The Ski Classics Pro Tour reaches one of its defining moments on Sunday, March 1, 2026, when Vasaloppet, the seventh stage of Season XVII and the third Grand Classics event, takes center stage.

The legendary 90-kilometer race from Sälen to Mora is the oldest, longest, and most prestigious long-distance ski event in the World and on the Pro Tour calendar, with a heritage unmatched in Nordic skiing.

First held in 1922 and inspired by Gustav Vasa’s historic escape in 1520, Vasaloppet blends tradition, athleticism, and Swedish winter culture. Every year, thousands of skiers gather in Sälen’s wide start area to tackle the journey to Mora, aiming to join the list of names that have shaped the history of long-distance skiing.

Last season, Stina Nilsson and Alvar Myhlback claimed emotional victories, with Myhlback also becoming the youngest male winner in Vasaloppet history. In 2026, the race once again draws global attention as athletes and fans look toward the next chapter of this sporting monument.

“Vasaloppet is proud to be a part of Ski Classics. Due to the Pro Tour, we consistently have a very high reach among TV viewers, both internationally and in Sweden. We hope to see some fresh Olympic medalists on the start line in 2026,” said Tommy Höglund, Sport Director of Vasaloppet, in a previous statement.

Also Read – Vasaloppet: The third Grand Classics event of Season XVII

With 948 meters of total elevation gain and a high point of 526 meters, the race demands endurance, precise pacing, and the ability to master a fast and tactical mass start. From the famous climb out of Sälen to the long, rolling terrain toward Oxberg and the final stretch into Mora, Vasaloppet rewards strength and strategic brilliance.

Vasaloppet – Ski Classics Pro Tour Event 7

• Date: Sunday, March 1, 2026
• Location: Sälen–Mora, Sweden
• Distance: 90km Classic
• Highest point: 526m
• Elevation gain: 948m
• Last edition winners: Stina Nilsson (3:54:00.6) & Alvar Myhlback (3:28:45.7)
• SC Play: Vasaloppet

More information about Vasaloppet can be found HERE

Discover the Sälen–Mora region: culture, food, lodging, and activities

Vasaloppet is more than a race — it is a complete cultural experience, offering visitors a deep immersion into Swedish heritage, Dalarna traditions, and outdoor life. Below is a curated guide to Sälen, Mora, and Älvdalen, developed from local tourism sources and ideal for traveling athletes, families, and Ski Classics fans.

Sälen – alpine heritage and winter adventure

Sälen is one of Sweden’s largest and most established mountain tourism destinations, known for its alpine resorts, cozy hotels, and high-quality dining. It is also the start of every Vasaloppet participant’s journey.

Where to stay

• Olarsgården Mountain Resort – olarsgarden.se
• Hotel Bugelhof – hotelbugelhof.se
• Mountain Lodge Stöten – mountainlodge.se
• Hotell Viktors – viktorssalen.se/hotell

Where to eat & fika

• Frö Restaurang – frorestaurang.se
• Restaurang Elgen – olarsgarden.se/restaurang-elgen
• Restaurang Gammelgården – gammelgarden.se
• Matsalen – matsalen.nu
• Fjällbagarn – fjallbagarn.se (local pastries and bread)

Activities

• Fjälläventyr – fjallaventyr.com
• Explore Sälen – exploresalen.se
• More Activities Sälen – moreactivities.se

Mora – the historic finish area and cultural hub

Mora is the emotional heart of Vasaloppet. The iconic finish portal, the Dalahäst traditions, and a strong local craft culture make it a must-visit destination.

Where to stay

• Mora Hotell & Spa – morahotell.se
• First Camp Moraparken – firstcamp.se/moraparken-dalarna
• Hotell Fridhemsgatan – hotellimora.se

Where to eat & fika

• Mora Hotell & Spa Restaurant – morahotell.se
• Café Zorn – cafezorn.se
• Mora Kaffestuga – morakaffestuga.se (classic Swedish fika)
• Linnéa Mat & Dryck – linneamatodryck.se

Activities & culture

• Nils Olsson Dalahästar – nilsolsson.se
• Zorn Museum & Zorngården – zorn.se
• Morakniv Concept Store – morakniv.se
• Outdoor Event – outdoorevents.se
• Daniel Nilsson Nature Guide – danielnatureguide.com

The story continues below.

Älvdalen – nature, craftsmanship, and local traditions

A quieter but culturally rich area north of Mora, Älvdalen offers history, local artisanship, and outdoor experiences.

Where to stay

• Hotell Älvdalen – hotellalvdalen.se
• Tre Björnar – trebjornar.nu

Where to eat & fika

• Dalgatan 118 – dalgatan118.se
• Morins Konditori – visitdalarna.se (classic bakery & café)

Activities

• Anglerman Fishing Adventures – anglerman.se
• Älvdalens Fiskecenter – alvdalenfiske.se
• Rockdale & Porphyry – and Hagström Museum – rockdale.se

Official information

Visit Dalarna (official regional tourism guide); Sälen, Mora, and Älvdalen official tourism websites.

Follow the action

Instagram: @vasaloppet
Facebook: facebook.com/vasaloppetofficial

Full live coverage of Vasaloppet will be available on the streaming platform SC Play with English commentary.

Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XVII (2025/2026)

• Event 1: December 13, 2025 – Bad Gastein Pro Team Tempo – Sportgastein, Austria, 7km
• Event 2: December 14, 2025 – Bad Gastein Criterium – Sportgastein, Austria, 36km
• Event 3: January 17, 2026 – Engadin La Diagonela – Pontresina-Zuoz, Switzerland, 55km
• Event 4: January 25, 2026 – Marcialonga – Moena-Cavalese, Italy, 70km
• Event 5: January 30, 2026 – Bedřichov Sprint – Bedřichov, Czech Republic, 1.5km
• Event 6: February 1, 2026 – Jizerská50 – Bedřichov, Czech Republic, 50km
• Event 7: March 1, 2026 – Vasaloppet – Sälen-Mora, Sweden, 90km
• Event 8: March 7, 2026 – Orsa Grönklitt 50k ITT Women – Grönklitt, Sweden, 50km
• Event 9: March 8, 2026 – Orsa Grönklitt 50k ITT Men – Grönklitt, Sweden, 50km
• Event 10: March 14, 2026 – Birkebeinerrennet – Rena-Lillehammer, Norway, 54km
• Event 11: March 21, 2026 – Marcialonga Bodø – Bodø, Norway, 50km
• Event 12: March 28, 2026 – Reistadløpet – Setermoen-Bardufoss, Norway, 35km
• Event 13: March 29, 2026 – Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja – Bardufoss-Finnsnes, Norway, 60km

For more updates and detailed information about the Ski Classics Pro Tour, make sure to visit skiclassics.com.

Are you interested in Ski Classics and long-distance skiing? Click HERE and read more about it.

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