What started as a Swedish revolt a little less than 500 years ago has become a modern-day spectacle in the country’s sporting calendar.

This year as many as 15,800 people are expected to participate in the Vasaloppet cross-country skiing competition. Photo: © Vasaloppet, Marknads AB

Annually held on the first Sunday of March, Vasaloppet is the concluding highlight in a week of intensive skiing which attracts thousands to the Swedish province of Dalarna. This is the country’s central heartland, where north and south meet and its administrative capital Falun lies 230 kilometres north of Stockholm.

A momentous roar signals the start when over 15,000 skiers set off from Sälen on the gruelling 90 kilometre route. Meanwhile the 50,000-strong crowd at the finish line in Mora are warming up their vocal chords in expectant mood.

And then there’s the aroma of warm blueberry soup, as much of an institution as the race itself. The rich source of homemade energy has been handed out to skiers over the years as a spur to the finish.

Seven days, seven races

With more kilometres than a double marathon and a time limit of 12 hours, Vasaloppet tests the endurance of the most experienced skier. But for those who fear the might of the main event, the historic course offers a number of other races over the week.

In Öppet Spår, skiers can attempt the whole 90 kilometre course without the competitive stress, while HalvVasan is a 45 kilometre warm up to the main event. All the family can enjoy KortVasan, a fun event over the final 30 kilometres, while StafettVasan is a popular relay race. SkeijtVasan is the only free technique race of the week and TjejVasan is a 30 kilometre jaunt just for the girls.


In the Öppet Spår ("Open Track") race, participants ski the 90 kilometer (56 mile) Vasaloppet course without competition and stress. Photo: © Vasaloppet, Marknads AB

Vasaloppet and Öppet Spår are also part of the Swedish Classic Circuit which involves the completion of a classic event from each of the four disciplines; skiing, running, cycling and swimming.

Behind the scenes

Vasaloppet has become a full-time movement which operates all year round. However, the event relies upon the 3,500 volunteers and officials who work behind the scenes. The busy media centre is an efficient operating ground for journalists whilst medical centres become safe havens for injured skiers. The locals accommodate visitors by renting out rooms and the hotels and restaurants enjoy a roaring trade.

The majority of visitors to Dalarna during Vasaloppet week hail from Sweden and Scandinavia, but around 4,500 skiers from 35 different countries also come to experience the event. “The atmosphere is a combination of tradition, history and a feeling of friendship,” says Rolf Hammar, general secretary of Vasaloppet. “It means so much for the area and the locals are proud of the competition. The economic benefits are important as well and it gives a chance for the people to really sell the area,” he adds.

16th century roots

Vasaloppet commemorates the trail of renegade Swede, Gustav Eriksson Vasa. In 1521 he arrived in Dalarna to convince the people to join his crusade against Danish King Kristian the Tyrant. Vasa failed in his mission and was forced to take flight on his skis closely followed by the Danes”.

The locals had a change of heart and sent two of Mora’s fastest skiers to catch up with him. They found him in Sälen and persuaded him to return. After two and a half years of war, Gustav Vasa led his country to victory and freedom and in 1523 he was proclaimed King of Sweden.


Vasaloppet, which runs from Sälen to Mora in Sweden's Dalarna province, has been an annual tradition since 1922, with historical roots from the 16th century. Photo: www.imagebank.sweden.se © Bo Lind / VisitSweden

Vasaloppet runs in the opposite direction of Vasa´s original journey and has done since the first race was staged in 1922. That year, 119 skiers set off on wooden skis and the winner finished in a time of 7 hours 32 minutes and 49 seconds.Vasaloppet 2005 welcomes a record 15,800 participants and the current course record stands at 3 hours 38 minutes and 57 seconds.

The forecast for this year’s Vasaloppet relies on the right conditions. Weathering the race is not only a question of endurance; a mild Swedish winter can threaten proceedings. Vasaloppet has been cancelled three times due to a shortage of snow, most recently in 1990.

Technological time-keeping

The modern day Vasaloppet has also been speeded up with the use of information technology.
Radio frequency identification (RFID) chips are worn by every skier, enabling an electronic reading of times as they pass through the various checkpoints.

The data is compiled into comprehensive time reports which are posted on the internet. In 2004, Vasaloppet´s official website received nearly 19 million hits on race day alone. Moreover, by signing up to Vasaloppet’s short message service (SMS), family and friends can follow the progress of individual skiers with information sent direct to their mobile phones.

For some, Vasaloppet is a one-off challenge of a lifetime, for others it’s a world stage in cross country skiing. But for everyone there’s the glory of crossing the finish line under the banner of the Vasaloppet motto, “In the footsteps of our forefathers for the victories of tomorrow.”


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Christine Demsteader is an English journalist based in Stockholm. Living in Sweden since 2002, she combines freelance writing with radio production.

The author alone is responsible for the opinions expressed in this article.

Classification: A86ENa

© Photos:
Photo 1: © Vasaloppet, Marknads AB
Photo 2: © Vasaloppet, Marknads AB
Photo 3: www.imagebank.sweden.se © Bo Lind / VisitSweden