Waxing tips for Vasaloppet
Welcome to skidvalla.se - your ultimate guide to mastering the art of ski waxing for Vasaloppet! Vasaloppet is not just a race; it is an experience, a tradition, and a challenge that attracts thousands of skiers every year. To make your race as successful and enjoyable as possible, the right wax setup is crucial. It does not matter whether you are a beginner or an experienced skier; having the right wax under your skis can make all the difference.
Here at skidvalla.se, we understand the passion and dedication required to prepare for Vasaloppet. That is why we have put together a guide covering temperatures and waxing tips specifically tailored to the unique conditions of Vasaloppet 2027. Our goal is to give you the knowledge and tools you need to optimize your performance and enjoy every kilometer of the course.
Whether you are aiming to beat your personal best or simply want to cross the finish line with a smile, the right preparation is the key. Let us take you through the steps for choosing the right wax, applying it effectively, and making adjustments based on weather conditions and snow types. Our guide is here to support you on your journey to Vasaloppet - let’s make this your best race ever!
Winter week
| Race | Distance | Date | Short description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vasaloppet 30 | 30 km | Friday 26 February | start Oxberg |
| Tjejvasan | 30 km | Saturday 27 February | start Oxberg |
| Öppet Spår | 90 km | Sunday 28 February | start Sälen |
| Ungdomsvasan | 9/19 km | Sunday 28 February | start Eldris, 9 km, start Hökberg, 19 km |
| Öppet Spår 90 | 90 km | Monday 1 March | freestyle, start Sälen |
| Öppet Spår 45 | 45 km | Monday 1 March | freestyle, start Oxberg |
| Öppet Spår 30 | 30 km | Monday 1 March | freestyle, start Oxberg checkpoint |
| Vasaloppet 45 | 45 km | Tuesday 2 March | start Oxberg, 45 km |
| Stafettvasan | 90 km | Friday 5 March | ski relay, five legs, start Sälen |
| Nattvasan 30 | 30 km | Friday 5 March | individual or pairs, freestyle, start Oxberg |
| Nattvasan 45 | 45 km | Friday 5 March | individual or pairs, freestyle, start Oxberg |
| Nattvasan 90 | 90 km | Friday 5 March | individual or pairs, freestyle, start Sälen |
| Vasaloppet 10 | 9 km | Saturday 6 March | freestyle, start Eldris |
| Vasaloppet | 90 km | Sunday 7 March | start Sälen, 103rd edition |
Forecast
Stay updated with the latest temperature forecast for Vasaloppet! Prepare optimally by knowing the weather conditions, so you can adapt your waxing and equipment for the best possible performance. Make sure you are ready for whatever the weather gods have in store - from chilly mornings to possible spring sunshine in the afternoon.
| Location and time | SMHI | Klart | YR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sälen at 07:00 | -2° | -4° | -2° |
| Evertsberg at 09:00 | -2° | -1° | -3° |
| Oxberg at 12:00 | -1° | +0° | +0° |
| Mora at 14:00 | +0° | +1° | +1° |
When looking at the forecast, it is wise to remember that Vasaloppet often offers a colder - or warmer - reality than the numbers suggest. The start in Berga by takes place early in the morning, and the temperature there can differ by several degrees from the official forecast. Along the course there are also classic cold pockets, not least Tennänget between Mångsbodarna and Evertsberg, where cold air tends to collect during clear nights. However, there have never been any official SMHI measuring stations located exactly there.
The history also shows just how large the variations can be. In 2025, 8.9 degrees above zero were recorded - one of the warmest races in modern times. In 2006, it was instead 8 degrees below zero, which created completely different conditions for both grip and glide. That is exactly why you must always take into account the forecast, the terrain, and the temperature trend during the morning hours when planning your waxing.
Just a few degrees make an enormous difference in how the snow behaves. In cross-country skiing, weather is never just weather - it is chemistry.
Current recommendations
Vasaloppet 2027 is approaching, and we are in full swing gathering the best waxing tips for both recreational skiers and racers. Waxing plays a crucial role in achieving optimal glide and grip over the 90 kilometers between Sälen and Mora, and we want to make sure you are as well prepared as possible!
We have informed our suppliers that we need their most detailed waxing recommendations for the race. Here on this page we will update with:
Three alternative product setups with the suppliers' own instructions.
