Vasaloppet was first organized on March 19, 1922. Every year, there is a competition for first place in the ninety-kilometer long ski race. Since 1922, spectators along the route between Sälen and Mora have seen many famous faces on the ski track.
Vasaloppet is the world's oldest, longest and largest cross-country ski race. More than a million people have participated in one of the Vasaloppet races since its inception in 1922. According to history, Vasaloppet is in memory of Gustav Vasa, who, fleeing from the Danes, skied the classic miles, but in the wrong direction... The two valley men Lars in Kättilbo and his friend Engelbrekt, who wanted to persuade the future king to stay and fight, caught up with Gustav Eriksson in Sälen.
Prices mean less. Vasaloppet athletes are often modest and humble in the face of victories and successes. The legendary Umeå skier Arthur Häggblad said: It's not the expensive things that make me happy the most. The greatest reward is the knowledge that I have conquered myself. The mental effort is, if possible, worse than the physical.
Actually two winners in Vasaloppet on March 11, 1928. Sven Utterström and "Särna" Hedlund ride side by side towards the finish line. They cross the finish line in Mora at the same time, much to the horror of the Kranskullan. They themselves considered it a dead heat, but a winner seemed to need to be chosen and the finish judges thought Hedlund was first. However, Utterström and Hedlund resolved the issue themselves afterwards. They sawed their gold and silver medals in two, and soldered them together with the other half. (source Bertil Jihde Året Runt no. 5 1948). Click here to see the pictures from Vasaloppet.