News

With the bright side of live we can end this winter: The Icelandic Worldloppet race, Fossavatnsgangan, will take place this weekend. Famous for its astonishing mountain- and fjord views and the warm hospitality of Isafjordur’s inhabitants, the Fossavatnsgangan is a worthy season ender year by year.

On Thursday a freestyle race opened the skiing festival on Isafjördur’s tracks. As planned, the main event is going to take place on Saturday, 17th April. Around 550 places were sold, less than half of a normal year, one of many effects of the pandemic.

Considerable changes to the normal setup were made. Earlier this week, minister of health announced easing of coronavirus restrictions effective Thursday, which ensures that the main event can be done in one day. Naturally the major part of the participants are lokal skiers, but some internationals have made it to Isafjördur after a 5-days-quarantine and two negative tests.

The participants will be transported in busses in groups of 30 and will start their race upon arriving at the start zone. All parties and award ceremonies have been cancelled. Sad, but doing this, and with other changes big and small, health authorities have given their green light for the event.

The demand for the limited places was very high due to the upswing in cross-country skiing in Iceland. Courses are being held almost every weekend from December through March (depending on Covid restrictions) in Isafjordur and this healthy outdoor activity has attracted quite a lot of interest from people all over the island – the good thing about the pandamic.

Although the weather forecast indicates rain during the races, the snow conditions are excellent up in the mountains and the last few weeks lots of fresh snow was falling. The full 50 km course is prepared. Ready for a great season ender!