Vindelfjällslöpet (VFL) was held every year between 1991 and 2001 and was one of the most established and well known sled-dog races in Sweden. After a 5 year break Älvarnas DHK is arranging the Vindelfjällslöpet in 2007 & 2008 and now we follow up with 2009!

It is our ambition to create an exclusive mid-distance race in mountainous surroundings with emphasize on great out-door experience, safety and togetherness which will attract elite and recreational mushers from all over Europe.

            We hope that VFL will contribute to develop sled-dog sport in Sweden into an adventure sport where not only the competition but the overall experience is the main objective.

WHERE?

            VFL has its start and finish in Ammarnäs village, Lapland, in the heart of Vindelfjällens nature reserve.

WHEN?

The race itself is scheduled over three days in March 2010 with start the 5:th and finish the 7:th. There will be an obligatory drivers’ meeting on the day before and by the start, and with the finish and drivers’ banquette. 

HOW?

VFL is a mid-distance race which character resembles that of a long distance race. Total distance is approximately 160-180 km´s. Most part of the daily 45 to 60 km long stages are located in high altitude terrain exposed to harsh weather conditions. In case of bad weather there is an alternative route for day 2. The distance of the second stage will then be approx. 80 km. New for 2009 is that we have daily start and finish in Ammarnäs.

Race trail

Day 1: 63 km. (Ammarnäs – Björkfjället -  Stigo- Dellik älven- Suovas kåtan- Bräira-jaure-Bissaliden- Ammarnäs.)

In the evening some winter games and sauna before dinner.

Day 2: 72 km. (Ammarnäs-Tjulträsket-Dårraudden-Graipejaure-Tjuvtjärn-Gienjeljaure-Vuoiramjaure-Falträsk-Slätvik-ÖJ-leden-Ammarnäs)

In the evening there will be a banquet and entertainment for mushers, family and handlers.

Day 3: 50 km (Ammarnäs-Tjulträsket-Servestugan-180grader- Kungsleden mot Aigertstugan-Ammarnäs)

After everyone crossed the finish line a ceremony will be held.

As in long-distance races there is a requirement to carry some obligatory equipment (see list below). All food and equipment will have to be transported in the sled and trail conditions will depend on snow- and weather conditions. If needed, dogs can be dropped at the stage stops. The last day start order will be reversed. Competing teams are not allowed to receive any help unless needed for safety reasons. Recreational teams are consequently not allowed to transport any food or equipment for the racing teams. Recreational teams will start after the competing teams.

A veterinarian and a SDSF-approved racing judge will follow the race. A trail committee of four officials will prepare the trail and as a precautionary measure one snow mobile will always follow the last team.

Participating teams will be divided in five classes: Unlimited class or 8-dog class for either mixed breeds (class A) or pure bred polar breeds (class C) and one class for recreational teams. Each finishing teams receives a graved plaque and a diploma.

WHY?

Everyone who previously has participated in Vindelfjällslöpet knows that this does not only mean tough competition and adventure in a grand mountain area, but also nice friendship in a non-pretentious atmosphere. Sportsmanship and excellent dog care have also always been characterizing VFL. If this is something you (and your dogs) appreciate, then VFL 2009 is the race for you!

We encourage fellow mushers with less experience in dog-driving under “natural conditions” to participate. Dominique and the rest of us are glad to share our experience in “mountain mushing” with anyone. Have in mind that distance mushing is much more than speed:

”The winning team is not the fastest one – but the one that crosses the finish line first!”