Vasaloppet’s next step to help more participants all the way to Mora. For Vasaloppet on March 7, 2027, all cut-off times in the event will be moved one hour later and will also become permanent.

The dream of skiing Vasaloppet and crossing the finish line under the classic finish arch in Mora will come a little closer for many recreational skiers. At Vasaloppet 2027, all cut-off times will be moved later. This gives participants an extra hour to complete the world’s largest long-distance ski race.

A big challenge on a demanding course

“Vasaloppet is still a major challenge, but we want to give more people the opportunity to succeed. Skiing under the finish line portal in Mora is an experience that many dream of, and we are now creating better conditions for more participants to make it all the way to the finish,” says Johan Eriksson, CEO of Vasaloppet, in a press release.

In recent years, more and more participants have taken on Vasaloppet for the first time. At the same time, the trend has shown that many skiers in the rear start groups need more time to complete the 90 kilometers – especially when the course conditions are demanding.

Changes made in 2026

Ahead of Vasaloppet 2026, the cut-off time in Smågan was moved 30 minutes later, and the popular cut-off pacers were introduced. The experience from these changes, together with analyses of previous races, now forms the basis for the next step – moving all cut-off times one hour later. The change means that the last participants are expected to finish at around 22:00 instead of 21:00.

In addition to the changed cut-off times, new withdrawal points will also be introduced between the checkpoints. This is to allow smoother care of participants who will not make the next cut-off time. On top of this, medical resources will also be strengthened throughout the Vasaloppet arena.

“When participants have more time, they also need to listen to their bodies, and we must ensure appropriate care throughout the race. Good preparation and a well-planned energy intake are important factors in ensuring a positive experience when skiing a race that can take up to 12–14 hours. With additional resources and a continued focus on safety, we believe this change will give more people the opportunity to complete their race safely,” says Vasaloppet’s Chief Medical Officer Martin Annsberg.

Cut-off pacers

The cut-off pacers, who made their debut at Vasaloppet 2026, will be on the course again this winter. They will join a short distance after the highest point of the first climb. They will act as pacers on skis. This way, participants should be able to hold the pace needed to reach the next checkpoint before the cut-off.

The later cut-off times add to the investment in better ski tracks ahead of Vasaloppet 2027. The goal is the same – more participants should have the chance to complete the race and reach the finish in Mora.

How the changed cut-off times affect the race

• All cut-off times will be moved back by 60 minutes.
• Cut-off times will be fixed; they will not change on race day.
• New cut-off points will be introduced between the checkpoints.
• Pace guides will return to help participants maintain the pace required to reach the next checkpoint.
• The final participants are expected to cross the finish line at around 22:00.
• Initiatives are also under way to improve ski tracks and create better conditions for participants to reach Mora.

Also Read: Vasaloppet steps up track work to help more skiers reach the finish in Mora

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

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