Bruksvallsloppet is the national season opener for Swedish cross-country skiing and has been held in Bruksvallarna for more than 30 years. In recent years, Gällivare and Bruksvallarna have taken turns hosting it every other year. The races play a major part in the selection for the World Cup opener in Ruka. All three races are broadcast on SVT, and the biggest stars will be on site.

The race weekend opens on Friday, November 20, with a classic sprint. The season opener then continues with a 10 km classic race on Saturday and a 10 km skate race on Sunday.

Hotell Bruksvallsliden

Over the years, many of the sport’s biggest stars have chosen to stay and train at Hotell Bruksvallsliden. It all started with a phone call in the autumn of 1978. Women’s national team coach Janne Halvarsson called to ask if there was snow in Bruksvallarna, and booked full board for 28 skiers for the following Monday.

The whole village helped clean and cook, while the hotel groomed the tracks with a homemade grooming machine. By the end of the week, 128 guests were staying at the hotel, and it marked the start of many years of training camps for elite skiers.

Best of all, the ski tracks start right outside the door.

On the hotel’s ground floor, you’ll find Bruksvallarnas Sportcenter, where you can buy or rent equipment and have your skis serviced. Around the corner are Brasserie Kerstin and the interior design shop Vävstugan.

Experience the season opener on site

If you want to see the Swedish elite in action, the season opener is the perfect opportunity. Book accommodation in Bruksvallarna here. More information about the races is available at bruksvallsloppet.se.