The 6th Chinese Vasaloppet will be held on January 2 in Changchun, Jilin in the north east corner of China. But this is just the beginning.

– We have a deal between Nordic Ways and the Jilin province that will last over 2107, says Gaavert Vaag, Managing Director for Nordic Ways.

The deal secures investments in the area to a value of more the $30 000 every year to develop the Chinese Vasaloppet and the whole week during the event. Meantime Nordic Ways will have a part in the responsibility of organizing the event.

During the upcoming year the province government will invest 4.6 million dollar on the Nordic venue in Jingyuetan national park, outside Changchun.
– In the summer will we build a House of Vasaloppet with a racing office and a museum just like the Swedish one in Mora, says Gaavert Waag.

Today Nordic Ways employs 40 people who work with organizing the Chinese Vasaloppet. The race have totally 22 300 competitors 2008. That is 6000 more then last year. Around 300 Chinese volunteers work during the races.

The increase in athletes is because of all the students who have had the opportunity to learn about Nordic skiing at their University. That is totally in line with the health program that the Jilin province is running. To stay healthier and exercise more, says Gaavert Vaag.

2008 the Chinese Vasaloppet is a part of Tour de Ski China with four stages in three different provinces. The Chinese Vasaloppet is at a distance of 50 km and more then 60 000 cubic meter of artificial snow has been produced for the event. Among the Swedish top athletes in China you will find Bjoern Lind, Olympic Champion 2006 and Elin Ek, IFK Mora Ski Club.