At just 18 years and 345 days old, Alvar Myhlback made history on March 2, 2025, becoming the youngest-ever winner of Vasaloppet. The Lager 157 Ski Team athlete, who crossed the finish line in Mora alongside teammate and 2023 champion Emil Persson, now looks back on his journey — one that began a decade ago in the youth version of the legendary race.

In a new feature published by Vasaloppet (official press release here), Myhlback shares his story from the first steps in Ungdomsvasan (Vasaloppet for youth) to standing on top of the most iconic finish line in long-distance skiing.

“The dream of winning Vasaloppet was born when I raced in Ungdomsvasan,” Myhlback says. “Finishing under that arch, getting the wreath, being greeted by the Kranskulla — that was huge. And it still is.”

Also Read – Myhlback’s record: “This is a life goal, and I achieved it at 18 years old”

From Ungdomsvasan to Vasaloppet champion

Myhlback’s rise through the Vasaloppet ranks is remarkable. He first competed in Ungdomsvasan in 2015, finishing second in the boys’ 9–10 age group. Over the next five years, he won the race every time. At just 16, he received special permission to take part in the full 90km Vasaloppet — and shocked the ski world by finishing eighth.

He followed that with a third place in 2024, before finally achieving victory this year.

“I’ve exceeded my own expectations in all three of my Vasaloppet races,” he admitted. “I never thought I’d be anywhere near what I’ve achieved — not when I came eighth, nor when I was third last year. But this year’s race will be hard to top,” he said with a laugh.

Read More: Impressive Vasaloppet win for Alvar Myhlback

The story continues below.

The key to success: endurance, preparation, and team culture

Myhlback credits much of his success to Lager 157 Ski Team’s structure and preparation, led by Anton Järnberg, and the precise ski testing managed by Marcus Laggar in Orsa.

“There are several reasons Vasaloppet suits me,” he explained. “I like endurance, and the long distance works in my favor. Our team has made Vasaloppet a clear focus, and Anton has set a standard for how we prepare. During training, I often think, ‘this is how I want to feel approaching Evertsberg.’”

That focus extends to his off-season training. Myhlback dominated the summer roller ski calendar with victories at Blinkfestivalen, Alliansloppet, and Klarälvsloppet, proving that his endurance and double-poling strength continue to evolve.

“The victories are proof that the training has worked well,” he said. “In previous years, I wasn’t stronger in summer than in winter, so I hope this shows I’ve taken another step forward.”

Looking ahead to Ski Classics and Vasaloppet 2026

The new Ski Classics Season XVII begins on December 13 in Bad Gastein, Austria. After Jizerská50 on February 1, the Pro Tour takes a one-month break before returning for Vasaloppet on March 1, 2026 — the 102nd edition of the race.

“The plan is to copy what’s worked before,” said Myhlback. “In past years, we’ve done races in Orsa two weeks before Vasaloppet, followed by a ‘Vasa camp’. Even if the schedule looks different this winter, we’ll try to keep the same setup.”

Advice for recreational skiers

As artificial snow tracks open across Sweden, Myhlback also shared his advice for those transitioning from roller skiing to snow training.

“Winter is long, and there are still many months left until Vasaloppet,” he reminded. “It’s important not to rush. Short snow loops often have a lot of climbing, and the hours don’t add up as easily as in summer. Take it easy when you start the snow season.”

A Vasaloppet story that comes full circle

From the youth start line in Ungdomsvasan to the world’s most prestigious long-distance ski race, Myhlback’s journey is both exceptional and symbolic — proof that Vasaloppet remains the beating heart of Swedish skiing, linking generations through shared ambition and tradition.

The 102nd Vasaloppet takes place on Sunday, March 1, 2026, starting in Sälen and finishing in Mora. For more details and registration, visit vasaloppet.se.

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