The Vasaloppet is the oldest and largest cross-country ski race in the world, held annually on the first Sunday of March in Sweden’s Dalarna region. The 90 km course stretches from Sälen to Mora, tracing the legendary 1521 route of Gustav Vasa, who skied to raise a rebellion against Danish rule. First run in 1922, the race now draws over 15,000 skiers for the main event and more than 40,000 across Vasaloppet Week’s multiple formats, including relays, night races, and youth events. With time cutoffs at key checkpoints—known as “The Rope”—and a course known for rolling terrain and iconic aid stations serving blueberry soup, finishing Vasaloppet is a badge of honor.