The Ice Ultra is a 230km self-sufficient ultra marathon across the Arctic Circle in Swedish Lapland — Europe’s last remaining wilderness and heartland of the indigenous Sámi people. Across 5 stages in 5 days, you’ll battle across snowfields, frozen lakes and Arctic tundra in temperatures as low as -40 degrees, guided through the night by the glow of the Northern Lights.
Starting deep in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Laponia, the route traverses one of the most remote and hostile environments on earth — past ancient hunters’ cabins, reindeer herds, snow-covered pine forests and the vast frozen expanses of Swedish Lapland’s great lakes. Finishing in the small town of Jokkmokk, precisely on the Arctic Circle, the Ice Ultra is an extreme test of physical and mental endurance in a place few people will ever see.
“An epic race in the most brutal yet stunning environment on the planet. Running under the Northern Lights at -40 degrees takes some beating!”
— Steve Hill, Ice Ultra Finisher
The Ice Ultra is one of four races in the Beyond The Ultimate Global Race Series — the most demanding collection of stage races on the planet. Alongside the Desert Ultra, Jungle Ultra and Mountain Ultra, it takes athletes from frozen Arctic lakes to the world’s oldest desert, dense rainforest and remote mountain ranges. Completing all four is one of the rarest achievements in endurance sport.
“The Ice Ultra was incredible. You could not access such a remote part of the world any other way. Extreme yet achievable if you train well and follow kit advice. Surviving the hostile yet beautiful environment and completing one of the toughest foot races on the circuit will take a lot to beat!”
— Vicki Anstey, Ice Ultra Finisher
The 5 stages
Stage 1 — Kungsleden | 50km | Ascent 840m / Descent 680m
Starting at Stora Sjöfallets Mountain Centre, the route follows a segment of the historic 19th-century Kungsleden trail into the UNESCO World Heritage site of Laponia. Your first frozen lake crossing comes early — a thin layer of ice separating you from the water below. A climb to the high plateau brings harsh tundra conditions and temperatures as low as -40°C, before a steep final descent through pine woodland to a remote hunters’ cabin camp, heated by wood stoves and lit by candles.
Stage 2 — Kabla | 42km | Ascent 770m / Descent 1,000m
The race’s biggest climb. From Aktse, you’ll tackle the 700m ascent of Mount Kabla over 6km — panoramic views in clear weather, total exposure to the elements in bad. A near-1,000m descent winds through snow-laden pine forests where progress is slow even on snowshoes, finishing at a picturesque tourist lodge with kitchen facilities and the chance to dry your kit.
Stage 3 — The Lakes | 42km | Ascent 180m / Descent 70m
Marathon distance across the race’s defining terrain: vast frozen lakes. The ice is dynamic — mounds and ridges from shifting and compression, the occasional groan underfoot. In heavy snow years, slush seeps through beneath a white surface, concealing hazards. The endless, unchanging expanse demands real mental fortitude. The stage concludes on Laxholmen Island, a small outpost of wooden cabins and yurts encircled by ice on all sides.
Stage 4 — Sámi | 65km | Ascent 260m / Descent 350m
The longest stage, named after the indigenous Sámi people who form the local race team. Beginning before sunrise, the route passes through Sámi villages, more lake crossings and thick pine forests. A cut-off at Checkpoint 5 ensures progress — those falling behind are assisted to the final camp. The day ends with head torches and glow sticks guiding you through arched pine woodlands to a camp precisely on the Arctic Circle, a stone’s throw from the finish.
Stage 5 — The Sprint | 15km | Ascent 100m / Descent 170m
The final 15km on tired legs and swollen feet. Don’t underestimate it. Heading towards the town of Jokkmokk, civilisation returns slowly — houses, roads, the sounds of ordinary life. The finish line in the town centre marks the end of months of training and days of effort and hardship. A medal ceremony, celebratory meal and warm shower await.
What’s included in your entry
- GPS tracking on all runners throughout
- Manned checkpoints with qualified expedition medics and unlimited drinking water
- Hot water for meal preparation at every camp
- Race accommodation in teepees, yurts and cabins throughout
- Storage and carriage of travel luggage during the race, plus transfer of 6kg night bag between camps
- Transfer Gallivare Train Station ↔ Base Camp (pre-race) and Jokkmokk ↔ Lulea Airport (post-race)
- Overnight hotel stay in Jokkmokk after the race
- Professional adventure photographer — watermarked digital copies free post-race
- Celebratory meal and medal ceremony at the finish
- Finisher medal + race T-shirt (or tree donation via BTU Woodland Project)
- National Park and permission fees
- Carbon offset donation through Beyond the Ultimate Woodland Project
Not included: flights to Sweden, personal race food, equipment and clothing, hotel stays other than the post-race night in Jokkmokk.
Key facts
- Distance: 230km over 5 stages
- Location: Swedish Lapland, Arctic Circle (fly into Lulea)
- Terrain: Snowfields, Arctic tundra and frozen lakes
- Daytime temperature: -5°C to -40°C
- Night temperature: -10°C to -40°C
- Entry fee: £3,500 (interest free instalment plan available — £875 deposit on entry)
- Next race: 16 February 2027 (sold out — join the waiting list)
Enter or download the race pack: beyondtheultimate.co.uk/race/ice-ultra