Vasaloppet China
Address: Changchun, China
Tel: +86 136 0431 6227
challenge factor: medium
HISTORY
First race: 15th March 2003, 50 km, 750 registered
Worldloppet membership: since 2014
Highest number of participants in main race: 208 finishers (2015)
COURSE
Vasaloppet China is the first Worldloppet race of the winter. A 50 km cross-country ski race, open for everyone. The Blueberry Vasa for those who want to take it a bit easier is 25 km. For the beginner, there is Vasa Fun Ski of 1.5 km or even 0.3 km. Try cross-country skiing in a relaxed and fun way. There is no problem if you don’t have your own skis; equipment rental is included when you sign up for the Fun Ski!
Course profile of 1 lap , 25 km
HOW TO GET TO CHANGCHUN and the VASALOPPET CHINA
The Vasaloppet China is taking place in the Jingyuetan park in Changchun. Traveling there is easy. The international airport has connections from Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and many more domestic origins. By air from Beijing it takes about 1.5 hours. By the convenient, fast train, from Beijing it takes about 6 hours. Fixed Changchun stay packages is offered by the organizer and several travel agencies also offer “all inclusive” travel packages for visiting China and Vasaloppet China.
INTERESTING FACTS
In 2002, PWT Orienteering Sports Organization in China for review was attracted by unique ecological and natural environment of Changchun Jingyuetan National Key Scenic Spot. In their opinion, the environment here was the best choice to hold cross-country skiing because it was similar with that of Northern Europe. Thereafter, the organization decided to hold Vasaloppet in Changchun Jingyuetan – also known as the lung of Changchun. In 2003, Chinese Ski Association, the Organization Committee of Vasaloppet Sweden and Changchun City government cooperated to hold this competition for the first time. From then on, the Vasaloppet with over 100-year history in Sweden came into China and settled in Changchun Jingyuetan.
WORLD CLASS XC SKI ENVIROMENT
Vasaloppet China, the biggest XC Ski event in China, is organized in suburbs of Changchun, Jilin Province, in north-east of China. The ski area is in Jingyuetan National Forest Park which has a total area of about 100 square km. The park consists of large forest areas with water features and the topography is moderate to very hilly, but do not worry, the XC ski track is suitable for all categories of skiers. In 2007 the park hosted a XC World Cup stage and the many athletes agreed that the area has very good conditions for XC Skiing. Settings around the ski arena are also tremendous with huge snow sculptures, which is a part of Changchun Winter Festival.
SNOW WARRANTY AT VASALOPPET CHINA
Weather conditions during winter in Changchun is very stable from year to year, means cold and dry. The dry climate means not so much natural snow, not enough for skiing, but winter is coming already in early November so then starts production of artificial snow for the 25 km track, ski arena and the huge snow statues. Vasaloppet China can for these reasons give a snow warranty for all skiers!
“With this event we want to highlight cross-country skiing in China and that this sport is a great way to learn about Chinese culture,” says former Swedish elite skier David Jansson, now Sports Director of the Nordic Ways Vasa Management, a co-organizer. The list of winners through the history testifies that several long distance skiers in world top class have participated, as for example Oskar Svärd, Jörgen Aukland and Stanislav Rezak. Swedish long distance specialist Anders Högberg even has won the race three years in a row.
CHINESE CULTURE
Vasaloppet China is not just a ski race as it also includes unique experiences, social activities, in the program. For example Opening Ceremony and also a price giving banquet – called the Vasa Night. All of them with a touch of Chinese culture and entertainments. The ski arena and its surroundings show up huge and detailed snow sculptures. It is the opening ceremony of the annual Snow and Ice Festival in Jilin Province. About 200 snow sculputres, among them the more than 10 meters high main sculpture at the start.
WHERE YOU WILL SLEEP AT VASALOPPET CHINA
INTERESTING TO KNOW ABOUT CHANGCHUN
Changchun as city has about 8 million inhabitants and is known as the car and movie city. The car industry has long history here and all kind of vehicles is manufactured, including foreign brands as Audi, VW and Toyota. Film studios are also situated here and there is also a Movie Wonderland to visit. Another sightseeing spot is the Puppet Museum or Last Emperors Palace, known from the movie The Last Emperor that won nine Oscars in 1988. Located right on the ski arena is also, worth visiting, Vasaloppet Museum.
The organizers also offer travel packages, so you only have to take care of your international air ticket to China. Everything else is organized.
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