The Worldloppet Ski Federation is an international federation of long distance cross-country skiing events whose aim is to promote cross-country skiing through ski races. The federation was founded on 10 June 1978 in Uppsala, Sweden.

Locations

Membership in Wordloppet is limited to one race per country, with an emphasis being placed on prestige. As of 2015, there are 20 official Worldloppet races. While primarily concentrated in Europe, there also races in North America, Asia, and Australasia.

EventDistance Classic StyleDistance Free StyleLocation
Australia Kangaroo Hoppet42 / 21 kmFalls Creek, Victoria, Australia
Czech Republic Jizerská Padesátka 5050 / 25 km30 kmBedřichov, Czech Republic
Austria Dolomitenlauf42 / 21 km60 kmObertilliach / Lienz, Austria
Italy Marcialonga70 / 45 kmMoena – Cavalese, Italy
Germany König Ludwig Lauf50 / 23 km50 / 23 kmOberammergau, Germany
France Transjurassienne50 / 25 km76 / 54 kmLes Rousses / Lamoura – Mouthe, France
Japan Sapporo International Ski Marathon50 / 25 kmSapporo, Japan
Estonia Tartu Maraton63 / 31 kmOtepää – Elva, Estonia
Canada Gatineau Loppet53 / 29 km53 / 29 kmGatineau, Quebec, Canada
United States American Birkebeiner53 / 29 km50 / 29 kmCable – Hayward, Wisconsin, United States
Finland Finlandia-hiihto62 / 32 km50 kmLahti, Finland
Sweden Vasaloppet90 / 45 / 30 kmSälen – Mora, Sweden
Switzerland Engadin Skimarathon42 / 21 / 17 kmMaloja – S-chanf, Switzerland
Norway Birkebeinerrennet54 kmRena – Lillehammer, Norway
Russia Demino Ski Marathon25 km50 kmRybinsk, Russia
Poland Bieg Piastów50 / 26 km30 kmSzklarska Poręba, Poland
Iceland Fossavatnsgangan50 / 25 km25 kmÍsafjörður, Iceland
China Vasaloppet China50 kmChangchun, China
New Zealand Merino Muster42 / 21 kmWānaka, New Zealand
Argentina Ushuaia Loppet42 kmUshuaia, Argentina

Racing distances

Actual racing distances may vary from year to year according to the local snow conditions, but usually, there are different categories: full distance (at least 42 km, the length of a non-skiing marathon (26 miles)) and shorter ones for children and less experienced skiers. For Vasaloppet, the oldest of the races, the full distance is about 90km (56mi). Some races are freestyle (both skating and classic are allowed), but others only permit classic style.

Worldloppet Master

Those who complete Worldloppet races in 10 countries, at least one of which is from a continent other than Europe, qualify as a Worldloppet Master. They qualify for Worldloppet Gold Master if they have completed 10 main races, or a Silver Master if they have competed 10 races where some or all of them are short races. As of October 2019, more than 5,000 master titles have been issued.

External links