SWIX in their own words
Iron in HS6 at 155°C. After cooling, scrape off with a plexi scraper and brush out with a bronze brush.
Spray on HS8L Liquid and let dry. Apply at a temperature above 10°C. Make sure it dries for at least 15 minutes.
Finish with a blue nylon polishing brush.
SKIGO in their own words
Iron in Graphite at 150°C and hot scrape the graphite, let the ski stand and cool for about 10-15 min until it has cooled down, then brush with horsehair, fine steel. Then apply FFC LDQ 3.0 at 150°C, let it cool for 10-15 minutes, then scrape and brush with horsehair and then with fine steel and nylon. The reason we want to start with horsehair and then steel is that this method brings out the ski structure better.
We choose not to use liquid wax for Vasaloppet because durability is better with solid paraffins; solid paraffins stay on the skis longer.
START´s own words
RACE MANAGER LASSE JONSSON SHARES TIPS ON HOW YOU SHOULD WAX FOR VASALOPPET!
Year after year, we have delivered fast skis in the tracks that get you through Vasaloppet.
Note: START liquid glider is applied thinly over the glide zones. Let cool for a few minutes. Then cork the glide zones lightly. Finish by brushing out the glide zones with horsehair or a nylon brush.
Base, temperature-specific glide wax and topping for more ambitious preparation.
SWIX in their own words
Iron in White Marathon at 155°C, let cool. After cooling, scrape off with a plexi scraper and brush with a bronze brush.
Iron in Swix Marathon Powder at 160°C, scrape and brush as above, or alternatively use the new Marathon Liquid or PF100.
Finish with a blue nylon polishing brush.
SKIGO in their own words
Iron in Graphite at 150°C and hot scrape it, let the ski stand and cool for about 10-15 min until it has cooled down, then brush with horsehair and then fine steel. Then apply FFC LDQ 3.0 at 150°C, let cool for 10-15 minutes, then scrape and brush with horsehair, fine steel and nylon. The reason we want to start with horsehair and then steel is that this method brings out the ski structure better. Then apply the powder from the jar; do not use too much, one jar should be enough for 8 pairs of skis.
Iron in at 160°C, let cool, and do the same procedure as with the glide wax, brushing with horsehair, fine steel and then nylon.
STARTS own words
See this guide for applying the products in the tip above:
https://skidvalla.se/pages/basta-glidet-pa-langdakningsskidor-valla-fluorfritt
Skin skis
If you ski on skin skis, make sure to clean the skin with N22 Skin Cleaner and let it dry completely. Then apply N21 Skin Boost to improve glide and protect the skin, so that your skis perform optimally during Vasaloppet.
Rilling
In conditions around freezing or in plus temperatures, a rill pattern can make a big difference to glide. When the snow is wet, the skis create suction against the surface, which can slow your skiing. A rill helps channel away the water and reduce friction. Here you will find our rill tools.
Use a rill pattern adapted for moist conditions to effectively reduce suction from the wet snow.
A medium structure, for example a 1 mm straight rill, works well in low plus temperatures and moderately wet conditions, as it creates better water drainage and increases speed.
By combining the right rill pattern with a good glide treatment, you maximize the performance of your skin skis during Vasaloppet!
Grip wax
To ensure good grip during Vasaloppet, a carefully applied grip wax is required. Follow these steps to create a durable and effective wax job:
Roughen the kick zone with #100 sandpaper to get better adhesion of the wax.
Iron in a thin layer of VG30 base binder, iron it in with a waxing iron and let it cool completely before the next step.
It looks like it will be really cold all morning and by lunchtime rise to several degrees above zero. Icy tracks are expected, and klister will probably be required for grip after lunch, which does not work well with the morning cold.... But if we are lucky, the snow will stay cold. Start with 4-5 thin layers of VP45 (blue/violet) and then bring softer tins such as VP60 and warmer, and applying wax in the track is probably what will be required to avoid having to double-pole at the end, unfortunately. Spray klister may work well.
If you are using grip wax, always bring a couple of extra tins and a synthetic cork so you can quickly adjust your grip.
The start is Sunday, 7 March 2027 at 08:00.
From Sälen to Mora
Prepare carefully, follow the forecast and leave room for adjustments when the actual conditions become clear.
