Ski Classics World Championship Season XVIII continues on Sunday, December 13, 2026, with the Sportgastein Criterium, a 30km mass start event in Bad Gastein, Austria.

Season XVIII picks up the pace fast. Two days after the Bad Gastein Prologue, the action shifts to Sportgastein for the Criterium, set in a striking high-altitude arena that makes for a fitting stage. Skiers now get the chance to show their strength, and the Climb bib favorites face their first real test of the season. The 30km classic technique race ends with a demanding 2.5km climb and 400 meters of elevation gain to the finish at Goldbergbahn station. 

As the second stop of the Bad Gastein Tour, points earned here count as usual toward the season standings, but prize money for the block is only decided once all four events are complete. 

“At the Sportgastein Criterium, the athletes first ski several fast laps along the valley floor before facing the decisive final challenge: the cross-country ski trail climbs about 400 meters in elevation to the middle station of the ski lift, with the spectacular finish located at 1,910 meters above sea level,” says Thomas Zlöbl, Chief of Competition. 

“The finish decides this event. 2.5 kilometers uphill to Goldbergbahn is where the real gaps appear, and it’s the first real test for the Climb bib favorites this season. Pacing yourself right for that final climb matters more than anything earlier in the course,” says Lukas Bauer, Ski Classics Race Director. 

Also Read: Ski Classics World Championship Season XVIII

Sportgastein Criterium — Ski Classics World Championship Season XVIII – Event 2

• Date: Sunday, December 13, 2026
• Location: Sportgastein, Austria
• Distance: 30km classic technique
• Highest point: 1,910 meters above sea level
• Elevation gain: 640 meters 
• Format: Criterium, multi-lap
• Starting procedure: Mass start
• Start times: Men 9:30 CET / Women 10:30 CET
• Points: Pro Event 300p – See exact point distribution
• Sprint: 1 sprint
• Climb: Goldbergbahn Climb (best time in Climb segment)
• Tour: Bad Gastein Tour (Events 1 to 4). Points count as normal for season standings; prize money for the block is awarded at the end of the Tour based on total Champion points.
• Participation: closed to Pro Team athletes
• Link to SC Play: Watch here

Map and Profile

More information about the Sportgastein Criterium can be found HERE

Ski Classics World Championship Season XVIII (2026/2027) 

• Event 1: December 11, 2026 – Bad Gastein Prologue – Austria – 1km 
• Event 2: December 13, 2026 – Sportgastein Criterium – Austria – 30km 
• Event 3: December 19, 2026 – Bad Gastein ITT – Austria – 7km 
• Event 4: December 20, 2026 – Bad Gastein Criterium – Austria – 36km 
Bad Gastein Tour (Events 1–4 of Ski Classics World Championship Season XVIII)
• Event 5: January 16, 2027 – Engadin La Diagonela – Switzerland – 55km 
• Event 6: January 17, 2027 – Zuoz–St. Moritz Sprint – Switzerland – 30km 
• Event 7: January 31, 2027 – Marcialonga – Italy – 70km 
• Event 8: February 12, 2027 – Bedřichov Heat Sprint – Czech Republic – 1.5km 
• Event 9: February 14, 2027 – Jizerská50 – Czech Republic – 50km 
• Event 10: February 27, 2027 – Oxberg–Mora Sprint Women – Sweden – 30km 
• Event 11: February 28, 2027 – Oxberg–Mora Sprint Men – Sweden – 30km 
• Event 12: March 7, 2027 – Vasaloppet – Sweden – 90km 
• Event 13: March 20, 2027 – Birkebeinerrennet – Norway – 53km 
• Event 14: April 3, 2027 – Reistadløpet – Norway – 35km 
• Event 15: April 4, 2027 – Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja – Norway – 60km 

For more updates and detailed information about the Ski Classics World Championship, visit skiclassics.com. 

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