Season XVII continues in Norway with Reistadløpet
Reistadløpet, one of the most iconic and challenging events in the Ski Classics Pro Tour, returns on Saturday, March 28, 2026, continuing its legacy on the long-distance skiing circuit.
Event 12 of Season XVII, the 46-kilometer Reistadløpet from Setermoen to Bardufoss in Northern Norway is famous for its combination of Arctic nature, military history, and challenging elevation, featuring 1.225 meters of climbing and a high point of 567 meters above sea level.
Starting in the garrison town of Setermoen in Bardu municipality, skiers face a relentless course that, from the Sprint, climbs to the notorious Iconic Climb Orta before winding through mountain plateaus and descending into Bardufoss, Målselv.
“Reistadløpet has become a famous race with one of the most spectacular courses in the Pro Tour. The Orta climb is perhaps the toughest climb on the entire Pro Tour, and thereafter, the skiers pass the folkfest in Kampenhytta before it goes down and then turns into the second hill, Halvor Hill. The course also invites to the beautiful mountain views and most likely reindeer,” says Ski Classics Director Oskar Svärd.
A Decisive Event
Reistadløpet is a crucial battleground for the overall standings. The demanding terrain has historically favored all-rounders and mountain specialists. In 2025, Ebba Andersson dominated the women’s side, while Eirik Sverdrup Augdal claimed the men's victory.
Skiers must manage not only the physical climbs but also changing weather and wind exposure.
A Legacy Forged in Military Tradition
First held in 1958 to honor Colonel Ole Reistad, an Olympic gold medalist and Norwegian sports icon, Reistadløpet remains rooted in the area's military tradition. With one of Norway’s oldest army camps, Setermoen has trained generations of soldiers, many of whom still take part in the race, some in full military gear.
Remote, Yet Within Reach
Despite its remote Arctic location, Bardufoss is surprisingly accessible thanks to its civilian and military airport, situated about 82km north of Narvik and 70km south of Tromsø, the largest city in Northern Norway. Setermoen and Bardufoss may be small in size, but they offer a unique charm with stunning landscapes that leave a lasting impression.