Practical information

Accommodation

Participants in the event are responsible for finding accommodation in or near Leeuwarden during the event.

Registration for participating

All members who are eligible to participate in the Elfstedentocht must register the day before the event. Registration takes place at the Elfstedenhal in Leeuwarden. You will receive information about your registration time. At the registration, you must identify yourself with a valid ID and your membership card. Once the Elfstedentocht is announced, you can pay your registration fee via IDEAL through the Member Login. You will receive a wristband as proof of your registration. This wristband, along with your stamp card, grants you access to the starting points on the day of the event. Like the stamp card, the wristband is non-transferable.

Preparation

Let’s say the time has come: the 16th Elfstedentocht is about to begin, and you are ready to participate in this fantastic, yet physically demanding event. While you are well-prepared, we would like to remind you of a few important points:

• Blisters can be prevented by using well-fitting skates and socks without seams. At the first aid stations along the route, you can receive treatment for blisters. It’s always better to prevent than to cure. It’s a good idea to tape your heels in advance with sports tape or second skin. At the first aid stations, the supply of second skin is limited, and they mainly use sports tape. We recommend bringing your own second skin.
• Underwear should be worn in layers. A thin base layer made of polypropylene (commonly used in thermal underwear) is ideal to wick away sweat and keep your skin dry. When your skin stays dry, you will not get cold as easily. Layering is key—use two to three layers of clothing in cold conditions. In extreme cold, opt for thicker layers. Cotton clothing can be used well for these next layers of clothing;
• Outerwear should be breathable, moisture-wicking, and windproof. A good jacket typically has three layers: one to release moisture from the inside, one to retain body heat, and one to keep out moisture and wind.

Additional tips

• Neoprene overshoes are essential for cold and/or wet ice. In extreme cold, you can use bubble wrap as an insulating material.
• Wear gloves and possibly inner gloves.
• A helmet is mandatory and can prevent serious head injuries in case of a fall.
• In strong winds, the perceived temperature can be much lower than the actual temperature (wind chill factor). Therefore, in very cold and windy conditions, ensure you wear windproof clothing, a balaclava, and a ventilated ski goggle (see also the section on frostbite). It's also wise to protect your face and vital areas with waterless petroleum jelly in cold winds.
• Food and drinks: Skating the Elfstedentocht requires a lot of energy. The best fuel consists of carbohydrates, found in bread, potatoes, legumes, pasta, rice, vegetables, fruit juices, muesli bars, and fruit. Along with a good pre-race meal (like pasta) two hours before the start, it's crucial to eat and drink regularly during the event—preferably every half hour. Avoid carbonated drinks and opt for isotonic sports drinks. While there are plenty of places to eat and drink along the route (not organised by the event), we advise bringing enough food and drinks with you.
• Frostbite: In extreme cold and strong winds, it's important to check yourself and others for signs of frostbite on the eyes, nose, ears, or toes. Look out for bluish-white or red eyes, a hard, numb, or icy feeling in the toes (movement becomes painful), and blisters. If you notice anyone pale, shivering, confused, aggressive, overly cheerful, or indifferent, advise them to seek a first aid station or go there yourself. Do not rub frozen body parts or warm them over a heater. Instead, warm them with lukewarm compresses or water (preferably 20-30 minutes).
• Sports/snow goggles: A good sports or snow goggle is essential, especially for protecting your eyes. Frostbite of the eye can be recognised by blurred vision or, in others, by bluish, white, or red eyes. It’s crucial to wear ventilated ski goggles. If you use dark lenses, it’s advisable to bring clear goggles for visibility in low light conditions. If your vision deteriorates, you should report to a first aid station.
• It’s also a good idea to bring dry clothing.
• Falling through the ice
  The Elfstedentocht is only held after extensive measurements of the ice thickness and strength along the entire route. If you do fall through the ice, do the following: try to break the edge of the hole toward the edge of the ice. When the ice no longer breaks, lie on your back against the edge, push off with your feet against the opposite edge, and slide back onto the ice. Stay lying down and pull yourself toward the edge. If you’re underwater, pay attention to the color difference: if there’s snow on the ice, look for the light spot; if the ice is clear, look for the dark spot.

Liability exclusion

All participants skate at their own risk. The Association accepts no liability for accidents that happen to the participant before, during, or after the Elfstedentocht, including death or any form of physical or mental injury. The Association is also not liable for any damage, loss, or theft of personal belongings before, during, or after the event.

Stamp cards

You can only participate in the Elfstedentocht if you are a member and have a stamp card. Stamp cards are non-transferable, even to family members. This will be checked thoroughly at registration. At the start, you will be checked again. Make sure you skate with your own card to avoid unpleasant and disappointing situations during registration and at the start.

Because the Association faces issues with stamp cards being sold or offered online (with or without payment), the board has introduced penalties for transferring or selling stamp cards. The Elfstedentocht is for skaters, the public, and other interested parties, not for those trying to make a financial gain. The board also finds it unacceptable for non-members to attempt to participate in the event. The penalties are:

1. Members with a stamp card who offer it for free: the stamp card of the member will be invalid for the season.
2. Members offering their stamp card for a fee: the member will be immediately expelled and will not be allowed to rejoin the Royal Association of the Friesian Eleven Cities.
3. Non-members requesting a stamp card: if they acquire a stamp card, they will not be able to participate in the event and must bear the risk of any payments made to others.

To enhance control during registration and cancellation, we will now check age and require a valid ID (driver's license, passport, or identity card) during registration and cancellation.

The Association is aware that stricter checks during registration and cancellation are not necessary for most members, but a small group causes the need for these additional rules. The Association’s priority is to protect the interests of its members and ensure the most beautiful skating event remains available for members.

Unauthorised participants (skating without permission)

Only members of the Association may participate in the Elfstedentocht. The entire route is set up for a specific number of participants, including first aid stations, stamp posts, emergency transportation, etc. If more people skate the Elfstedentocht, it can lead to dangerous and undesirable situations.

The board understands that everyone wants to skate the Elfstedentocht, but for safety reasons, participation is restricted to members only. The Association takes a firm stance against unauthorised participants. All participants will receive a vest at the start, which must be worn. Unauthorised participants won’t have the vest and will be easily recognisable during the event, not only by the organisation but also by other skaters and the public. The Association also asks skaters to point out unauthorised participants (without vests) and remind them that they could cause dangerous situations.