Vasaloppet

It started Friday last week. 10 000 skiers doing a 30 km race. Yesterday another 10 000 skiers did the same. Today 10 000 skiers did a longer distance, 90 km. And it continues like that for 10 days. The largest number is next Sunday when 15 800 is doing the 90 km distance. Totally 66 800 skiers participate in the races during this 10 days. And what is it all about? It’s Vasaloppet, the largest sports events in Sweden, and I guess one of the largest ones in the world.

The 90 km distance runs from Sälen to Mora, in the northwest part of my region, Dalarna. The winner (top names of the world) at the longest distance use a little bit over 4 hours to do 90 km, but most people need at least 6 hours, some up to 12 hours… So it is a challenge and experience over the average.

Waiting for start at the 30 km "Ladies race" in Vasaloppet

It got its name from the first uniting king of Sweden, Gustav Vasa. Hi did the distance during year 1520 when he fled from the Danish army. Denmark and Sweden was in a union at that time, and Gustav didn’t like the regime. He travelled through Sweden, walking, taking rides with locals and skiing and tried to get support for an upraise against the Danish king. And he actually went skiing from Mora towards Sälen, near the Norwegian border. He got support from the people in Dalarna and started his uprising against the Danish army. He succeed and he got elected as the first King of Sweden year 1523.  

The first ski race was arranged 1922 with 199 skiers doing the 90 km and ever since there has been ski races at the distance every year. 25 years ago they added shorter distances and now it’s a 10 days of ski festival. And yesterday I did my 5th race at the 30 km distance. So far I've managed to be faster every year so far… This year it took me a little bit under 2 hours 30 minutes, witch I’m very pleased with (the winner used approximately an hour less).

The most Welcome sight - the goal in Mora.
The text says: In your Fathers tracks towards Future Victories

The race has become a part of the Swedish culture and winter experience.

Check the race page for more pictures and information.