Main Details Evening before (Friendship party) Cross-Country /5km. 10km. 20km. 40km Leisure Skiing/5km. 8km. 15km The event is divided into two competitions. The leisure skiing is popular with novices and children, whereas the cross-country competition is for the more experienced athletes. The cross-country competition attracts top athletes from all over the country, as well as a large number of entries from overseas competitors. The "Asahikawa International Vasa Ski Competition" started in 1981, and is the grand finale that marks the end of each ski season. The ski competition originates from Sweden and also derives its name from King Gustav Vasa of Sweden. The Asahikawa competition has inherited the tradition of the original "Vasa Loppet" competition and has progressed to become Japan's largest international ski competition. The ski competition has received official recognition from the International Ski Federation (FIS) and National Ski Federation (SAJ), and every year more than 7000 athletes compete. In 1990, King Carl XVI Gustav of Sweden attended the event Asahikawa, and in the same year representatives from the town of Maura, USA and Maura, Sweden came to Asahikawa to take part in cultural exchange meetings, which continue to be held every 4 years. The competition is held every year on "Shunbun no hi" (Vernal equinox), but preparations and course construction begin in December to ensure that there is enough snow on the course. Also, since 2003 the name of the competition has changed from "Asahikawa International Vasa Ski Competition" to "Vasa Loppet Japan". Main sponsor/ Asahikawa International Vasa Ski Competition Organizing Committee TEL/ 0166 23 8300 *Rental skis (Skis, boots, poles) are available free of charge. Reservation required. (c)Asahikawa City.All rights reserved.