For Vasaloppet 2024, 20.5% of the registered participants are women, compared to 79.5% men. This marks the first time in the race’s history that over 20% of its participants are women.

Several projects encouraging more women in skiing have been launched, including an initiative by XC Sthlm in collaboration with Lager 157 Ski Team. Former Ski Classics athlete Malin Börjesjö and Joanna Lewerentz are leading the women’s program for XC Sthlm.

“I organize the training sessions we host every Wednesday leading up to the winter season. During these sessions, we focus on group development through knowledge sharing and technique improvement. Joanna organizes our weekend meetups, where we are supported by the Lager 157 Ski Team,” says Malin Börjesjö to Langd.se.

Joanna Lewerentz adds:

“I ensure that the goals and preferences of our female participants for the season are met as much as possible. This year, we’ve developed a program based on last year’s feedback. Many found group training particularly valuable, so we’ve ensured weekly meetups alongside our full-day events.”

Support from a Pro Team

Lager 157 Ski Team supports the women’s program, aiming to inspire more women to take up long-distance skiing. During the fall, the team partnered with XC Sthlm to organize events for women, where participants could gain inspiration from the team’s female athletes.

Currently, the program consists of about 50 women actively participating in various training sessions.

Did last year’s initiative spark increased interest?

“Last year’s program laid a solid foundation for continued work, and we’ve definitely seen greater interest,” says Malin Börjesjö.

What are the training group’s goals for the upcoming season?

“Since our group is so diverse, we have a wide range of individual goals. Like last year, we will offer shared accommodations for Tjejvasan and hope to be able to offer accommodation to everyone who starts.”

Women in Vasaloppet on the Rise

The gender gap among Vasaloppet participants remains significant. As mentioned earlier, 20.5% of participants in Vasaloppet 2024 are women. In 2023, the “VasanFörMargit” initiative was launched, honoring Margit Nordin, the first woman to complete the Vasaloppet in 1923. The initiative aims to encourage more women to take part in the race.

How can more women be brought into the recreational and elite skiing communities?

“Training together is key, which is why we believe in women’s groups. These groups provide a sense of community where participants can inspire one another and develop a shared appreciation for the sport—crucial for continued progress. For newcomers, there are likely countless questions about equipment, training plans, suitable roller skiing spots in Stockholm, nutrition, or energy intake. A shared platform where women can ask these questions makes entry into the sport much easier,” explains Börjesjö.

Despite increasing participation, significantly fewer women than men line up at Vasaloppet’s starting line. Börjesjö and Lewerentz believe there are several reasons for this.

“Many women underestimate their abilities, which may explain part of the gap. They might not believe in themselves enough to participate in long-distance races. Cross-country skiing is also a highly equipment-focused sport, and the complexity of gear—clothing, poles, skis, wax—can feel overwhelming, especially for those without prior experience. It can be even more daunting in environments dominated by knowledgeable men who seem to know everything, making it hard to take space and ask ‘silly’ questions,” they conclude.

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