Spectacular and grand, yet urban and compact: There’s nothing “stolidly traditional” about Marcialonga Bodø, this year’s newcomer in the Ski Classics Pro Tour.

It’s no surprise that the 50-kilometer Marcialonga Bodø earned Ski Classics Pro Tour status in its debut year: Bodø has all the ingredients to create a truly unique and spectacular experience for both professional racers and amateurs. – We are a mini metropolis in close proximity to unique nature, with an active and vibrant local community. This creates a dynamism and a genuine atmosphere that you won’t find anywhere else in the Ski Classics universe, says Jon Lauvland Pettersen, the marketing manager for Marcialonga Bodø. 

See also: Best moments of Marcialonga Arctic Ski Race 2024 

Spectacular 

Over 50 epic kilometers – starting and finishing at Rådhusplassen in the heart of Bodø – runners move from an urban centre through deciduous forests and coastal mountains, with the Atlantic Ocean, the Lofoten Islands, and the Saltstraumen strait as their backdrop.

“You don’t need to be a ski enthusiast to understand that this will make for spectacular TV footage. The setting and the conditions make Marcialonga Bodø something entirely different from other ski races”, Pettersen says eagerly. Adding: “We have the landscape, with mountains and sea, the Northern Lights, and a local population that ranks among the best in creating atmosphere at sporting events. There was a Tour de France vibe around the entire course, with thousands of spectators in the beautiful weather.”

This combination provides the perfect backdrop for the experience Pettersen invites you to. The race was first held in March 2024 and was even broadcast live on NRK1.

“The ski race is the centerpiece of the package. Our goal is to create the same festive atmosphere, with the warm, friendly vibe that Marcialonga in Italy is known for. We have a good partnership with the Italians and aim to carry on their legacy in the north, our way,” he says.

See highlights from the premiere of: Marcialonga Bodø The Pinnacle of Northern Norway in 48 Hours 

Compared to many ski races, Marcialonga Bodø is an adventure both in terms of logistics and experiences. In just over 48 hours, you can fly to Bodø, enjoy the Northern Lights and stunning nature, bustling city life, a sporting event where the world’s best athletes compete alongside amateurs, and a community celebration that brings the whole local area together. The marketing manager sums it up well:

You can arrive on Friday, walk from the airport to your hotel, walk from the hotel to the start at Rådhusplassen on Saturday morning, ski through the majestic Northern Norwegian landscape, and return to the finish at Rådhusplassen, which is set up for après-ski in large lavvu tents, with a cultural program featuring concerts, exhibitions, and local food. And how about ending with a rib tour to Saltstraumen or a sauna in the harbor basin before flying home? “It’s a little treasure trove.”

Marcialonga Bodø

• Who: Long-distance professionals and amateurs, from 17 years and older
• What: Ski Classics Pro Tour Event 12
• Where: Bodø
• When: March 22, 2025
• Distance: 50 kilometers
• Style: Classic
• TV: Broadcast live on NRK 1, SC Play, and features a unique dynamic in the ski race context
• More information: Visit the race’s official website