Fossavatn Ski Marathon

It is time for a great season ender! And in our case, that means, we are travelling to Iceland, to the Fossavatnsgangan, Iceland’s longest running ski marathon. It is going to take place coming weekend, Saturday April 2nd, in Ísafjörður.

Since 1935 the skiers of Iceland meet in April – which is end of the season in central Europe, but not in Iceland – to ski together the 50 km classic style. For 8 years now we are more than happy to have this extraordinary race in our Federation.

This year, more than 650 contestants from 21 countries have signed up for the different races (50 km, 25 km, 10 km, 5 km and 1 km) around 450 of them have signed up for the 50 km race. A majority of the contestants are Icelandic but more than 50 hail from the US. The Nordic countries of course have their representatives – contestants from Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden are 79 in total. 25 skiers come from Estonia, and another 25 from Canada.  

Ísafjörður has seen a lot of snow this winter so track conditions are good with well groomed, hard packed corn snow. Slow winds and cloudy skies are to be expected, with temperatures ranging from -1 to +5°C.  The 50 km track has stunning scenery, running past mountains, heaths and mountain lakes. The track runs in a circle, starting with a demanding climb for the first 15 km, then a light descent for the next 10 km before contestants start their way back to the finish line with a 8 km long, exhausting climb. 
Past that follows a fairly easy stretch with a tough climb at the end before the last 7 km which offer a nice relief for contestants.

And the greatest news in the end: The legendary Fossavatn Night, the after race party and hence the unofficial Worldloppet end of season party is going to take place again Saturday Night. Better be there!