Vasaloppet is the world’s largest ski race, and for many, also the most overwhelming. Here is your guide to the checkpoints along the course, important cut-off times, spare equipment, and logistics that can save your race.

Vasaloppet is the world’s largest ski race, and if you are doing it for the first time, it can feel overwhelming. Below, we list the most important things to keep in mind before the start and during the race.

Equipment and information during the race

Official checkpoints

Vasaloppet has seven official checkpoints. The first comes after 11km and the last after 81km. At all stations, you’ll find blueberry soup, sports drinks, water, vegetable broth, coffee, and buns. There are also toilets, medical staff, and basic waxing and ski repair services available.

• Smågan – 11km
• Mångsbodarna – 24km
• Risberg – 35km
• Evertsberg – 47km
• Oxberg – 62km
• Hökberg – 71km
• Eldris – 81km

Cut-off times

There are cut-off times at each checkpoint. If you have not passed the checkpoint before the designated time, you will be required to stop. If you arrive close to the cut-off time, you must leave the station no later than 10 minutes after the official time.

For this year’s Vasaloppet, the organizers have introduced “rope guides.” These are skiing officials wearing special vests who act as pace setters. Skiers can follow them to ensure they reach the next checkpoint before the cut-off.

• Smågan: 11:00 CET
• Mångsbodarna: 12:15 CET
• Risberg: 13:45 CET
• Evertsberg: 15:00 CET
• Oxberg: 16:30 CET
• Hökberg: 17:40 CET
• Eldris: 19:00 CET

What if you break a pole?

A lot can happen during a 90km ski race. Equipment or wax issues may arise during the day. If you break a pole or experience other equipment problems, loaner skis and boots are available at all official Vasaloppet checkpoints.

• Find out where the organizer keeps spare poles. Vasaloppet provides extra equipment at all official checkpoints. There are often spare poles at the bottom of the first hill as well.

• Know your pole length before the race. That way, assistance at the checkpoints will be faster.

• Do you have a family member or small support team helping you during the race? If so, they can bring spare poles in your exact length.

Logistics

With 16.000 skiers at the start, logistics before Vasaloppet can be challenging. Make sure to arrive early and keep track of all essential information. On race morning, there are often long traffic queues, so allow more time than you think you need.

Road closures during Vasaloppet

On Sunday, March 1, during Vasaloppet, the road between Oxberg and Sälen will be one-way. Traffic will only be allowed from Sälen toward Mora between 07:00 CET and 16:00 CET.

Evertsberg toward Fiskarheden: Closed toward Sälen between 07:00 CET and 15:00 CET.

Oxberg toward Evertsberg: Closed toward Evertsberg between 08:00 CET and 16:00 CET.

Road crossing at Åsen (Vasaloppet start): After the start, skiers cross national road 66 before heading up the first climb. That road closes early in the morning. If you live in Sälen and want to take the closest route to the start, you must pass before 04:30 CET. The road remains closed until 09:30 CET. Traffic is redirected via Transtrand.

Buses

If you are staying in Mora, the easiest way to reach the start is via the official Vasaloppet buses. Tickets are limited and cannot be purchased on race morning; they must be bought through the Vasaloppet website. Skis and poles must be packed in a ski bag.

The trip between Mora and Sälen takes approximately 2.5 hours. Buses depart between 04:00 CET and 04:45 CET.

It is also possible to take a bus from Sälen Center to the Vasaloppet start in the morning. It departs at 05:30 CET. On race morning, buses also depart from Älvdalen and Malung. A full timetable and more information are available on the Vasaloppet website.

Wax service in Mora and Sälen

Various waxing services are available in both Mora and Sälen. Whether you plan to double-pole, use skin skis, or need kick wax, there are options for everyone. If you are unable to wax your skis yourself, it may be a good idea to seek professional help.

The experience on race day is much better with properly prepared skis. Below are some of the companies offering waxing services. To guarantee assistance, pre-booking is recommended.

Mora

• Vasaloppet official wax service
• VasaSvahn
• John’s Sport Mora
• Aktiv Sport Staffan Larsson
• Tynell Activity

Sälen

• Vasaloppet official wax service
• VasaSvahn
• Längdspecialisten Sälen
• Dalskidan
• Vasacenter Sälen
• Kaisers Skidbod Sälen

Also Read: All you need to know ahead of Vasaloppet Season XVII

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