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Vasaloppet recaps the Winter Week 2026 and looks ahead with confidence
Vasaloppet’s Winter Week 2026 offered fantastic conditions with plenty of snow and temperatures below freezing. After a winter with good training conditions and snow across the country, registration numbers were at their highest since 2019. As many as 96 percent, more than usual, completed their races – up until Vasaloppet itself, which ran on Sunday, March 1.
“This year we would have liked to give a medal to every skier who stood on the start line in Berga by on Vasaloppet Sunday, with their sights set on Mora. Despite a yellow weather warning for heavy snowfall, only eight percent did not start; that figure is usually higher, so the determination and fighting spirit were certainly there,” says Tommy Höglund, Sports Director at Vasaloppet.
The 102nd Vasaloppet became a challenge with 10–20 cm of fresh snow which got stuck under the skis – regardless of ski wax – and finishing times rose to an hour longer than usual. Above all, the participants in the rear starting groups had a tough time, using up a lot of energy already in the first miles.
“A clear difference this year was that more people withdrew early in the race; it simply became too heavy with the fresh snow. Normally many make it to Evertsberg, but this year more than half of all withdrawals happened before the halfway point. That is why we also had issues with coordinating the withdrawal buses, ” says Tommy Höglund.
In Vasaloppet 2026 a total of 78 percent of the starters finished. Of those who did not make it to Mora half of them did not meet the time limits and the other half withdrew for other reasons – which is also a higher figure than normal.
What would you like to say to everyone who skied Vasaloppet 2026?
“I have spoken to veterans who have skied for over 30 years who consider this the toughest race they have experienced, so that is worth bearing in mind. If you were among those who withdrew, you are not alone. But regardless of how far you got this year, I think you should come back and give it another try – either to make a comeback or to cross the finish line once again. There is something special about the challenge, tradition and community of the Vasaloppet Arena, and the beauty of Vasaloppet is that you get a new opportunity, and new conditions, every year.”
Vasaloppet's Winter Week and World Championship 2027
Interest in cross-country skiing continues to grow and next year something truly special awaits: A huge skiing celebration in Dalarna, with Vasaloppet’s Winter Week and the World Championships in Falun taking place during the same period. Registration for the 103rd Vasaloppet and the Winter Week 2027 is now open and interest is, as usual, already high
In total, nearly 63,400 people registered for Vasaloppet’s Winter Week 2026. The Winter Week 2027 race programme will be the same as these past three years, with 14 different ski races. Evaluation of this year’s events is now in full swing and several points have already been decided within the organization.
“We know it was much appreciated that snow groomers went out to prepare new tracks during the races, and we will continue and develop that. We will also review the procedures for the rear starting groups, where the entry process was a challenge this year. The introduction of our pace guides in Vasaloppet was also somewhat challenging as the time limits were extended, but from Evertsberg it worked as intended with a one-hour delay. We will continue to develop that for Vasaloppet 2027,” says Tommy Höglund.
The Vasaloppet Winter Week 2027 and the 103rd Vasaloppet
The early-bird discount applies to all races when registering up to and including Friday, March 27, after which the registration fee will be adjusted on three further occasions during the year. Vasaloppet.se has a clear overview that makes it easy to find the right time to register.
Registration Vasaloppet’s Winter Week 2027 >
Upcoming events in the Vasaloppet Arena:
Vasaloppet's Summer Week 2026 – biking and running
Friday, August 7, Cykelvasan 30, start Oxberg, 32 km
Friday, August 7, Cykelvasan Öppet Spår, start Sälen, 95 km
Friday, August 7, Cykelvasan 45, start Oxberg, 45 km
Saturday, August 8, Cykelvasan 90, start Sälen, 95 km
Friday, August 14, Funkisvasan, start Mora, 4 km
Friday, August 14, Trailvasan 10, start Mora, 10 km
Saturday, August 15, Ultravasan 90, start Sälen, 92 km
Saturday, August 15, Vasastafetten, running relay, ten legs, start Sälen, 92 km
Saturday, August 15, Ultravasan 45, start Oxberg, 45 km
Saturday, August 15, Trailvasan 30, start Oxberg, 30 km
Vasaloppet’s Winter Week 2027 and the 103rd Vasaloppet – cross country skiing
Friday, February 26, Vasaloppet 30, start Oxberg, 30 km
Saturday, February 27, Tjejvasan, start Oxberg, 30 km
Sunday, February 28, Öppet Spår Sunday, start Sälen, 90 km
Sunday, February 28, Ungdomsvasan, start Eldris, 9 km, start Hökberg, 19 km
Monday, March 1, Öppet Spår Monday 90, freestyle, start Sälen, 90 km
Monday, March 1, Öppet Spår Monday 45, freestyle, start Oxberg, 45 km
Monday, March 1, Öppet Spår Monday 30, freestyle, start Oxberg, 30 km
Tuesday, March 2, Vasaloppet 45, start Oxberg, 45 km
Friday, March 5, Stafettvasan, ski relay, five sections, start Sälen, 90 km
Friday, March 5, Nattvasan 30, individually or two-person teams, freestyle, start Oxberg, 30 km
Friday, March 5, Nattvasan 45, individually or two-person teams, freestyle, start Oxberg, 45 km
Friday, March 5, Nattvasan 90, individually or two-person teams, freestyle, start Sälen, 90 km
Saturday, March 6, Vasaloppet 10, freestyle, start Eldris, 9 km
Sunday, March 7, The 103rd Vasaloppet, start Sälen, 90 km
Vasaloppstrippeln – ski, bike and run, all in one year
Vasaloppstrippeln is a challenge where you complete three races – skiing, cycling and running – during one and the same calendar year. Choose between 30, 45 or 90 kilometres.
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High-resolution photos from Vasaloppet
https://www.mynewsdesk.com/se/vasaloppet/latest_media
Text and photos may be freely published.
For more information
Camilla Sandy Swarén. Press Manager Vasaloppet
+46 (0)70-384 95 00
camilla.sandy@vasaloppet.se
More on Vasaloppet
www.vasaloppet.se
Press room: mynewsdesk.com/se/pressroom/vasaloppet
Facebook: facebook.com/vasaloppetofficial
Instagram: @vasaloppet
Ämnen
Vasaloppet is the world's biggest cross-country ski race. Vasaloppet's Winter Week with its cross-country skiing and Summer Week with mountain biking and running attract a total of almost 100,000 registered participants every year. Since the beginning in 1922 over two million participants have passed the finish line portal in Mora. Vasaloppet is a non-profit making organization owned by IFK Mora and Sälens IF. An engine for public health and sports club activities, in forefathers' tracks for future victories!
