conditions closer to race day.

Entries to all Kangaroo Hoppet distances are now closed, a measure being taken to provide the best and safest event possible. Changes to a longer distance are no longer being accepted.

The complete press release can be found HERE.

The area

Nestled within the breathtaking expanse of Australia’s Alpine National Park, the first-ever Ski Classics Challengers event in Australia unfolds on Falls Creek’s 60km network of groomed trails, meandering through snow gum trees and expansive plains, offering a unique cross-country skiing experience.

The story continues below.

The best moments of Kangaroo Hoppet 2025

Video Credits: Chris Hocking/Kangaroo Hoppet

Events for all

For those who don’t feel up to the challenge of the longer distance, the shorter Australian Birkebeiner and Joey Hoppet allow skiers of all ages and abilities to be part of an international ski event in a safe and fun environment. As noted above, the exact courses for these distances are still being finalized depending on snow and grooming conditions.

Kangaroo Hoppet

• Date: August 15, 2026
• Location: Falls Creek
• Country: Australia
• Distance: 42km freestyle (Ski Classics Challengers event – distance to be confirmed) – shorter events are also available
• Website: Kangaroo Hoppet   
• Facebook: Kangaroo Hoppet
• Instagram: Kangaroo Hoppet

More information about the event can be found HERE

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As the Kangaroo Hoppet 42km race 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 2026/2027 can be found at Ski Classics. The list is updated continuously with new events.

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