North American Vasa Festival Of Races

Traverse City, United States • 14-15 Feb 2026

Event overview

The 50th Annual North American Vasa Festival of Races takes place February 14–15, 2026 in Traverse City, Michigan. The event includes Nordic ski and fat tire bike races held on the Vasa Pathway and winter singletrack trails of the Pere Marquette State Forest. The program features both classic and freestyle ski formats, youth competitions, adaptive skiing, and a community relay. The 50k Classic and skate races return for the 50th anniversary.

Distances and events

  • 50k Classic/Freestyle
  • 27k George Kuhn Half Marathon (Freestyle)
  • 15k Lombard Loppet (Classic)
  • 12k Okerstrom Kortelopet (Freestyle)
  • 6k Mark Esper Classic (high school and citizen divisions)
  • 6k Vasa Tour (Classic/Freestyle)
  • 25k Fatbike

Location and logistics

Start and finish are at Timber Ridge Resort, 4050 E. Hammond Road, Traverse City, MI 49686. Several events list entry fees and registration closing dates; some race prices increase after December 31, 2025. The schedule includes separate youth and adaptive events and a sponsored community relay. Sponsors and local partners are listed for the festival. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

50 km
50k Classic/freestyle
27 km
George Kuhn Half Marathon 27k Freestyle Race
25 km
Fatbike 25k
15 km
Lombard Loppet 15k Classic
12 km
Okerstrom Kortelopet 12k Freestyle (high School)
12 km
Okerstrom Kortelopet 12k Freestyle
6 km
Vasa Tour 6k Classic/freestyle
6 km
High School 6k Classic
6 km
Citizen Racer 6k Classic (not High Schoolers)
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

Run Pere Marquette Forest at the Traverse City Trail Running Festival, May 8 and 9, 2026, with distances from 5K to 100K, relays and charity bibs. Enjoy a wooden finisher medal, event tee, ample aid stations, food and post race beer.

Run a scenic 5K or challenging 10K through Peace Ranch and Pere Marquette Forest near Traverse City, Michigan. Enjoy a tshirt, timed results, medal, refreshments and post race tours while supporting veterans programs.