50th Annual North American Vasa Festival of Races

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Timber Ridge Resort, Traverse City MI

Saturday, February 14th, 2026

🎉 50th Annual Celebration

Join us February 14–15, 2026, as we celebrate 50 years of the North American Vasa at Timber Ridge Resort in Traverse City.

⛷️ Race Overview

History: Over 50 years, the North American Vasa has become one of the Midwest’s biggest Nordic ski races.
Pathway: Participants return year after year to enjoy high-quality grooming and the scenic Vasa Pathway and winter singletrack trails of the Pere Marquette State Forest in Grand Traverse County.
Events: The 2026 schedule features freestyle and classic ski races, fat bike events, and youth competitions designed for athletes of every age and ability.
Options: From the legendary 50K marathon to the family-friendly 6K Tour, the North American Vasa balances world-class competition with an inclusive, community spirit.

🔄 What's New for 2026

50k Marathon: The 50k Classic and Skate races are making a comeback for the 50th Anniversary of the North American Vasa, starting on Saturday, Feb. 14 at 9:00 am. Skiers must start the second lap of the race by 11:30 am for the safety of the skiers and our volunteers.
Bigfoot Community Relay Races: Two relay races will be held on Saturday, Feb. 14 starting at 1:30 pm. Sign up for free on the registration page.
T-shirt Giveaway: Every paying registrant in a 6K race or longer will receive a specially designed 50th anniversary long sleeve t-shirt.

🏆 What's Continued in 2026

Age Class Winner Perks: Each age class winner in the 27K Freestyle race will receive free entry into next year's race.
First Time Skiers: Any first time skier entering Sunday’s 6K Tour receives a 50% discount with the discount code NEWBIE2026 at checkout.
King Vasa Viking Club: Skied in 30 or more Vasa races of 27K in length or more will receive a special permanent bib.
Vasa Community Celebration: Will take place at the Park Place Hotel after the races on Saturday, Feb. 14 from 5:00-8:00 pm.

🏨 Hotel Accommodations

The Park Place Hotel has set aside a block of 10 rooms for race participants at the rate of $168.00 per night. Use this link to make your reservation, or call 231-946-5000 Ext. 2022 for assistance.

📝 Registration Update for 2026

Skiers will self-select the wave/corral they would like to start in during the registration process. The Vasa organization reserves the right to place a skier in a different wave/corral.

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.
Fatbikers: This year’s race is a one lap 25k for all bikers. Helmets are required, and absolutely no ear buds are allowed.