Date: March 6, 2022

Place: Sälen-Mora, Sweden

Distance: 90 km Classic technique

Active years: 100

Record number of participants: 16,502

Number of VSC sprints/climbing points: two sprints at 24 km in Mångsbordarna and at 47 km in Evertsberg and one climb at 3 km, the first hill

Start times: Men 8:00 CET, women 8:00 CET

Website: www.vasaloppet.se

Highest peak: 554 m

Total climb: 944 m

Vasaloppet is not just the biggest ski race in the world; it is also one of the biggest sport events. The brand has evolved into an institution with its annual summer and winter weeks with several events and activities. 

Since the beginning in 1922 over 1.5 million participants have passed the finish line portal in Mora. The saga of the race goes all the way to 1520 depicting the tale of Gustav Eriksson Vasa, who rebelled against Denmark and eventually became the first king of free Sweden. 

The 90 km main race on the first Sunday of March is the oldest and most prestigious ski event in Visma Ski Classics. This mass-start race, with almost 16,000 participants standing together at the same start area, is the one that every Pro Team athlete dream about winning.

Sälen, the start location of Vasaloppet, is known for its seven alpine ski resorts. The oldest of them is Högfjällshotellet, which was built in 1937, and it remains one of the most popular vacation destinations in the area. Popular rock band U2 filmed their music video New Year’s Day in Sälen in December 1982.

A new public airport, Scandinavian Mountains Airport, has recently opened offering greater access to the region. There are also many mountain farms serving waffles, snacks and hot drinks, and Vasaloppet participants can enjoy their offering when getting ready for the long journey from Sälen to Mora. 

Mora is, of course, world-famous as the finish location of Vasaloppet, but it is much more than that. There is a very idyllic Scandinavian style downtown area with boutiques, cafés with Swedish “fika”, great diners and restaurants with local dishes. The town is also known for its Mora knives and longcase clocks, and everyone knows the symbol of the area “Dalahäst”, a traditional carved, painted wooden statue of a horse originating in the Swedish province of Dalarna.

Season XI top three:

Men

1. Tord Asle Gjerdalen, Team XPND Fuel of Norway, 3:28:18.4 (record time)

2. Anton Karlsson, Lager 157 Ski Team, 3:28:54.7

3. Ermil Vokuev, Russian Winter Team, 3:29:19.8

Women

1. Lina Korsgren, Team Ramudden, 3:52:08.2 (record time)

2. Marit Bjørgen, Team Ragde Charge, 3:52:50.2

3. Ida Dahl, Team Ramudden, 3:57:07.3