Better ski tracks in Vasaloppet 2027 – new initiative to help more participants reach Mora

Vasaloppet 2026 was one of the most demanding races in recent years. As around 13,000 skiers set off from the start in Berga by, heavy snowfall swept across the course.
“For many participants, particularly in the later start groups, conditions became extremely difficult, with snow sticking to the underside of their skis, and a record number were forced to abandon the race,” says Daniel Mäkinen, Events Director at Vasaloppet.

Vasaloppet experiences from recent years prompted a development initiative this spring, aimed at keeping ski tracks in the best possible condition in future races, including for skiers in later start groups during challenging weather conditions.
“We know that the conditions for skiers in the front can be completely different from those experienced by participants starting further back, as became extra clear this winter. We will never be able to control the weather, but we can improve how we respond to the conditions we face. The goal is simple: More participants should get to experience the feeling of skiing under the finish portal in Mora,” says Daniel Mäkinen.

For Vasaloppet 2027, both the number of machines used to re-groom the tracks along the course and the number of machine operators will increase. A new approach will also be introduced, with different types of machinery deployed on different sections of the course and track re-grooming carried out more continuously throughout the race.
“Previously, we have largely relied on snowmobiles and sledges. We are now developing a system in which large snow groomers, smaller specialist machines and snowmobiles work together, allowing us to re-groom the tracks more frequently and at more locations along the course,” says Daniel Mäkinen.

Starting this winter, the largest snow groomers will be able to deploy earlier in the race, when necessary, to set fresh ski tracks.
“This is a new way of working with high demands on safety and coordination. It could, for example, mean briefly stopping participants on the course for a few seconds to allow a snow groomer to enter and set fresh tracks. Previously, we considered this difficult to achieve, but we now see it as necessary to give our participants better conditions,” says Daniel Mäkinen.

Ahead of the winter season, new procedures are being developed to optimize track re-grooming without compromising the safety of the thousands of skiers on the course. As part of this work, specially trained volunteers will be responsible for safety zones around the snow groomers, helping to ensure a secure environment for both skiers and staff.
“We need to think differently to meet the challenges we have seen in recent years. By allowing snow groomers onto the course earlier and enabling them to work continuously throughout the race, we will have new opportunities to improve the tracks while the race is under way,” says Daniel Mäkinen.

Regardless of weather and snow conditions, Vasaloppet’s 90 kilometres will always be a challenge. But with this new initiative, part of a long-term effort to develop the course for the future, Vasaloppet hopes that more participants will be able to achieve their goal, even when conditions are tough.
“For many people, reaching the finish in Mora is the culmination of months of training, preparation and dreams. If we can give more people the opportunity to experience that feeling, we will have achieved what we set out to do,” says Daniel Mäkinen.

FACTS // Vasaloppet works to improve ski tracks in Vasaloppet 2027

More continuous track maintenance throughout the race.

Track re-grooming at more locations along the course.

Earlier deployment of snow groomers on the course.

More machines and more operators.

New safety procedures and training initiatives.