Date: March 26, 2022

Place: Vålådalen, Sweden

Distance: 100 km Classic technique

Active years: 10

Number of VSC sprints/climbing points: two sprints at 18 km in Valbo and at 25 km in Ottsjö and two climbs at 39 km in Ripkalhöjden and at 63 km in Lillvalen

Start times: Men 8:15 CET, women 7:30 CET

Website: https://arefjallsloppet.se

Highest peak: 865 m

Total climb: 2172 m

Årefjällsloppet was part of Visma Ski Classics Pro Tour from the third season to the seventh one. It came back to the circuit last winter offering a challenge like no other as the course was the longest in the history of Ski Classics, 100 km, and the weather conditions turned out to be extremely demanding.

The race starts and finishes in Vålådalen, Sweden, and the course has a bit of everything a long distance skier could hope for. There are long and hard climbs up to the mountains, some nice flat sections, beautiful sceneries around and a great atmosphere. The course passes the beautiful Ottsjö and the facilities in Trillevallen and Edsåsdalen before turning back for the finish line in Vålådalen after 100 km and about 2300 altitude meters.

No wonder the event was chosen as the best one among the Pro Team athletes last winter.

In addition to the 100 km race, there are shorter distances available for those who want to take it easier enjoying the welcoming spring weather.

Vålådalen is a classic winter sports resort in Jämtland, 30 kilometers south of Åre, a famous ski resort in Sweden. Today Vålådalen is visited by people seeking various outdoor activities. During the summer months, family mountain weeks, mountain jogging camps, photo courses, orienteering competitions and mountain marathons are also arranged in the area.

Vålådalen is also a part of Swedish sports history as many famous athletes have used the location for their training and continue to do so. Gunder Hägg, a famous Swedish runner with 16 world records under his belt from 1941 to 1945, used to get in shape in Vålådalen before breaking the records.

Season XI top three:

Men

1. Andreas Nygaard, Team Ragde Eiendom, 5:04:48.2

2. Stian Hoelgaard, Team Koteng, 5:04:51.0

3. Ari Luusua, Vltava Fund Ski Team, 5:04:53.8

Women

1. Lina Korsgren, Team Ramudden, 5:50:10.1

2. Emilie Fleten, Team Koteng, 5:50:13.7

3. Thea Krokan Murud, Team Kaffebryggeriet, 5:50:29.9