At the beginning of February, Moscow will be back on skis — without pomp, but on a grand scale. From 4 to 8 February, the city will host Moscow Ski Week: a series of races for adults, children, and those ready to test themselves over long distances. Registration is already open, and based on previous years, it’s not something to postpone — available slots fill up quickly.
Moscow Ski Week is not a single “tick-the-box” start, but a set of different formats. From an evening race under artificial lighting to a marathon where only those truly prepared for sustained effort remain on the course.
The event is organised by the Moscow City Department of Sports. All races are held as part of the city-wide project “Winter in Moscow”.
Night Race at Luzhniki
The festival opens on 4 February with an evening start on the ski and biathlon track at Luzhniki. This will be a night race — a format that remains relatively rare in Moscow and therefore attracts special attention.
Participants aged 18 and over will complete a 3 km qualification race. Based on the results, the top 30 skiers will advance to the final, where they will compete over a short 800 m distance. The start is scheduled for 18:00, with the programme finishing close to 21:30.
The night race is less about records and more about atmosphere. A floodlit course, a fast pace, spectators along the track, and a completely different feel of a city that usually “switches off” at this time.
Moscow Children’s Race
On 6 February, the same Luzhniki track will be fully dedicated to children. From 09:30, the “Moscow Children’s Race” will take place — a series of starts for young athletes aged 9 to 17.
Distances are selected according to age:
- 1 km for the youngest participants,
- 2 km for the middle age group,
- 3 km for older boys and girls.
Races are held in small groups, without pressure or rush. This is a proper sporting event rather than a “school activity,” but without excessive rigidity. Participation is free of charge, with prior registration required.
“Ski Track of Russia” in Yasenevo
On 7 February, Moscow Ski Week moves to the Alpha-Bitsa sports club track in Yasenevo. Here, the “Ski Track of Russia” will take place — one of the largest mass ski races in the country, held since 1982.
The distance is a classic 10 kilometres. Anyone aged 18 and over can take part. Participants will be divided into six groups by age and skill level, with starts given at 30-minute intervals. This format helps avoid congestion on the course and makes the race more comfortable even for beginners.
This year, a separate 5 km start is предусмотрен for participants who are veterans of the special military operation. Eligibility must be confirmed with the relevant documents.
Moscow Ski Marathon
The final event will be the Moscow Ski Marathon, held on 8 February at the same Alpha-Bitsa venue. This is the most demanding start of the entire week — both physically and mentally.
Participants can choose between two distances:
- 25 km half marathon (admission from 17 years old),
- 50 km marathon (admission from 19 years old).
The start is scheduled for 11:00, with the awards ceremony at 14:00. Winners will be determined both overall and by age categories. Participation is paid: entry fees range from 2,000 to 5,000 roubles, depending on the number of remaining slots.
Race packs will be distributed in advance at Luzhniki, as well as on race day at the Alpha-Bitsa venue.
What to Bring to the Start
A standard set of documents is required for all races:
- a personal ID,
- a medical certificate confirming fitness to compete,
- the original insurance policy.
Without these documents, participants will not be allowed to start, even if registration was completed in advance.
How to Prepare for the Race: A Quick Checklist
Do I need special training if I’m an amateur?
Yes, at least minimal preparation. Even for a 10 km distance, it’s worth getting on skis a few times in advance so your body can recall the load and technique.
What to do the day before the start
Don’t experiment. No new equipment, new wax, or “miracle nutrition.” Sleep and light activity work best.
How to dress
It’s better to feel slightly cool at the start than too warm on the course. A ski race heats you up quickly, and overheating is a common beginner’s mistake.
Do I need to bring nutrition?
Not for short distances. For a marathon — yes, and only what you have already tested during training.
Why the City Needs It
Moscow Ski Week is part of a broader strategy to develop mass sports in the capital through to 2030. The goal here is not records, but making sport a habitual part of urban life rather than a rare, occasional event.
The “Winter in Moscow” project is precisely about this: active leisure, shared starts, family formats, and the feeling that the city in winter does not freeze, but lives differently — slower, colder, yet genuinely alive.
Moscow Ski Week will take place on 4, 6, 7 and 8 February. Registration is already open. If you’ve been meaning to try a ski race, now is the perfect moment.
