Vasaloppet Trail

The race commemorates Gustav Vasa's flight through this country in 1520, when according to the tradition two men from Mora skied after him to Salen to bring him back and lead the rising. It was first run in 1922 and has been held on the first Sunday of March almost every year since, ninety kilometres from Salen to Mora, with something like fifteen thousand starters in the main event and more across the week - which makes it the oldest and the largest cross-country race there is. The finish arch in Mora carries the motto about the fathers' tracks. Outside winter the route is a marked walking and mountain bike trail.

What you actually see

• Ninety kilometres from Salen to Mora - the race route.
• The first Sunday in March - run since 1922.
• A finish arch in Mora - with the traditional motto.
• A walking and cycling trail in summer - the same line.

When to go

March for the race; summer for the trail. A day.

Honest expectations

Race entry is by ballot and fills years ahead for some events. Race week overwhelms accommodation in both towns. Snow conditions vary and the course has been shortened in poor years. Ninety kilometres is a serious undertaking.

Nearby

Mora and the Zorn museum are at the finish; Salen's ski areas at the start.