The Vasaloppet will look a little different this year due to Covid-19. Some events either have been alter, shifted or removed.
To start, an auction preview event will be held this Friday, January 15th at the Nordic Center from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. The event will include a preview of the online auction items, as well as some raffle prizes and open skiing trails.
If you don't wish to attend the in-person, you can stream the event on Facebook and YouTube. The auction will run from Saturday, January 16th and runs through Sunday, January 24th.
The 49th installment of the iconic event will take place on the February 13th weekend, with rolling start times to help with social distancing for the 4 major races. With rolling starts, changes had to be made for timing racers starting and stopping.
"So the timing is done using chips." said Jon Larson, President for the Vasaloppet USA Board, "There is a small RFID tag on their bibs, so when the skier crosses the start line the clock starts, and when they cross the finish line the clock stops."
Some events missing this year will include the celebration tent and the evening radio Vasaloppet hour. To register or find out more information about the races or events, please visit Vasaloppet.us.
