North American Vasa Festival Of Races
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Overview
The 50th Annual North American Vasa Festival of Races takes place on February 14–15, 2026 in Traverse City, Michigan. Events start and finish at Timber Ridge Resort (4050 E. Hammond Road). The festival features Nordic ski races and fat tire bike events on the groomed Vasa Pathway and winter singletrack trails of the Pere Marquette State Forest in Grand Traverse County. The event is a long-running tradition, first held in 1977. For 2026 the 50k marathon (Classic and Skate) returns as a two-lap race. Some events have registration deadlines in early February 2026 and several entry fees increase after December 31, 2025.
Races
- 50k Classic/Freestyle (two-lap)
- 27k George Kuhn Half Marathon Freestyle
- 15k Lombard Loppet Classic
- 12k Okerstrom Kortelopet Freestyle
- 6k Vasa Tour Classic/Freestyle
- 6k Mark Esper Classic (high school and citizen divisions)
- 25k Fatbike
- Jr Vasa (youth events)
- Bigfoot Community Relay
- Adaptive Skiers
Entry fees listed for 2026 include examples: 50k $85; 27k $85; 15k $75; 12k $75; 25k fatbike $65; Vasa Tour 6k $30; Mark Esper 6k citizen $55; Jr Vasa $5; some youth and adaptive entries are lower or free. Registration cutoffs apply for several events. Sponsors and local partners support the festival. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
