SISU Ski Fest 2026

  • Date Sat 10th January 2026
  • Time 9:30AM CST
  • Location IRONWOOD, Michigan
  • Price $43.50 - $85.80
  • Races 5 races
  • Distances 5km

Event summary

Get ready for an exhilarating day on the snow at the 17th annual SISU Ski Fest, taking place on Saturday, January 10, 2026, in the picturesque Ironwood, Gogebic. This premier cross-country ski race promises fantastic competition and a celebration of endurance, featuring two exhilarating race distances: the challenging 30K SISU and the fun 15K Heikki Lunta. With a capacity of 940 registered participants, athletes of all ages can enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with five-year age group awards, more prizes, and unique cloth bibs.

The SISU Ski Fest isn’t just about the races; it also embraces the spirit of the Finnish culture, symbolizing strength and determination. Families can join in on the fun with the 5K Hauska Hiihto Fun Ski and the Depot Dash for kids on the Friday before the event. Improvements to the course and facilities, like a larger indoor warming area near the Start Line and enhanced race course features, ensure a memorable experience for all participants. So, gear up for a day filled with excitement and celebrate the true essence of sisuβ€”perseverance in the face of winter challenges. Don’t miss out on this thrilling winter event in Ironwood!

Organiser's Description

Welcome to the 17th annual SISU Ski Fest, a premier cross country ski race, held in Ironwood, MI January 10, 2026.

2026 Highlights:
30K SISU & 15K Heikki Lunta ski races.
Five year age groups, more prizes, and cloth bibs!
Capacity is 940 registered.
Summer race course improvements include adding curves to a few sharp corners and widening the Highlands Aid Station area.
Larger indoor warming area near Start Line.
"Finnish" Line in Ironwood's Downtown City Square.
5K Hauska Hiihto Fun Ski, and Depot Dash for kids on Friday.

While the COVID-19 pandemic seems behind us, we do still ask anyone with symptoms of illness to remain home.

Sisu is a Finnish cultural concept encompassing strength and determination in the face of adversity. It involves a combination of stamina, perseverance, courage, and determination held in reserve for hard times. We honor our local Finnish heritage by borrowing this term as the name of our event, and demonstrate our sisu by training for and participating in these events despite cold temperatures, snow conditions, hilly courses, competitive pressure, and the anxieties of living in these challenging times!

Races

  • 30K SISU - Classic

    Incl. $5.80 Fee

    Sat 10th January 2026 (9:30AM CST)

    $85.80

    Point-to-point 30K classic ski race from ABR Trails to downtown Ironwood.
  • 30K SISU - Skate

    Incl. $5.80 Fee

    Sat 10th January 2026 (10:00AM CST)

    $85.80

    Point-to-point 30K skate ski race from ABR Trails to downtown Ironwood.
  • 15K Heikki Lunta - Classic

    Incl. $5.80 Fee

    Sat 10th January 2026 (11:00AM CST)

    $85.80

    Point-to-point 15K classic ski race from ABR Trails to downtown Ironwood.
  • 15K Heikki Lunta - Skate

    Incl. $5.80 Fee

    Sat 10th January 2026 (11:10AM CST)

    $85.80

    Point-to-point 15K skate ski race from ABR Trails to downtown Ironwood.
  • 5K Hauska Hiihto Fun Ski

    Incl. $3.50 Fee

    Sat 10th January 2026 (1:00PM CST)

    $43.50

    Noncompetitive point-to-point 5K classic and skate ski through the Miners Memorial Heritage Park to downtown Ironwood, on the last 5K of the SISU race course.

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Location

Ironwood Memorial Building - Packet Pick-up/Expo, 213 S Marquette St, IRONWOOD, 49938, MI, United States

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Jan 10, 2026

$43.50 - $85.80