For over a century, Skinnarloppet in Malung has challenged, shaped, and inspired generations of skiers. From its premiere in 1924, when the 60-kilometer course wound through Malung’s mountainous terrain, to today’s acclaimed 45-kilometer route that annually attracts hundreds of participants, Skinnarloppet has become a tradition for both recreational and elite skiers. The 2026 edition will be the 94th in the event’s history — and for the first time, part of the Ski Classics Challengers series.

Over the years, the race has evolved in step with both weather conditions and the organizers’ ambitions. From the challenging courses of the 1960s, spanning mountains and valleys, to today’s established two-lap route with start and finish at the Skinnarloppet Arena in Malung, the course has been adapted to both nature and climate. At a time when artificial snow is a decisive factor for many other events, it’s worth noting that Skinnarloppet is still raced entirely on natural snow.

Following a period of low participation in the mid-1990s, the event experienced a clear revival due to innovative organizational efforts and improved course conditions. This resurgence helped strengthen its position, leading to an increasing number of top athletes from both Sweden and Norway taking part. Today, hundreds of skiers line up at the start each year, with peak years seeing more than 1,500 participants. Adding to its broad appeal is the generous prize table — offering attractive rewards for elite racers, recreational participants, and, starting this year, junior competitors as well.

Held two weeks before Vasaloppet, Skinnarloppet has become a natural part of many elite athletes’ preparation. With a course profile that resembles Vasaloppet’s, it serves as the perfect dress rehearsal before the great endurance challenge. Several skiers have used the race as a form test — and in some cases, like Oskar Svärd, a victory in Malung has been followed by triumph in Vasaloppet.

Through the years, many prominent Swedish and Norwegian skiers have taken part — including Sixten Jernberg, Jerry Ahrlin, Jørgen Aukland, and Stina Nilsson, who grew up in Malung and took her first strides on the same trails that now form part of the racecourse.

By joining the Ski Classics Challengers circuit in 2026, Skinnarloppet takes a new step in its long history. It strengthens the event’s status both nationally and internationally, opening the door for even more elite skiers to include Malung in their season planning. The tradition continues — but the future is wide open.

The story continues below.

More information about Skinnarloppet can be found HERE on their official website and HERE on Ski Classics. Registrations are already open and can be found HERE.

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