50th Annual North American Vasa Festival of Races

🎉 Join Us for the 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

• Event Duration: Over 50 years, the North American Vasa has become one of the Midwest’s biggest Nordic ski races.
• Trail Quality: 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.
• Variety of Events: The 2026 schedule features freestyle and classic ski races, fat bike events, and youth competitions designed for athletes of every age and ability.
• Inclusive Spirit: 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

• Return of the 50k Marathon: The 50k Classic and Skate races are making a comeback for the 50th Anniversary of the North American Vasa. These races will be Saturday, Feb. 14 starting at 9:00 am. This is a two lap race. 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. One relay consists of one adult and two kids under 12 years old, the other relay consists of one adult and 2 kids 12-19 years old. 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. 2nd place finishers will receive 1/2 off, 3rd place finishers will receive 1/3 off. This only applies to the 27K Freestyle race for male and female racers and you must enter the 27K race in 2027 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 NEWBIE2026 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 permanent bib. Club members will be recognized by starting the George Kuhn 27K Freestyle race on Saturday in their own wave at 9:40 am 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: This event will take place at the Park Place Hotel after the races on Saturday, Feb. 14 from 5:00-8:00 pm featuring free appetizers, a cash bar, and live music. Tickets are available for purchase online for $10.

🏨 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, including taxes and fees. There are only 10 rooms available at this rate so make your reservations early. 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. 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.

• Michigan Cup Challenge: 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 Take Note: This year's race is a one lap 25k for all bikers. All tires must be 3.8 inches or wider and properly inflated. Helmets are required, and absolutely no ear buds are allowed.

📅 Schedule of Events

Registration

• Opens: Saturday, October 11th
• Closes: 6:00 pm Wednesday, February 11th

Onsite registration is not available.

Friday February 13th

• 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Packet Pick Up

Saturday February 14th

• 8:00 am: Packet Pick Up
• 9:00 am: 50k Classic/Freestyle (tentative start)
• 9:15 am: Okerstrom 12k Freestyle (tentative start)
• 9:40 am: George Kuhn Half Marathon 27k Freestyle (tentative start)
• 12:30 pm: JR Vasa & Adaptive Skiers (tentative start)
• 1:30 pm: Bigfoot Community Relay (tentative start)
• 5:00-8:00 pm: Vasa Celebration at the Park Place

Sunday February 15th

• 8:00 am: Packet Pick-up
• 9:30 am: Mark Esper 6k Classic High School and Citizen Racer (tentative start)
• 9:50 am: Lombard Loppet 15k Classic (tentative start)
• 10:35 am: Vasa Tour 6k Freestyle/Classic (tentative start)
• 11:00 am: Fatbike 25k (tentative start)
• Awards Ceremony: at Timber Ridge

For more information, please visit our race page: North American Vasa Festival of Races.