Stricter technique checks to stop skating in Vasaloppet

Today, more and more skiers – not only the elite – choose to ski Vasaloppet without grip wax, double poling the entire race. This brings the risk that participants, for example when fatigue sets in, use skating technique, which is not permitted in classic style races. For the 102nd Vasaloppet this year, technique checks out on the course will be tightened. Together with several other measures, this aims to educate and inform participants about the rules that apply.

“We want to safeguard classic skiing, nationally and internationally, while at the same time creating the best possible conditions for those aiming to double pole their way through a ski race in classic style”, says Tommy Höglund, Sports Director at Vasaloppet.

Together with FIS (the International Ski Federation) and the other long-distance Ski Classics races, Vasaloppet has produced five short films with prolific skiers like Anders Aukland och Anna-Karin Strömstedt clearly showing what is permitted and what is not in classic style ski races. The films will be shared through Vasaloppet’s social channels, and those of the other long-distance races, as well as Vasaloppet’s newsletter to registered participants.
“After last year’s events, we saw a need for better dialogue around this, and the films are one way for us to show what applies out on the course,” says Tommy Höglund.

According to FIS regulations, which apply in Vasaloppet, the use of skating technique should lead to disqualification. If the incident is considered a breach of the rules but is deemed not to have resulted in any advantage in the final results list, the race jury may choose to issue a verbal or written warning instead of disqualification.
“For elite skiers with a FIS code, we will follow the standard penalty rules, but new for this year is that other participants may be issued verbal warnings directly out on the course,” says Tommy Höglund.

Vasaloppet’s technique checks are carried out in Tjejvasan and Vasaloppet, and in the other classic style races during Vasaloppet’s Winter Week. For Vasaloppet’s Winter Week 2026, these checks will be strengthened, and functionaries will display warning signs on the course for participants skiing in a prohibited manner. If a skier receives several verbal warnings, the jury may decide to impose a stricter penalty.
“The main idea is to make the participant aware that he or she is doing something wrong, and to show those around them that Vasaloppet sees this and takes it seriously. In this way, we also believe that skiers out on the course can help each other do the right thing and follow the rules,” says Tommy Höglund.

In Vasaloppet’s participant survey from 2025, as many as 24 percent stated that they skied on skate skis or double poling skis and thus aimed to double pole the entire Vasaloppet.
“This was a surprisingly large number, which is why we saw the need to make a bigger effort to clarify the rules that apply on the course. It is also important to point out that this issue mainly concerns participants in the front start groups, where the pace is higher and interaction on the course can have greater consequences. Our aim is not to issue warnings and create unnecessary concern among skiers further back in the field. For them, our role is rather to be there as support, to offer encouragement, and to ensure that as many people as possible have a positive experience and manage to make it all the way to the finish in Mora,” says Tommy Höglund.

See FIS short films: How to ski correct in classic style races >

RULES/ Ski technique

Classic style ski races
Vasaloppet 30, Tjejvasan, Öppet Spår Sunday, Ungdomsvasan, Vasaloppet 45, Stafettvasan, and Vasaloppet all use classic ski technique.

Single or double skating is not allowed. Changing direction allows stepping with the inside ski and pushing off with the outside ski with the intent of changing direction. When there are prepared tracks, repeated track changes or stepping in and out of the track are not permitted. The use of skate technique may lead to disqualification.

In Vasaloppet and the Tjejvasan competition class, FIS rules and the decisions of the race jury apply. However, skiers who are not elite competitors may also be given verbal warnings directly on the course, and after several such warnings in the same race, the jury may decide on a penalty that can lead to disqualification.

Freestyle ski races
Öppet Spår Monday 30, Öppet Spår Monday 45, Öppet Spår Monday 90, Nattvasan 30, Nattvasan 45, Nattvasan 90 and Vasaloppet 10 are freestyle races, meaning that classic skiing and skate are both allowed.

FACTS/ Vasaloppet’s race jury
The race jury in all FIS-sanctioned cross-country ski races consists of a chair appointed by FIS and an assistant TD (technical delegate) appointed by the national ski federation, in this case the Swedish Ski Association. In addition to these two, the Vasaloppet race jury also includes the Ski Classics race director and Vasaloppet’s competition manager.

Upcoming events in the Vasaloppet Arena:

Vasaloppet's Winter Week 2026 and the 102nd Vasaloppet – cross country skiing
Friday, February 20, Vasaloppet 30, start Oxberg, 30 km
Saturday, February 21, Tjejvasan, start Oxberg, 30 km
Sunday, February 22, Öppet Spår Sunday, FULLY BOOKED, start Sälen, 90 km
Sunday, February 22, Ungdomsvasan, start Eldris, 9 km, start Hökberg, 19 km
Monday, February 23, Öppet Spår Monday 90, freestyle, start Sälen, 90 km
Monday, February 23, Öppet Spår Monday 45, freestyle, start Oxberg, 45 km
Monday, February 23, Öppet Spår Monday 30, freestyle, start Oxberg, 30 km
Tuesday, February 24, Vasaloppet 45, start Oxberg, 45 km
Friday, February 27, Stafettvasan, ski relay, five sections, start Sälen, 90 km
Friday, February 27, Nattvasan 30, individually or two-person teams, freestyle, start Oxberg, 30 km
Friday, February 27, Nattvasan 45, individually or two-person teams, freestyle, start Oxberg, 45 km
Friday, February 27, Nattvasan 90, individually or two-person teams, freestyle, start Sälen, 90 km
Saturday, February 28, Vasaloppet 10, freestyle, start Eldris, 9 km
Sunday, March 1, The 102nd Vasaloppet, start Sälen, 90 km

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

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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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

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