Work has started after the fire in Vasaloppet's warehouse – many want to help and contribute

On the night of Thursday, November 3, Vasaloppet's central warehouse at the Mora Ski Stadium burned to the ground. The warehouse, belonging to one of Vasaloppet's owner sports clubs, IFK Mora, stored many of the materials used in Vasaloppet's events. Machines, thousands of signs, kilometres of fences, large vats used to cook blueberry soup and other specialized equipment collected over decades are gone. Even the original woven motto from 1923 disappeared in the flames.

At 23:00 on Thursday evening, November 3, emergency services were alerted to a fire in two warehouses at the ski stadium in Mora. The fire brigade arrived at the scene and worked to extinguish the flames throughout the night. No one was injured but the buildings were completely destroyed in the fire.
"It is a heavy setback for us but, at the same time, we've had fantastic support come in. People from far and wide have been in touch to offer help. There have been suggested solutions, offers to donate money, and even people who want to come and help us make new fences. It means a lot and we will do what we can to respond to people's committent," says Johan Eriksson, CEO of Vasaloppet.

Vasaloppet's Winter Week 2023 is only a few months away and there will be ski races in the Vasaloppet Arena. Things may, however, need to look a bit different from normal.
"We are aware that it will be a bit of a battle against the clock and we will have to work hard, but we're fully set on welcoming all skiers to our twelve ski races this winter, including the 99th Vasaloppet on Sunday, March 5. The race offices in Vasaloppet's House were not affected by the fire and registration for our races is open as usual," says Johan Eriksson.

The warehouse at Mora Ski Stadium was insured and there's an ongoing dialogue with the insurance company. However, much of the material that disappeared in the fire was highly specific to Vasaloppet's events and cannot simply be bought on the market. Historical objects with high sentimental value have also been lost, including the original wove with the old motto "I fädrens spår för framtids segrar" (In the footsteps of our forefathers for the victories of tomorrow) from the finish line portal in 1923.
"Part of what has been lost cannot be replaced at all, which is extremely sad," says Johan Eriksson, continuing:
"We will need some help in the near future and it's clear that many friends of Vasaloppet are extremely driven and prepared to contribute. This week we will set a concrete plan for the work ahead of us and we will return with more information as soon as we can."

Upcoming events in the Vasaloppet Arena in 2023

Vasaloppet's Winter Week 2023
(registration open, start places still available in all ski races)

Friday 24 February: Vasaloppet 30, 30 km, start Oxberg
Saturday 25 February: Tjejvasan 30, km, start Oxberg
Sunday 26 February: Ungdomsvasan, 9 km start Eldris, 19 km start Hökberg
Sunday 26 February: Öppet Spår Sunday, 90 km, start Sälen
Monday 27 February: Öppet Spår Monday, 90 km, freestyle, start Sälen
Tuesday 28 February: Vasaloppet 45, 45 km, start Oxberg
Friday 3 March: Stafettvasan, 90 km, five-person teams, start Sälen
Friday 3 March: Nattvasan 90, 90 km, individually or two-person teams, freestyle, start Sälen
Friday 3 March: Nattvasan 45, 45 km, individually or two-person teams, freestyle, start Oxberg
Friday 3 March: Nattvasan 30, 30 km, individually or two-person teams, freestyle, start Oxberg
Saturday 4 March: Vasaloppet 10, 9 km, start Eldris
Sunday 5 March: Vasaloppet, 90 km, start Sälen

Vasaloppet's Summer Week 2023 (registration open, start places available in all bike and running races)

Friday 11 August: Cykelvasan 45, 45 km, start Oxberg
Friday 11 August: Cykelvasan 30, 32 km, start Oxberg
Friday 11 August: Ungdomscykelvasan, 32 km, start Oxberg
Friday 11 August: Cykelvasan Öppet Spår, 94 km, start Sälen
Saturday 12 August: Cykelvasan 90, 94 km, start Sälen
Friday 18 August: Trailvasan 10, 10 km, start Mora
Saturday 19 August: Ultravasan 90, 90 km, start Sälen
Saturday 19 August: Ultravasan 45, 45 km, start Oxberg
Saturday 19 August: Trailvasan 30, 30 km, start Oxberg
Saturday 19 August: Vasastafetten, 90 km, running relay for ten-person teams, start Sälen

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 90, 45 or 30 kilometres.

Like Vasaloppetofficial on Facebook and follow Vasaloppet on Instagram!

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, 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