Featuring the apt slogan of “Welcome to the Kingdom of Skiing” and an incredible “two for one” XC ski vacation, the 2010 Masters World Cup in Falun, Sweden next February is likely to be an irresistible draw for masters around the XC ski world.
Recognized as the world’s largest wintersport traveling championship event, the Masters World Cup (MWC) provides over 1,000 adults 30 years and up a full week of racing and social events at a different international destination each year. Skiers of all abilities from nearly two dozen nations participate in the MWC each year. No qualification process is necessary to take part in the annual Masters World Cup which is organized and sanctioned by the World Masters Association.
Making the 2010 event extra special is that the Swedish Vasaloppet week (the biggest week of skiing on the planet) begins the day after the MWC closes. With the Vasaloppet courses located just a short trip by bus away from Falun, masters will be able to add 1-9 days of Vasaloppet events to their Worlds trip. The ultimate XC skiing two-for-one vacation!
The U.S. arm of the World Masters Association — American XC Skiers (AXCS) — has once again put together an affordable, non-profit travel plan combining group airfare rates with a lodging/half board/ground transport package at one of Falun’s finest hotels; located just a few minutes walk from the ski stadium. Official USA trip dates are February 16-27, 2010 — yet extensions on the lodging package are easily arranged this spring for skiers wanting to add all or part of the Vasaloppet week.
Complete information on the AXCS trip to the 2010 Masters World Cup is now posted on xcskiworld.com. (http://www.xcskiworld.com/events_xc/Worlds/Falun_10.htm).
Preliminary reservations for the AXCS trip are now being taken with a growing list of people already signed up. Space and room types are first-come, first-served so do not delay to get on the AXCS list for this incredible trip!
About the host site of the MWC2010
Located an easy two hour train ride northwest of Stockholm; Falun, Sweden is undeniably one of signature XC venues on the planet. The Lugnet stadium (located a 5 minute drive from the city center) offers 76km of some of the best ski trails you’ll ever find.
Host to the 1954, 1974, and 1993 Nordic World Championships along with being the traditional site of the Swedish Ski Games on the annual World Cup circuit, these trails have spanned time like no other XC venue. Up to 80,000 people have watched major events here and you can easily see why. Just arriving at the stadium you can feel and breath XC ski tradition. This is XC skiing’s Madison Square Garden, Fenway Park, Rose Bowl — whatever comparison you like.
The host city of Falun (pop. 36,000) is a worthy and picturesque companion to the Lugnet trails. A UNESCO World Heritage city, Falun has an array of tourist attractions for all ages. A 1,000 year old (inactive) copper mine tour is well worth a few hours time as are several city galleries, museums, churches, and vintage architecture. Of course, outdoor adventures are also plentiful along with the incredible indoor athletic facilities of the Lugnet sport complex.
