50th Annual North American Vasa Freestyle

Date:

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2026

Time:

9:00 AM

Where:

Timber Ridge Resort, 4050 E. Hammond Road, Traverse City, MI 49686

What:

Something for everyone! Over 50 years, the North American Vasa has become one of the Midwest’s biggest Nordic ski races. Participants return year after year to enjoy high-quality grooming and the scenic Vasa Pathway and winter singletrack trails of the Pere Marquette State Forest in Grand Traverse County.

The 2026 schedule features freestyle and classic ski races, fat bike events, and youth competitions designed for athletes of every age and ability. From the legendary 50K marathon to the family-friendly 6K Tour, the North American Vasa balances world-class competition with an inclusive, community spirit.

What's New for 2026

Return of the 50k Marathon: The 50k Classic and Skate races are making a comeback for the 50th Anniversary of the North American Vasa. These races will be Saturday, Feb. 14 starting at 9:00 am. This is a two lap race. Skiers must start the second lap of the race by 11:30 am for the safety of the skiers and our volunteers.

Bigfoot Community Relay Races (Sponsored by Cross Country Ski HQ): Two relay races will be held on Saturday, Feb. 14 starting at 1:30 pm. One relay consists of one adult and two kids under 12 years old, the other relay consists of one adult and 2 kids 12-19 years old. Sign up for free on the registration page.

Saturday Races:

50k Classic/Freestyle
Okerstrom Kortelopet 12k Freestyle (High School)
Okerstrom Kortelopet 12k Freestyle Race
George Kuhn Half Marathon 27k Freestyle Race
Jr Vasa
Adaptive Skiers
Bigfoot Community Relay (Sponsored by Cross Country Ski HQ)

Michigan Cup races

Full points are awarded for men and women in the George Kuhn Half Marathon 27k Freestyle Race.

Partial points are awarded for men and women who race the 50k Freestyle/Classic (skate and classic racers are mixed together, and scoring starts at 150 points for first place).

Junior points are awarded for juniors in the High School 6K Classic.