What is a virtual Loppet, you ask? Well, you simply register for the Loppet,  pay your entry fee, get your swag, choose the distance you want to ski, then you push, pull or drag yourself along a course of your choosing during the selected race period. No need to come to Lake Louise. You can do it anywhere in the world where you can use skis or roller skis. You will have a 15-day window from Feb 20th to Mar 7th, 2021, to complete your designated distance, record your results and submit them to us. Submit results here!

PARTICIPANT INFO

Dates & Registration:
The 2021 Virtual Lake Louise Loppet will be held between Saturday February 20 - 2021 to Sunday March 7 - 2021.

Registration fees: $ 45.00 for Calgary Race Package pickup
Registration fees: $ 65.00 for Race Package mailed within Canada or to the USA
Registration fees: $ 75.00 for International mailing of the Race Package
Registration fees: $ 20.00 for no Race Package or to donate to Spirit North

Race Package contains:
- Buff
- Long sleeve technical shirt
- Sample pack of bison jerky (if permitted)

Register here

Submit your results here!


Please join our Facebook participant forum  to submit pictures and stories, or send them to media@calgaryskiclub.org

Grab your spot in the virtual Lake Louise Loppet and join your fellow cross country devotees and get out in the snow.
Your virtual experience starts at your convenience within the given time frame.
Sign up, get your swag bag and go skiing.
When you sign up, part of the proceeds will go to Spirit North, a charity that works for empowering Indigenous youth through sport and play.
Spirit North was founded and is run by Beckie Scott, and the organization is recognized as one of Canada’s leading sport-for-social-development organizations.

Thank you for supporting the Lake Louise Loppet and the Spirit North Programs.
Have a fantastic time in the snow.

Cross Country Greetings
From
The Lake Louise Loppet Team

New to Cross Country Skiing? Here are a few tips.

1) Safety first - choose well-known trails, plan ahead and check trail conditions (Parks Canada, Skier Bob, Calgary Ski Club suggestions, etc.) We suggest flat terrain to start and small hills to practice slowing and stopping. You should keep it short the first time out. Try 1 to 5 km your first day.  There are local trails in the City that are easy to get to and are easy to ski.

 

2) Dress for the sport - layers! Cross country is a great way to stay warm, but the weather can change quickly. Core layers will keep body temp up and help keep extremities warm.

 

3) Equipment - an excellent way to know is to try before you buy. Sports Rent, Norseman and Canmore Nordic Centre are currently renting. Please call ahead to reserve. We recommend ‘waxless’ skis for beginners. Let an expert help you select your skis based on weight and height (yes, it’s ok to have longer skis after the holidays!), and pole length should be between the armpit and the top of the shoulder. These stores have gear designed for the region and know how to assist beginners and ensure the proper fit. Plus: they maintain it for you! 

 

4) Assume the position: toes push and glide, poles start at the ankles and push back. The straps on your poles? Not just for show! Use them around your wrists for a better pull, and hold them lightly between the fingers. The bottom of the ski is designed to grip and push (the center part with fish scales) - use that to push back and glide forward.  If you enjoy it, sign up for a lesson.  Improving your technique leads to even more enjoyment. If you find yourself falling, try to sit down and land on your butt.  You can always remove the skis to stand back up.

 

5) Have fun!! We have so many beautiful trails and views to see from skis. We hope you can join us soon for a ski! 

 

Here is a link to an article about beginner trails near Calgary.