Svalbard Skimaraton
Every April, hundreds of skiers line up in Longyearbyen for the world’s northernmost ski marathon. Wide white valleys, bright spring light and polar bear guards along the trail. Here’s what to expect, and how to plan your stay.
Text: Angie, Gjestehuset 102
Every spring, something special happens in Longyearbyen. The town fills up with skiers, wax smells drift out of every hallway, and the whole community comes out to cheer. It’s Svalbard Skimaraton weekend, and it’s the biggest event of the year up here.
We’ve hosted skiers for this race for many years at Gjestehuset 102. Some come to chase a personal best, others just want to cross the finish line with a smile and a story to tell back home. Here’s everything you need to know.
What is Svalbard Skimaraton?
Svalbard Skimaraton is the world’s northernmost ski race. It was first held in 1993 and has grown into the largest single event in Svalbard. In recent years, between 600 and 800 skiers have taken part, from Olympic champions and top long-distance racers to local families and first-timers from all over the world.
The race is organised by the local sports club, Svalbard Turn, with help from a big team of volunteers. For the town, it’s a real celebration. Locals line the trail, cheer at the finish, and the party carries on long after the last skier is in.
Full or half marathon?
You can choose between two distances, and all classes are in classic style:
- Full marathon: 42 km
- Half marathon: 21 km
The trail changes from year to year, depending on the snow, wind and avalanche conditions. It runs through the wide valleys outside Longyearbyen, with mountains and glaciers on every side. There are no trees, no houses and no roads out there, just snow, sky and the line of skiers in front of you.
Only in Svalbard: Armed polar bear guards are stationed along the trail during the race. Avalanche experts also check the area before the start. Safety comes first up here.
When is it?
The race takes place every year in April, usually on a Saturday. This is one of the best times of year in Svalbard. The polar night is long gone, the snow is still deep, and the days are bright and long. By the end of April, the sun doesn’t set at all.
Spring weather in the Arctic can still be tough. Some years the race is run in calm sunshine, other years in strong wind and minus 10 degrees or colder. The organisers sometimes adjust the trail or the start time to keep everyone safe.
Check the official website for this year’s date, registration and race rules.
Book your bed early
Race weekend is the busiest weekend of the year in Longyearbyen, and beds in town can sell out many months in advance. If you’re planning to race, book your stay as soon as you’ve signed up.
Gjestehuset 102 is a simple, friendly and affordable place to stay before and after the race:
- Breakfast included every morning, with fresh waffles.
- A shared kitchen where you can cook your own pasta the night before the race.
- A sink in every room, and everything (rooms, breakfast and reception) under one roof, so you don’t have to go outside in the cold.
- Fellow skiers to swap wax tips and race stories with in the coffee room.
We’re in Nybyen, about 2.3 km from the town centre. The walk to town takes around 30 minutes, and taxis are easy to call.
Coming with your ski club or a group of friends? We offer special direct rates for groups. Read about group bookings or email us at info@gjestehuset102.no.
Tips for race week
What to pack
- Your own classic skis and wax. Most racers bring their own. If you need to rent, ask the shops in town well before race week.
- Wool base layers and a thin, windproof racing jacket.
- A buff and face protection. The wind out in the valleys can be very cold.
- Sunglasses or goggles and sunscreen. The spring sun on white snow is strong.
- Warm clothes for after the finish, plus a down jacket for cheering on your friends.
Arrive a few days early
Try to get here at least a day or two before the race. It gives you time to collect your start number, test your wax on local snow, and get used to the cold. It also gives you a buffer if your flight is delayed.
Forgot something?
Pop into Arctica in the Lompensenteret shopping centre. They have outdoor clothing and gear from well-known brands.
Guest perk: Staying with us? Ask at reception for a voucher that gives you 5% off everything at Arctica.
Make a week of it
You’ve come all this way, so why not stay a few extra days? April is perfect for exploring Svalbard. Take a snowmobile trip to the east coast, go dog sledding in the sunshine, or climb down into an ice cave inside a glacier.
Save on tours: Book your room directly with us and get 5% off selected tours.
Ready to race?
Svalbard Skimaraton is tough, beautiful and completely unique. You’ll ski through a landscape most people only ever see in photos, with polar bear guards watching over you and a whole town cheering you home. We’d love to be your base for it.
Over to you
Have you skied the Svalbard Skimaraton? Share your best tip for first-timers in the comments below!
