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“The world of cross-country skiing is to small for staying apart from each other. We have to share our experiences and knowlege to stand better for the sport we love.” To this conclusion came the officials of the world federation for marathon skiing, Worldloppet. This is the reason why the federation has begun to reach out to the various marathons, series’ and organizations, starting cooperations and working together. 

Concretely, Worldloppet has formed the Global Ski Marathon Calendar two years ago. The goal of this calendar, placed on Worldloppet’s website, is giving all skiers the chance to plan their upcoming winters in one place. One calendar for all ski marathons in the world, no matter if big or small, no matter if part of Euroloppet, Swissloppet or other series’. 

Now after two difficult years with only few races taking place, the Global Ski Marathon Calendar was updated, refreshed and filled with new races. So far 65 races from all around the world (21 nations) are included to the calendar with a total number of 199 different racing distances. This number is not final as negotiations are under way with even more organizers.

Huge series’ like the CEZ Ski Tour, Estoloppet, Swissloppet and Eurloppet are integrated into the Global Ski Marathon Calendar. 

Global Calendar

Worldloppet and Euroloppet go common ways

The cooperation to Euroloppet, a European union of ski marathons, was an especially important topic for Juha Viljamaa, the President of Worldloppet: “Euroloppet and Worldloppet have been staying apart for too long! We are happy, that we can go side by side from now on!”, he states. 

Euroloppet joined the Global Ski Marathon Calendar with all its member races. Vice versa the member races of Worldloppet were integrated to the calendar of Euroloppet. “This is a good first step for a cooperation. It can grow to something even bigger and more meaningful!”, says Epp Paal, Worldloppet CEO.

Also from Euroloppet side this new cooperation is highly appreciated: “It is matter for us at Euroloppet to make a contribution, together with our colleagues from Worldloppet, to inspire all skiers to participate in ski marathons again,” said Ivo Ivanic, Euroloppet President.

To be part of the Global Ski Marathon Calendar has another advantage: all races included bring the participants points for the Global Ski Marathon Ranking. This ranking is a great tool for the seeding process at marathon events. Skiers can improve their starting waves at big races like Vasaloppet, with skiing smaller races before. Additionally it brings a challenge to the skiers, who can compare their overall efforts in the global ranking, but also in the single age groups.