The 2017 track layout is like a travel through time as it combines the best from 1884 with last year’s nicest parts.
The tracks over ice and frozen lakes remain from the original stretch, assembled with the scenic forest parts from the competition’s return in modern time:
– Based on the positive feedback we’ve gotten from last year’s participants and our learning from the tricky weather in April 2016, we’ve now adjusted the track layout for 2017. The changes made will grant the skiers an even bigger experience of the stunning mountain scenery around Jokkmokk, says track responsible Christian Rimpi.
The start of Nordenskiöldsloppet 2016. Photo: Magnus Östh
Early bird start
The race starts at 6.00 in the morning of Easter Saturday. Starting point is Purkijaur, about 15 km west of Jokkmokk. Purkijaur was also where historical competition started back in 1884 and the whole village is already working on making it an unforgettable experience again.
Over lakes and ice, the first 10 km go on wide tracks towards southwest. There will be enough space for takeovers and to find one’s own pace to fulfill a race over 220 km. After about 10 km, the track starts climbing slightly to afterwards follow forest roads with fantastic mountain views, amongst other over the Sarek National Park.
Photo: Magnus Östh
After the checkpoints Pälnibäcken (km 11), Ragalvisjiegge (km 25), Randijaur (km 39) and Majves (km 45) the track passes Granudden (km 57) which was the turning point in 2016. From Granudden onwards the race follows the course of Lilla Luleälv. At this point, you’ll mostly be skiing on ice and lakes. Again after the checkpoints at Tjåmotis (km 67), Sågudden (km 78) and Njavve (km 88) the turning point in the mountain village of Kvikkjokk-ÅrreNjarka will be reached. Time to ski back.
During the annual, traditional Jokkmokk winter market, the last 20 km of the racetrack will be opened for training. That’s the stretch between Purkijaur and the ski stadion of Jokkmokk. Rumor has it that Daniel Tynell – triple winner of legendary Vasaloppet and Nordenskiöldloppet’s sports director – wants to test the tracks himfelf.
Plenty of checkpoints to refuel. Photo: Magnus Östh
At your service
At a total of 19 checkpoints along the track there’s beverages and food available. The offer consists of Umara sports drink, water, buns, cheese sandwiches, oranges, bananas, pickles, blueberry soup, energy bars and gels, coffee as well as Red Bull. Most of the checkpoints will be passed twice.
At the checkpoint Granudden (in both directions), the turning point in ÅrreNjarka and in Purkijaur warm food such as meat soup or pasta will be served. At the same checkpoints waxing service is provided through our partner SkiGo and there’s also the possibility the change clothes.
Time limit to complete the race is 30 hours. As of the turning point in ÅrreNjarka (km 99) there are time limits for every upcoming checkpoint after which you can’t pass.
You can explore the full race course as an interactive map here.
