Both the northern double Reistadløpet and the Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja highlight the stunning Arctic landscapes, steep mountain terrains, and coastal views that characterize Norway’s northernmost regions.
Reistadløpet – an iconic Arctic mountain challenge
The Reistadløpet will be adopting a new race format for the upcoming season. Beginning in 2026, the event will feature a single standard distance of 35 kilometers, maintaining its status as one of the most formidable races in Ski Classics.
This 35km course, which runs between Setermoen and Bardufoss, ascends dramatically from the valley to the open highlands, offering athletes panoramic views and then presenting lengthy, technical descents as they near the finish line.
As one of the most challenging races on the circuit, Reistadløpet has historically played a critical role in shaping the standings for both male and female competitors, serving as a testing ground for athletes with exceptional climbing abilities.
Reistadløpet – Ski Classics Pro Tour Event 12
- Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026
- Location: Setermoen–Bardufoss, Norway
- Distance: 35km classic technique
- Highest Point: 567m
- Elevation Gain: 905m
- Last Edition Winners (46km): Ebba Andersson (2:27:27.3) and Eirik Sverdrup Augdal (2:13:59.8)
- SC Play: Reistadløpet
Further details about Reistadløpet can be found HERE
Summit 2 Senja – the 60km Grand Finale amidst mountains and fjords
The season concludes with one of the most visually stunning races in Ski Classics. Summit 2 Senja takes athletes from Bardufoss across challenging inland terrains and descends to the coast, finishing in Finnsnes, the entry point to the island of Senja.
Spanning 60 kilometers, the Grand Finale serves as a true test of endurance, blending breathtaking high-mountain scenery with dramatic coastal vistas. Given its length, elevation, and late-season conditions, Summit 2 Senja is poised to impact the final battles for the Yellow, Green, Pink, and Climb bibs.
Introduced in Season XIV, this event has quickly emerged as a highlight of the Pro Tour. In 2025, Summit 2 Senja was honored as ‘Best Event of the Year’ in Ski Classics for a second time, receiving top accolades from Pro Team athletes, staff, and organizers.
Also Read: Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja wins Event of Season XVI
Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja – Ski Classics Pro Tour Event 13
- Date: Sunday, March 29, 2026
- Place: Bardufoss-Finnsnes, Norway
- Distance: 60km
- Highest Point: 475m
- Elevation Gain: 1357m
- Last Edition Winners: Ebba Andersson (3:02:00.1) and Ole Jørgen Bruvoll (2:36:35.9)
- SC Play: Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja
For more details about the Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja, click HERE
Grand Finale Concept
Ski Classics introduced the Grand Finale idea to wrap up Season XV, and Summit 2 Senja now concludes Season XVII in grand style.
In 2026, the Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja will accommodate up to 250 spots for amateur skiers not affiliated with professional teams.
To qualify, skiers must complete at least one Pro Tour race during Season XVII within 50% of the winner’s time for their gender or two Ski Classics Challenger events with the same time requirement.
Upon qualification confirmation, a Grand Finale coin will appear on the skier’s SC MyPages account, granting access to registration for the race. This initiative allows amateur skiers to participate in the Grand Finale alongside Pro Team athletes.
Accommodation: from mountain basecamps to coastal comfort
Setermoen (Reistadløpet start area)
Setermoen, home to Norway’s oldest military garrison, provides convenient lodging options close to the race start.
- Bardu Hotell, a central and practical choice ideal for teams
- Bardufosstun, located right near the ski tracks
- Local cabins and apartments available throughout the Bardu valley
- Lians Caravan, for those preferring a camping or caravan experience
Bardufoss (Reistadløpet finish and Summit 2 Senja start)
Bardufoss serves as the logistical center for the race weekend, offering fast airport access and proximity to both events.
- Bardufoss Hotell, just 5 minutes by car from the Reistadløpet finish line
- Målselv Fjellandsby, featuring cabins and apartments surrounded by mountains and winter wilderness
- Haraldvollen, providing cabins and apartments only about ten minutes from the finish area
Finnsnes (Summit 2 Senja finish)
Finnsnes offers a coastal atmosphere with views of the island of Senja.
