51st Annual North American Vasa Festival of Races

Join us February 13–14, 2027, as we celebrate 51 years of the North American Vasa at Timber Ridge Resort in Traverse City.

Over 50 years, the North American Vasa has become one of the Midwest’s biggest Nordic ski races. Participants return year after year to enjoy high-quality grooming and the scenic Vasa Pathway of the Pere Marquette State Forest in Grand Traverse County. 

The 2027 schedule features freestyle and classic ski races, and youth competitions designed for athletes of every age and ability. The North American Vasa balances world-class competition with an inclusive, community spirit.

What's New for 2027

What's continued in 2027

Age Class winner perks: Each age class winner in the 27K Freestyle race will receive free entry into next year's race.  2nd place finishers will receive 1/2 off, 3rd place finishers will receive 1/3 off. This only applies to the 27 K Freestyle race for male and female racers and you must enter the 27K race in 2028 to receive this discount.

First Time Skiers: Any first time skier entering Sunday's 6K Tour receives a 50% discount, provided you use the discount code NEWBIE2027 at check out. 

King Vasa Viking Club Members: Any skier that has skied in 30 or more Vasa races of 27K in length or more will receive a special King Vasa cloth permanent bib. Wear your King Vasa cloth bib over your chipped race bib to be recognized out on the course, and at the Vasa Community Celebration. Make sure you register for each race with the same exact name to keep your count accurate.

Vasa Community Celebration:  To capture the spirit and excitement of the North American Vasa, we are again holding the Vasa Community Celebration. It will take place at the Great Wolf Lodge after the races on Saturday, Feb. 13 from 5:00-8:00pm and will feature free appetizers along with a cash bar and music. Awards* can be picked up for events completed on Saturday, and we will acknowledge the King Vasa Viking Club members who have completed at least 30 Vasas. T ickets are available for purchase online for $10, while tickets purchased in person at the door are $15. There is a limit of 400 people for this event.  Tickets available here.

* Note: If you receive an award in Saturday’s races but are unable to attend the Celebration, please arrange for a friend to pick up your award on your behalf.

Junior Vasa Information

The Junior Vasa is a fun ski race opportunity for our youngest skiers. The courses are fun and very kid-friendly. There will be plenty of spectators to cheer them on. Registration is only $5. Day of registration and bib pickup for pre-registered racers will be inside Timber Ridge from 10:30-11:30. Day-of registration is available. Fun and smiles are guaranteed for all.

Age | Start Time | Distance
10+ | 12:30 PM | 2.5k
8–10 | 12:40 PM | 2k
5–7 | 12:50 PM | 0.5k

For more information about the Jr Vasa, see the Junior Vasa maps and wave selection assistance. 

Hotel Accommodations

Registration Update for 2027

Skiers will self select the wave/corral they would like to start in during the registration process. If you are a top level skier please place yourself in the Elite wave/corral. Please place yourself according to your ability while also respecting other skiers. For assistance in making a wave selection please click on the 'Wave /Corral Selection Assistance' link at the bottom of this page. The Vasa organization reserves the right to place a skier in a different wave/corral.

• The Michigan Cup Challenge includes the George Kuhn Half Marathon 27K Freestyle Ski Race on Saturday and the Lombard Loppet 15K Classic on Sunday. Register for both events at the same time to receive a $20 discount. Cash awards will be given to the top three finishers, male and female. Rank is determined by combined times of the two races. The overall men's and women's winners will be crowned, King and Queen Vasa on Sunday, Feb. 15 at Timber Ridge.                                                                                                                                                                                                   First Place  $550         Second Place  $300         Third Place  $150

  SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Registration

• Opens Saturday, October 20th
• Closes 6:00 pm Wednesday, February 10th

On-site registration is not available with the exception of the Jr Vasa.

Friday February 12th

• 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm - Packet Pick Up

Saturday February 13th

• 8:00 am - Packet Pick Up
• Mark Esper 27k Classic (9:00 am tentative start)
• 6k Freestyle High Schoolers and Citizen Racers (9:10 am tentative start)
• Okerstrom 15k Freestyle (9:35 am tentative start)
• George Kuhn Half Marathon 27k Freestyle (9:55 am tentative start)
• JR Vasa & Adaptive Skiers (12:30 pm tentative start)
• Vasa Celebration (5:00-8:00 pm at Great Wolf Lodge)

Sunday February 14th 

• 8:00 am - Packet Pick-up
• 6k Classic High School and Citizen Racers  (9:30 am tentative start)
• Lombard Loppet 15k Classic (10:00 am tentative start)
• Vasa Tour 6k Freestyle/Classic (10:30 am tentative start)
• Awards Ceremony at Timber Ridge