Zelta Klasika 50, a Ski Classics Challengers event planned to take place in Piebalga, Latvia, on February 9, 2025, is now canceled due to adverse weather and snow conditions.

The 50km long Zelta Klasika 50, translated as Golden Classic 50, is a long-distance skiing event in Piebalga, Latvia. Still, due to adverse weather and snow conditions, it had to be canceled for 2025. 

The Local Organizing Committee released a notice about the cancelation on their social media channel: 

“Finally, an update on the situation at Zelta Krogs and the planned ZELTA KLASIKA 50 this Sunday!

Over the past few days, about 5 cm of snow has fallen in Piebalga on completely warm and waterlogged ground. There are countless places where water simply stands like a pond or flows like a stream across the course, making it impossible to traverse the full 25 km loop with machinery without getting stuck.

However, after a couple of nights with slight frost, an 8 km loop was rolled this morning, forming a very thin base layer, which is expected to freeze before it melts due to the ground’s warmth. Here’s a photo from this morning (see below).

Looking at this week’s weather forecast, we can confidently say that the classic-style race will not happen this year, as no further precipitation is expected… However, there is a small chance of some snowfall on Thursday, and if it brings another ~5 cm, it could be enough to create a decent skate-skiing course on the existing base. This would allow us to organize races in free technique over multiple laps. That said, the probability of this plan working out is no higher than 20%…

Therefore, today’s decision is to CANCEL the ZELTA KLASIKA 50 race planned for February 9, while keeping in mind that we might spontaneously arrange an alternative event if conditions unexpectedly improve.

Postponing the race to a later date is no longer an option, as long-term forecasts for late February are getting worse, and any new date would inevitably conflict with either RKF, the Tartu Marathon, the Sportlat Madona or Alauksts ski races, the Latvian Championships, or the school championships – there’s simply no available slot!

This decision carries a weight that is hard to put into words. A tremendous amount of effort has been invested in preparing the course this year. So much has been improved and adjusted to make this unique 25 km loop an unforgettable experience for everyone.

But no worries, there will be other winters, and we will ski again!”

A list of Ski Classics Challengers events with confirmed dates for season 2024/2025 can be found at Ski Classics. The list is updated continuously with new events.

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