Ìsafjörđur – Iceland!

Welcome to the 58th Fossavatn Ski Race


50 km, 20 km, 10 km or 7 km
Classic style only
Team competition is available in every distance.

ABOUT THE RACE
Established in 1935, the Fossavatn Ski Race is one of the longest running sport events in Iceland. It by far the biggest ski race in the country with around 150 participants, a mixture of racers and popular skiers. For the main race there are four age groups for men and women: 16-34, 35-49, 50-69 and 70 and older. The racers can also participate in a team competition. Three participants make one team, regardless of age or gender. The combined time of the three individuals makes the time for their team. For the most ambitious racers, there are three sprint gates along the way, where a moderate sum of money is available.

RACING DAY
The Fossavatn Ski Race is named after its starting point, lake Fossavatn, located 380 meters above sea level. To get to the starting point, take a short car ride (approx. 10 minutes) up to the mountains, and from there you can either use the snowmobile ride offered or ski (approx. 30 minutes) since there is no road leading all the way to the start. Many racers choose to go on skis to check the snow conditions along the way and decide which wax to use. The spring conditions usually call for klister as your kickwax, but remember, conditions can change overnight at this time of the year!

The track fulfills all usual requirements. It is professionally prepared and groomed, each km is marked to help you follow your progress, and there is a drinking station half way through the race. At the start there are lavatories, and snowmobiles will take your extra luggage to the other end. At the end zone, the clubhouse provides excellent facilities for the skiers.

From the start, ski around Engidalur valley for about 4 km in a terrain with a few hills, although none of them very steep, long or difficult. As you reach the Nónhorn mountain, the trail goes uphill, and for approximately 3 km you will be climbing the highest point of the race, Fellsháls mountain, at 600 meters. From there it is mostly downhill and flat to the drinking station at Botnsheiði. From the drinking station there will be 2 or 3 km in a relatively easy terrain. Then you approach what to many is the most difficult part of the race, the climbing up to Miðfellsháls, the second highest point of the race, just under 600 meters above sea level. But it is safe to really push it on this hill, as the last 6 km are more or less all downhill. Gliding down the Seljalandsdalur valley you will soon see the flags around the end zone, and you will soon ski along the last flat section and cross the finish line.

After a nice shower or a visit to the local swimming pool, join the rest of the racers for coffee and a buffet of delicious home baked cakes and pastries. The winners will be presented with their trophies and everyone who finishes the race receives a medal as a souvenir for their effort.

Eilef Mikkelsplass from Norway holds the track record of 51.31 minutes. This record is difficult to beat since it was set before skating was prohibited in the race. Skiing classic style it normally takes the top racers 65-75 minutes to finish, depending on weather and snow conditions.


Let Nordic Saga Tours get you to the race!
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