Work has started after the fire in Vasaloppet's warehouse – many want to help and contribute

At 23:00 on Thursday evening, November 3, emergency services were alerted to a fire in two warehouses at the ski stadium in Mora. The fire brigade arrived at the scene and worked to extinguish the flames throughout the night. No one was injured but the buildings were completely destroyed in the fire.
”It is a heavy setback for us but, at the same time, we’ve had fantastic support come in. People from far and wide have been in touch to offer help. There have been suggested solutions, offers to donate money, and even people who want to come and help us make new fences. It means a lot and we will do what we can to respond to people’s committent,” says Johan Eriksson, CEO of Vasaloppet.

Vasaloppet’s Winter Week 2023 is only a few months away and there will be ski races in the Vasaloppet Arena. Things may, however, need to look a bit different from normal.
”We are aware that it will be a bit of a battle against the clock and we will have to work hard, but we’re fully set on welcoming all skiers to our twelve ski races this winter, including the 99th Vasaloppet on Sunday, March 5. The race offices in Vasaloppet’s House were not affected by the fire and registration for our races is open as usual,” says Johan Eriksson.

The warehouse at Mora Ski Stadium was insured and there’s an ongoing dialogue with the insurance company. However, much of the material that disappeared in the fire was highly specific to Vasaloppet’s events and cannot simply be bought on the market. Historical objects with high sentimental value have also been lost, including the original wove with the motto ”I fädrens spår för framtids segrar” from the finish line portal in 1923.
”Part of what has been lost cannot be replaced at all, which is extremely sad,” says Johan Eriksson, continuing:
”We will need some help in the near future and it’s clear that many friends of Vasaloppet are extremely driven and prepared to contribute. This week we will set a concrete plan for the work ahead of us and we will return with more information as soon as we can.”