(submitted photo/Bill Jeffery)

By Ian Gustafson

Hitting the Trails

P.A. Classic Loppet set for big weekend

Jan 25, 2020 | 12:00 PM

The Prince Albert Nordic Ski Club’s 2020 Classic Loppet is tomorrow at the Little Red River Park.

Starting at 10 a.m. at the Cosmo Lodge on Sunday a mass start of at least 200 skiers will travel different distances between 5 km to 35 km.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. and anyone looking to participate can come during those times.

Organizer Bill Jeffery said he expects the skiers ages will range from five years old to 75 years old.

“For the majority of people, it’s just a ski tour, you know just to get out there and enjoy Little Red and some people are skiing with their children,” Jeffery said.

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Along the trail are two different check points where participants can stop to get something to drink and enjoy a hot dog or cookie.

He added people may also want to improve on their time from last year, but for most people it’s a fun ski chatting with old friends.

The Loppet has been going on for a long time off and on.

“In the last three years it’s really increased in numbers and popularity,” Jeffery said. “There was a time when it was really popular and then it sort of died off a little bit but now it’s really coming back. Our club membership in the last three years has increased from 180 members to 420 members.”

He added a lot of younger families have joined because it’s an inexpensive sport.

“The whole family can be out there,” he said.

The event is open to all ages and skill levels, in fact, beginners are encouraged to take part.

“It’s a perfect kind of event for people who are just starting out because they can go slowly,” Jeffery said.

According to the Weather Network, Prince Albert will see a high of -4 Celsius on Sunday.

“With the snow lately, the trails are in excellent condition and everything’s just perfect right now,” he said. “We got lots of snow so we’ll be grooming on Saturday night so the trails will be fresh for people on Sunday morning.”

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Ian.gustafson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @iangustafson12