Report on IAWLS Membership Survey
November 25, 2006
IAWLS received a total of 69 responses from the 193 surveys delivered for a response rate of 36%. This is well above the norm. Thanks to all those who participated. We encourage even greater participation in the future.
Responses came from 15 different nations:
USA 15 FRA 10 AUS 8 SWE 8 CAN 7 ITA 6 GER 5 FIN 3 AUT, BEL, GBR, JPN, NOR, POL, SUI 1 each
The survey results indicated that IAWLS membership is composed of a broad range of skiers. Details are given below in the response to each question. Note that not all results add to 69 as some respondents did not answer every question.
1. In what year did you complete your first Worldloppet race?
IAWLS membership ranges from newcomers to those who have been participating since the formation of Worldloppet. Number of years since first WL race
2. How many Worldloppet races have you completed?
The 69 respondents have completed a total of 2085 races, ranging from a low of 3 to a high of 200, average 30. Number of skiers in each group:
51-60
3. How many Worldloppet races do you plan to ski in the coming season?
Planned activity levels varied from 0 to 18 races for the 2007 season. Average 3.7
4. Which is your favourite Worldloppet race?
Some respondents did not answer this question, others stated that it was too difficult to narrow their choice to a single race and listed 4 or 5 favourites. Some chose 2, one classic, one skate. Three respondents stated they have enjoyed all races entered and could not chose any one favourite. Hence the total number of votes is 110.Votes by race:
VL 17, ML 16, FH 9, KH 9, BR 8, ESM 8, KLL 7, TJ 7, AB 6, KL 6, TM 6, DL 4, SM 4, JP 3
Why?
Atmosphere 19 votes Course: because it was:
- moderate 8
- challenging 3
- changing 3
- start/finish together 2
Scenery 15 Organisation 14 No bottlenecks 5 Tradition 5 Ease of travel/hotels 5 Reliable snow 3
5. How many Worldloppet Masters have you completed? Answers were from 0 to 14.
6. When do you plan to complete your first/next masters?
Not sure/no answer 18
7. Have you completed all 14 Worldloppet races? Yes 16, No 53
If no, is completion of all races in your future plans? Yes 34, No 19
If no, would the creation of a Global Worldloppet Skier Designation change your answer? Yes 7, No 12
8. Total number of other XC races completed:
Answers ranged from 0 to 350. Many skiers gave a range eg. 60 to 70
The average is about 50
9. Which is your favourite of the other XC races:
36 different races were given. Only 1, Merino Muster, was in a non WL country.
Name of race and votes received:
Lapponia 5 , Koasalauf 3, Lake Placid 3, Noquemanon 3, Caribou Marathon 2, Dobbiaco-Cortina 2, Merino Muster 2, La Sgambeda 2, Vercors 2.
All others 1 vote each.
Why?
- Scenery 8
- Close to home 7
- Course 5
- Interesting location 5
- Organization 5
- Atmosphere 4
- Tradition 2
- Multi day event 1
10. Your comments: There was a wide variety of comments. Some of the more frequently repeated ones were as follows:
WL helps to create friendships around the world.
WL = travel
Would like to see creation of GWLS designation
Eastern European races are not so expensive
Vasaloppet, Marcialonga start problems
Would like to have new races, specifically Merino Muster, in WL
Want consistent seeding program
Silver category good for non-racers and younger ages, also for older competitors
Planning fewer WL races, more other events
11. Summary and Conclusions:
IAWLS membership represents a broad sample of Worldloppet participants. Survey responses came from 15 different nations.
Our respondents have accumulated impressive experience in WL and other loppets. 77 % have been participating in WL events for over 10 years. The average respondent has completed 30 WL races and an additional 50 non WL events.
They are an active group. Respondents plan an average of 3.7 races for the 2007 season. 72% have at least one WL Masters. 58% plan to complete their first/next masters within 2 years. 23% have completed all 14 WL races. A further 49% plan to do so in the future. An additional 10% would plan to complete all races if a GWLS designation is created.
The comments section indicated that IAWLS members enjoy their travels to the different WL venues and place a high value on the many friendships they have formed through cross country skiing around the world. They would welcome new entries in WL as an opportunity to further enrich their experiences.
Members’ criteria for selecting their favorite race included, in descending order, atmosphere, course, scenery, organization, no bottlenecks, tradition, ease of travel. Individual WL race committees should be encouraged to note that all of these factors, except scenery, can be positively influenced by their actions.
This page was last revised on September 16, 2007