Vasaloppet is the world’s oldest, biggest & longest ski race. The first race was in 1922 and was 90 km connecting the Swedish towns of Sälen and Mora.
The 2013 registration record of 63,200 participants just broke last year’s record of 63,142 participants. The race will be held during the week of March 17th
Unofficial History Lesson
Vasaloppet (The Vasa Race) dates back to 1520 when Gustav Ericsson Vasa was escaping from Christian II the king of Denmark, Sweden and Norway. He spoke to the assembled men of Mora and tried to convince them to join him in a rebellion. The men refused and Gustav started towards Norway to seek refuge. However, two Mora brothers on skis later caught him at Sälen – the men of Mora had changed their minds. On 6 June 1523, Gustav Vasa was crowned king of Sweden having defeated Christian II. Sweden has been independent ever since.
