Vasaloppet - 100 year anniversary

Vasaloppet, the ski race between Sälen and Mora, is the world’s biggest long-distance ski race. Since the first race in 1922, almost 1,700,000 participants have travelled various long distances between Sälen and Mora. At the same time, millions of TV viewers and sports enthusiasts have been inspired to head out to the nearest illuminated ski track themselves in the hope of one day skiing, cycling or running in their forefathers’ tracks for future victories.

In 2022, Vasaloppet will be 100 years old, which of course should be celebrated. Among other things, the Jubileumsvasan (Jubilee Vasaloppet) is being organised, a race in tribute to the pioneers that put the first race together in 1922. The Jubilee Vasaloppet will take place on the 12th of February, when the conditions should be most similar to the way they were in 1922. This means long wooden skis with toe straps, peaked shoes and calfskin trousers. They’ll wax the skis with tar and enjoy broth, eggs and milk at the three stops. 139 skiers will be taking part in the race, as many as there were registered at the first Vasaloppet in 1922. The aim is for the entire race to mirror the experience that the skiers had 100 years ago.

A colourful tribute race

A new race, Vasaloppet 10, is intended to be a roughly 10 km long, 100th birthday party. Vasaloppet encourages starters to dress in training clothes from any decade as an extra colourful tribute to the jubilee. The race runs from Eldris to Mora on Saturday 5th March.

‘The whole race will be a tribute to our favourite 100 year old and we hope as many people as possible will take the chance to get dressed up in clothes from different times. Vasaloppet 10 is a freestyle race so there’s every opportunity to try out different types of styles and equipment, such as wide wooden skis, skates or other options’, says Tommy Höglund, sports manager of Vasaloppet.

Activities in and around Mora

Mora might be most people’s destination during the winter holiday week, especially for people participating in one of the various races. But there’s also a lot more to see and do in Mora and the surrounding area. Below, we’ve compiled some tips on activities for both skiers and their accompanying supporters.

Zorn and skiing

In 1903, the artist Anders Zorn's iconic statue of Gustav Vasa was unveiled in Mora. In fact, Anders Zorn was also organising ski competitions in Mora long before Vasaloppet came along in 1922. The Mora artist had a massive interest in skiing and liked to ski himself, although not competitively. In connection with Vasaloppet's 100th anniversary celebration, the Zorn Museum invites visitors to an exhibition about Zorn and skiing. The exhibition opens on the 12th of February.

Children’s Vasalopp on skis

Vasaloppet organises Barnens Vasaloppet in both Sälen and Mora, for children between 3–10 years. In Sälen, the race will take place on Saturday 26th February at the start of Vasaloppet in Berga By, and in Mora, race day is on Saturday 5th March, starting at Mora Parkens Camping. Registration takes place at the race site, it’s free to participate in the race and all the children will receive a medal after the finish.

Nils Olsson Dalahästar (Dala Horses)

Visit Nils Olsson Dalahästar in Nusnäs and see how some of Sweden's most famous icons are produced. Follow the whole production chain - from simple pieces of wood to decoratively painted horses of all sizes.

A world of fairytales at Tomteland

Santa lives in Dalarna at Sagolandet Tomteland in Gesunda, outside Mora, with all his fairytale friends. During the spring school holiday, the huge outdoor park will open for two weekends, 25th-27th February and 4th-6th March 2022. The programme is full of activities, shows and performances with fairytale characters, antics and adventures all day long.

Try cross country skiing for the first time

No matter your skill level, there are lots of beautiful and child-friendly skiing areas. One clear favourite in the Vasaloppet Area is Mora ski stadium. But nearby there is also Orsa Grönklitt with 130 km of ski trails - a great alternative for families with children as well as experienced cross-country skiers.

After the Jubilee Vasaloppet on the 12th of February, Vasaloppet's winter week starts on Friday 25th February with Vasaloppet 30 and ends as usual with Vasaloppet on Sunday 6th March.