Registration closes on January 20, 2024
The Sven Eriksson:
While the Sven doesn’t get the hype of it’s northern counterpart - the Oosik - the Sven is a great way to dip your toes into longer, distance ski events. At 25km of flat and rolling terrain - it’s a laid back, endurance ski with a rolling start time and no crowds. We’ll be bringing a maximum of 10 skiers, so sign up early to reserve your spot.
Event day:
We’ll meet in downtown Palmer at 9:30AM and depart towards Willow.
After a quick pit stop, we’ll head to the Sven starting line for race details.
Around 11AM: Start our ski! Skiers will have the option to stick with a Revel guide during the race (we’ll be skiing at a leisurely pace) or to ski independently.
Following the race we will meet at the finish line, take a team photo and head off for a team meal.
Team dinner in Willow or Wasilla (dinner location is pending time of finish).
Travel back to Palmer. Rest, relax and reminisce about all we’ve accomplished.
What's included:
All race entry and registration fees
Transportation to/from Willow
Sven race swag (participants will receive a t-shirt that says “Sven There, Done That”)
Post-race meal (with the ski squad!)
If skiing with the Revel crew, your Revel guide will have Wilderness First Responder training and carry emergency supplies including an emergency communication device.
An educational component. Why is it called the Sven Eriksson? What should you know about Willow, Alaska? Will we ski on the Iditarod trail? In true Revel fashion, we’ll chat about this and much, much more during our adventure together.
What's not included:
Gear and equipment (skis, boots, and poles)
Snacks and water
Emergency communication devices for independent skiers
Cost:
Adventure Club Members: $169 per person
Other adventurers: $179 per person
How difficult is the Sven?
This is a moderately challenging ski. It is not technically difficult, but newer skiers should plan to ski approximately 3-4 hours. Participants will have the option to ski with the Revel crew (at a leisurely pace) or ski independently.
The "race" is not really a race at all. The event has a rolling start time beginning at 10:30AM. Participants are able to start after that at their leisure.
The total distance is approximately 25km (15-ish miles) through a portion of Willow's trail system. These trails are mellow in nature, traveling primarily through swamp and over frozen lakes. The event is part of Willow's Winter Carnival.
This event is perfect for skiers who are interested in dabbling in longer distance events and a great training run for those skiing the Oosik in the March.
A Note on Flexibility:
The nature of adventuring outside requires some flexibility. We do our best to follow the itinerary as outlined, but trail conditions, wildlife, etc. can all impact our plans. Please know if we need to shift plans your guide will communicate with you in a timely manner. Safety is our priority and we use our best judgement when making trip adjustments.
Weather and cancellation:
Since a significant portion of our event expenses are incurred prior to the start date, please understand we have limited flexibility with our cancellation policy. For this event, our cancellation policy is as follows. Cancellations made:
Before January 27, receive a full refund minus a 5% processing fee.
After January 27, receive receive no refund.
We rarely cancel due to inclement weather. Please bring gear to adventure in the elements. Our cold weather cutoff for this event is -15F. In the event temperatures are below -15F the morning of our departure, we will cancel the event and provide a $100 refund. The remaining $79 will be used to cover expenses incurred prior to the event day.
Do you offer scholarships or payment plans?
Yes and yes! Anyone can apply for a scholarship here. Additionally, if you’d like to set up a payment plan (for no additional fee) please reach out.
What if I can’t finish?
Individuals should plan to take personal responsibility for themselves during this event. Revel will help encourage, support and advise as necessary, but when it comes to the ski itself - please be prepared. A great rule of thumb: you should be able to comfortably ski 8-10 miles before attempting this event.
We will consult with Sven Eriksson race officials prior to our ski departure regarding race etiquette and protocol for the “what if” scenarios.
Can I bring my pup?
For this trip we ask folks leave their 4-legged friends at home.