Photo by Dave Leaderhouse. It was a perfect day to go for a ski and more than a 100 enthusiasts did just that when they took part in the annual Prince Albert Nordic Ski Club loppet held on Sunday at the Little Red River Park.
Dave Leaderhouse
Special to the Herald
Conditions were ideal for more than 100 cross-country skiing enthusiasts who took part in the annual Prince Albert Nordic Ski Club loppet on Sunday at Little Red River Park.
“The trails are in amazing shape,” acknowledged organizer Mike Horn of Fresh Air Experience. “We had a lot of severe wind and melt that created a challenge, but a little bit of fresh snow has everything looking really good.”
Participants ranged in age from Jackrabbits (youth) to seniors and they had their choice of covering either a 1, 6.5, 17.5, 25 or 32-kilometre distance – all in the classic skiing discipline. While there is a provincial series of races where competitors garner points for an overall championship, Horn said Sunday’s event was purely recreational.
“This is all about getting people together who like to ski,” said Horn. “Some people might be out here looking for a personal best, but mostly it is recreational skiers and families.”
“The loppet is the premiere ski race in the world – it is equivalent to a marathon,” added Horn. “This (event) just allows people to get out and meet other people.”
A mass start from the Cosmo Lodge had skiers head out on the various trails with pre-determined routes selected for the participants to cover their preferred distance. A pair of check points were in place in the back country where volunteers were waiting with hot refreshments and snacks and a hot chili lunch concluded the activities once everyone crossed the finish line.
The Winter Olympics are set to begin in Italy later this week and one of the premiere competitions at that event is cross-country skiing. For those who took part in Sunday’s loppet this was their Olympics plus it offered plenty of exercise and camaraderie.
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