VASA Q&A

Art by Paul Welch

Q&A

May I register at Timber Ridge during packet pick up?

You MUST register online by Wednesday February 5th by 6 pm. There is no same day registration, except for the Junior Vasa. No exceptions.

Where do I pick up my race packet?

Packet pick up is in the Banquet Hall at Timber Ridge. It is encouraged that you pick up your packets on FRIDAY (4 - 7 PM)!

Will there be a warming area?

The event hall at Timber Ridge is available for warming.

Post race Refueling

Hot soup will be provided by North Peak, Jolly Pumpkin and Blue Tractor and is included with your race registration. Cherry Republic, Great Lakes Potato Chips will also be providing post race treats. Short’s Beer and Long Drink will offer canned libations. CASH ONLY SALES. Please come prepared or visit the ATM in the Lodge.

VASA COMMUNITY CELEBRATION

New for 2025 is the Vasa Community Celebration at the historic Park Place Hotel in Downtown Traverse City. The party starts at 4 pm on Saturday February 8 and will include food, cash bar, live music by the Daylites, awards and the Induction Ceremony for the King Vasa Club. We’ll wind down at 7 pm so we can get some rest for Sunday’s races. Please register at this link. The cost is only $5.00 per person and you can include a guest.

Overnight Lodging?

The historic Park Place Hotel is offering a block of rooms to Vasa registrants at a discounted rate. You can obtain the discount code when you register.

Awards?

For Saturday races the awards will take place during the party held at the Park Place. You must register for the party when you register for the race. The top 3 male/female overall in each race will receive podium recognition, followed by the age group winners. For Sunday races, the awards will take place at Timber Ridge.

Where do I find my results?

You can find your live results at VASA RESULTS or scan the QR code posted on the award tent inside the celebration area. Staff and volunteers will not have the ability to give results.

Will there be a bag drop?

Yes. You may drop a bag at packet pick up and/or the start line. Bag tags are available at packet pick up.

Is there a changing area?

Yes. There will be designated spaces to change, however space is limited. Plan to change in your car if necessary.

Where do I get my wave assignment?

You will self select yourself at registration. Your final wave assignments will be presented at packet pick up OR you may log in at Run Sign Up . YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE TO REPORT TO THE START LINE AT YOUR APPROPRIATE WAVE TIME. Do not be late, and do not start outside your scheduled time or you may be disqualified without refund.

Where do I park?

Park inside Timber Ridge main parking as directed from parking crew. Park on the East side of Sixth Mile from Hammond to Healy Lake only. Park on the North side of Healy Lane/ Powerline. Park on the North side of Dogwood. Park on the East and South side of Whispering Oaks. Park inside Timber Ridge (access from powerline) on Michigan Road from lot 40- 60. See MAPS for more information.

  • Follow and obey all posted signs.

  • Park far enough off the road to see the white fog line.

  • Cars are subject to tickets and/or towing if rules are not followed.




Who do I call for help IF I need Assistance on the course?

If you are on course and have a life-threatening emergency, please call 911. If you need help off the course or any other medical need, call the HELP line. The HELP line number is listed on the front of every bib. The National Nordic Ski Patrol will also be on hand to assist. If you leave the course before finishing, please report your bib number to staff or inform the medical tent at the finish line that you left the course.

What about the Hickory HIlls Contingency Plan?

In the event that there is not enough snow at Timber Ridge, the event will be moved to the Hickory Hills Recreation Area. Hickory Hills features Nordic Courses with artificial snow. The Hickory Hills Nordic course was awarded homologation certification by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) in 2023. With this stamp of approval, Hickory Hills becomes the only homologated cross-country ski course in Michigan’s lower peninsula and joins two other homologated courses in Michigan, both in the Upper Peninsula: Ishpeming and Houghton. There are only 37 homologated courses in the United States.

All ski races will take place on the Low Snow/Ice Course, pictured below. The 27K and 15K races will be shortened to approximately 12K. The 6K races will remain the same. The Junior Vasa and the Adaptive Race will take place on the 1k Lighted Loop. For questions about the contingency ski course, please contact Cliff Onthank at onthanks@charter.net or Ken Dawson at Dawson.kenneth@att.net

The snowshoe race will take place in the Meadow and will be a running race. For questions about the snowshoe race contact Todd LaBlonte at labo1066@gmail.com.

The fat bike races will remain at Timber Ridge. For questions about the Fat Bike Race, please contact John Roe at jroe48@gmail.com.

Local Equipment Rentals

Want to register for a race and don’t have equipment? You can rent skis, bikes and snowshoes from Brick Wheels.

Are Pets Allowed?

Timber Ridge is pet friendly. The Vasa welcomes pets on a leash accompanied by a responsible owner. Pets are not permitted on the Vasa course, in the concession area or inside the Lodge.

More QUESTIONS?

For the most up-to-date information, look for the KING VASA SPEAKS racer information sheet in your email as registration closes on Wednesday February 5th at 6 PM. Or please contact us at this  EMAIL