- Comfort Hotel Finnsnes, conveniently located near shops, restaurants, and the finish line
- Senja Hotell, centrally situated and favored by visitors
Dining: local favorites and athlete-friendly choices
Setermoen & Bardufoss (Reistadløpet)
These establishments are close to the start and finish areas, providing reliable meals for race weekend.
Setermoen & Bardu
- Pizza Kjelleren, a local favorite for pre-race carb loading with delicious pizza.
- Jokern Pizza, another popular option for pizzas and takeaway meals.
Bardufoss
- O’Learys Bardufoss, found directly beneath Bardufoss Hotell, serves hearty American-style food and burgers.
Finnsnes (Summit 2 Senja)
Finnsnes boasts a few favorites recommended by the organizers, all within reach of the finish area.
- Skreien Spiseri, a modern coastal restaurant with fresh fish options.
- Tiger Sushi, offering high-quality sushi in the town center.
- Senjastua, a well-known eatery serving traditional Norwegian cuisine and Arctic ingredients.
Activities: Arctic adventures among mountains and fjords
Setermoen and Bardufoss region
- Polarbadet, a newly renovated water park that reopened in October 2025
- Polar Park, the northernmost zoo in the world
- Målselv Fjellandsby, featuring downhill skiing and 13 kilometers of cross-country trails
- Randonee touring in the nearby mountains:
- Senja
- Tromsø and Kvaløya
- Lyngen
Finnsnes and Senja
- Randonee skiing across the iconic alpine terrain of Senja
- Senja Husky, offering dog sledding experiences
- Snowshoe hiking suitable for all skill levels
- Northern lights watching during the winter season
- Scenic coastal walks and viewpoints on and around Senja
Travel: easy access across Northern Norway
Arrival
• Bardufoss Airport (BDU) – just 5 minutes from Bardufoss, 25 minutes from Setermoen
• Tromsø Airport (TOS) – approximately 2h15min by car or bus
• Harstad/Narvik Airport (EVE) – an alternative for international arrivals
Departure
• Bardufoss Airport – nearest option for domestic flights
• Tromsø Airport – ideal for international connections
• Ferry services linking Finnsnes with Tromsø and Harstad
Stay Updated
Instagram: @reistadlopet / @summit2senja
Facebook: facebook.com/reistadlopet / facebook.com/Summit2Senja/
Live coverage of both races will be available on the streaming platform SC Play, complete with English commentary.
Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XVII (2025/2026)
- Event 1: December 13, 2025 — Bad Gastein Pro Team Tempo — Sportgastein, Austria, 7 km.
- Event 2: December 14, 2025 — Bad Gastein Criterium — Sportgastein, Austria, 36 km.
- Event 3: January 17, 2026 — Engadin La Diagonela — Pontresina-Zuoz, Switzerland, 55 km.
- Event 4: January 25, 2026 — Marcialonga — Moena-Cavalese, Italy, 70 km.
- Event 5: January 30, 2026 — Bedřichov Sprint — Bedřichov, Czech Republic, 1.5 km.
- Event 6: February 1, 2026 — Jizerská 50 — Bedřichov, Czech Republic, 50 km.
- Event 7: March 1, 2026 — Vasaloppet — Sälen-Mora, Sweden, 90 km.
- Event 8: March 7, 2026 — Orsa Grönklitt 50k ITT Women — Grönklitt, Sweden, 50 km.
- Event 9: March 8, 2026 — Orsa Grönklitt 50k ITT Men — Grönklitt, Sweden, 50 km.
- Event 10: March 14, 2026 — Birkebeinerrennet — Rena-Lillehammer, Norway, 54 km.
- Event 11: March 21, 2026 — Marcialonga Bodø — Bodø, Norway, 50 km.
- Event 12: March 28, 2026 — Reistadløpet — Setermoen-Bardufoss, Norway, 35 km.
- Event 13: March 29, 2026 — Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja — Bardufoss-Finnsnes, Norway, 60 km.
For updates and detailed information on the Ski Classics Pro Tour, be sure to visit skiclassics.com.
Interested in Ski Classics and long-distance skiing? Click HERE for more details.
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