Ahead of the Vasaloppet this winter, a major investment is being made in improved tracks. New working methods will facilitate the creation of new tracks during the race. This initiative aims to help more skiers reach the finish line in Mora.

Vasaloppet 2026 was one of the most challenging races in many years. A significant amount of fresh snow fell over the arena, forcing a record number of skiers to withdraw.

“For many participants, particularly in the later start groups, conditions became extremely difficult, with snow sticking to the underside of their skis, and a record number were forced to abandon the race,” says Daniel Mäkinen, Events Director at Vasaloppet, in a press release.

More participants should reach the finish in Mora

The experiences from that race and recent events prompted Vasaloppet to initiate a development project in the spring. The goal is to maintain the tracks in the best possible condition, even for skiers in the back starting waves during challenging weather conditions. With new methods, the capacity for track maintenance will be doubled. The aim is better ski tracks, an improved experience, and greater opportunities for more participants to reach the finish line in Mora.

“We know that the conditions for skiers in the front can be completely different from those experienced by participants starting further back, as became extra clear this winter. We will never be able to control the weather, but we can improve how we respond to the conditions we face,” says Daniel Mäkinen.

More machines and new methods

For Vasaloppet 2027, both the number of machines used for track reworking and the number of operators will be increased. Additionally, a new working method will be introduced, utilizing different types of machines across various sections of the course. Trail reworking will occur in a more continuous flow during the race.

“Previously, we have largely relied on snowmobiles and sledges. We are now developing a system in which large snow groomers, smaller specialist machines and snowmobiles work together, allowing us to re-groom the tracks more frequently and at more locations along the course,” continues Daniel Mäkinen.

New tracks earlier

Starting this winter, the largest grooming machines will be deployed earlier when necessary to create new ski tracks.

“This is a new way of working with high demands on safety and coordination. It could, for example, mean briefly stopping participants on the course for a few seconds to allow a snow groomer to enter and set fresh tracks. Previously, we considered this difficult to achieve, but we now see it as necessary to give our participants better conditions,” says Daniel Mäkinen.

“We need to think differently to meet the challenges we have seen in recent years. By allowing snow groomers onto the course earlier and enabling them to work continuously throughout the race, we will have new opportunities to improve the tracks while the race is under way.”

“Then we will have achieved”

With this new initiative as part of a long-term effort to develop the arena for the future, Vasaloppet hopes that more participants will be able to reach their goals, even under tough conditions.

“For many people, reaching the finish in Mora is the culmination of months of training, preparation and dreams. If we can give more people the opportunity to experience that feeling, we will have achieved what we set out to do,” concludes Daniel Mäkinen.

FACTS / How Vasaloppet will work to improve ski tracks for Vasaloppet 2027

• More continuous track maintenance throughout the race.
• Track re-grooming at more locations along the course.
• Earlier deployment of snow groomers on the course.
• More machines and more operators.
• New safety procedures and training initiatives.

FACTS / Vasaloppet’s Winter Week 2027 and the 103rd Vasaloppet

• Friday, February 26, Vasaloppet 30, start Oxberg, 30 km
• Saturday, February 27, Tjejvasan, start Oxberg, 30 km
• Sunday, February 28, Öppet Spår Sunday, start Sälen, 90 km
• Sunday, February 28, Vasaloppet Pro Race 30, start Oxberg, 30 km
• Sunday, February 28, Ungdomsvasan, start Eldris, 9 km, start Hökberg, 19 km
• Monday, March 1, Öppet Spår Monday 90, freestyle, start Sälen, 90 km
• Monday, March 1, Öppet Spår Monday 45, freestyle, start Oxberg, 45 km
• Monday, March 1, Öppet Spår Monday 30, freestyle, start Oxberg, 30 km
• Tuesday, March 2, Vasaloppet 45, start Oxberg, 45 km
• Friday, March 5, Stafettvasan, ski relay, five sections, start Sälen, 90 km
• Friday, March 5, Nattvasan 30, individually or two-person teams, freestyle, start Oxberg, 30 km
• Friday, March 5, Nattvasan 45, individually or two-person teams, freestyle, start Oxberg, 45 km
• Friday, March 5, Nattvasan 90, individually or two-person teams, freestyle, start Sälen, 90 km
• Saturday, March 6, Vasaloppet 10, freestyle, start Eldris, 9 km
• Sunday, March 7, The 103rd Vasaloppet, start Sälen, 90 km