The world’s largest cross country ski race celebrated its 101st edition last weekend and the turnout was once again staggering. The Vasaloppet combines elite and recreational athletes ski together as they take on a 90km cross country course in the hills of Sweden. 15,800 athletes joined in the mass start in Sälen and battled it out to the finish line in Mora.
Interesting tidbit: during the 90km race, athletes burn around 8,000 kcal. To compensate for this heavy caloric activity Ekström’s blueberry soup (blåbärssoppa) is served at every checkpoint along the way which provides much needed energy while being soothing to the stomach. Blueberry soup is the Scandinavian sports beverage of choice…amazing.
About The Vasaloppet:
Vasaloppet started in 1922, but really it is much older than that. The first Vasalopp was carried out as early as 1521 by Gustav Eriksson. During his flight from the Danish king he stopped in Sälen and returned to Mora to lead the uprising against the occupation forces. Gustav Eriksson eventually united the realm and became Sweden’s first king, better known under the name Gustav Vasa. In other words, Sälen is not only the starting point for the world’s largest exercise race; it is also the starting point for the history of our whole country.
