Since the end of the XIVth centurey, the Kalmar Union was challenged in Sweden, the nobility feeling that too much influence and wealth had been given to Danes in Sweden. A young nobleman, Gustav Ericsson Vasa, of high nobility, took side against the Danish king Kristian II. He was taken hostage in Denmark during the peace negotiation, but escaped to Lübeck in 1519 and back to Sweden. In 1520, following the capture of Stockholm by Kristian II, he invited all leaders of the Sture opponent party to his wedding in Stockholm. Gustav Ericsson Vasa declined. The one hundred who attended were executed in what is remebered as the "Stockholm bloodbath," including Gustav Ericsson Vasa's father.

Consequently, Gustav Ericsson Vasa flew through Dalarna, fearing for his life. He addressed the men of Mora at a gathering and tried to convince them to rebel against King Christian. The men refused to join the rebellion. Gustav continued fleeing toward Norway to seek refuge. However, the men in Mora changed their minds after hearing that the Danish rulers had decided to raise taxes. They asked the two best skiers in the county, two brothers from Mora, Lars and Engelbrekt, to search for him. They caught up with him at Sälen.

On 6 June 1523, Gustav Vasa was crowned King of Sweden, after having defeated the Danish king Christian and dissolved the Kalmar Union. Since that day, Sweden has been an independent nation. Six of June has become the Sewen National Day.

This race after Vasa inspired Anders Pers, from Mora, in February 1922 for calling for a sporting nordic ski race between Sälen and Mora. The first race was held on 19 March 1922, involving 119 participants. The winner was 22 year-old Ernst Alm from Norsjö Sports Club in 7 hours, 32 minutes and 49 seconds.