World's Longest Cross-Country Ski Race - A Cool Winter Spectacle With Tradition
Starting this coming Friday, the winter week of the legendary Vasarace consists of various cross-country skiing races over ten days, culminating in the classic Vasaloppet on the first Sunday in March. All races take place in the Vasarace Arena, along the picturesque 90 km route between Sälen and the famous finish line in Mora.
Photo: Vasaloppet (Download)
The Vasarace in Dalarna, also known as the Vasaloppet, has its origins in a historical event. The legend states that the race is intended to honor the memory of Gustav Eriksson Vasa, a Swede who led a rebellion against Danish occupation in 1521. As a symbol of resilience, the Vasaloppet is meant to commemorate Vasa's historic escape through the forests. The first official Vasaloppet took place in 1922 and has since evolved into a significant annual skiing event that attracts athletes and spectators from around the world.
The first race on the first Friday is Vasrace 30 from Oxberg to Mora. On Saturday, the Tjejvasan (women's vasa) will be held on the same route as Vasarace 30. The Öppet Spår on Sunday starts in Sälen and is run in classic style. On Sundays there is also the Ungdomsvasan (Youth Vasa) for young people up to the age of 16, which starts in Eldris and Hökberg.
Öppet Spår Monday offers several options: The race is held in free style, which means that both classic and skating styles can be chosen. From 2024, it will also be possible to choose the distance: Öppet Spår Montag 90 starts in Sälen, Öppet Spår Montagy 45 at the Evertsberg checkpoint and Öppet Spår Montag 30 at the Oxberg checkpoint. On Tuesday it is then the turn of Vasarace 45, which starts in Oxberg and runs along Lake Oxberg before joining up with the Vasarace route.
Relay vasan is held on Friday and consists of five sections divided between relay skiers from Sälen to Mora. Nattvasan 90, Nattvasan 45 and Nattvasan 30 start on the same night. Skating style is allowed and you can participate individually or in pairs. Saturday then sees the beginner's Vasalauf 10 race from Eldris to the finish, where participants are encouraged to wear vintage equipment if they wish. The week ends with the biggest cross-country race in the world, the big Vasarace, which attracts 15,800 participants and runs along the so-called main artery of Swedish skiing!
But the Vasarace winter week is not just about skiing. There is much more to experience! For example, a visit to the finish area in Mora, which attracts around 200,000 visitors every winter. Or the Vasalauf opening ceremony in the Mora church, which has been traditionally held since 1922 and includes a celebrity speaker and the crowning of the Kranskulla of the year.
Vasaloppstrippeln - Complete the Vasarace in one year with skiing, cycling and running
The Vasaloppstrippeln, the Vasarace trilogy, is a challenge in which participants complete three Vasalauf races within a calendar year. In the footsteps of the ancestors, 90, 45 or 30 kilometres of skiing, cycling and running.
Photo: Vasaloppet (Download)
Website: vasaloppet.se
Press photos: vasaloppet/images
Dalarna offers the best conditions for an eventful holiday. The multifaceted landscape is ideal for hiking, cycling and skiing. In addition, sights such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site Falun and fascinating artists' houses offer insights into culture and history. The typical souvenir from Dalarna is a horse made of wood, either bought or painted.
More information about the Dalarna region: visitsweden.com
More information about cross-country skiing in Sweden: visitsweden.com
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