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Lake Louise to Banff Loppet and Relay shifts to virtual challenge

Registration opens Monday morning (Jan. 18) for the Corona Edition of the fan-favourite Lake Louise to Banff Loppet and Relay.
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Icicles grow on Alexander Kolesov's face during the 2020 Lake Louise to Banff Loppet and Relay. RMO FILE PHOTO

BANFF – Dig out your best costume, wax your skis and text your loppet buddies because a cross-country ski classic returns this week in Banff National Park.

Registration opened Monday morning (Jan. 18) for the Corona Edition of the fan-favourite Lake Louise to Banff Loppet and Relay, which will be a virtual challenge between Jan. 23-31 in either four solo categories, or two team categories of two to six people that loppetters can complete at their own leisure.

“It was really important to have something that I could still offer,” said organizer Heidi Widmer, a former Olympic skier. “Parks Canada has been awesome in allowing us to have some sort of option. It was a glimmer of hope, even though I hadn’t officially announced anything yet."

Widmer has a difficult time saying “no” to anyone, let alone legions of loppetters asking if they would be able to ski the trails of the historic race, dating back to 1929 when it was a 72-km course through the backcountry from Lake Louise to Central Park, near downtown Banff.

During the COVID-era, doubts surfaced after the Alberta government instituted public health measures in place until Jan. 21. However, outdoor recreation such as Nordic skiing are allowed unless physical distancing of two metres cannot be maintained.

The loppet in a virtual challenge setting offers just the right amount of spacing.

“It took some brainstorming, and the fact that people love this event so much and really look forward to it was motivating for the loppet volunteers to have something to offer back,” said Widmer.

The Corona Edition’s solo categories range in distance from 10 kilometres, 20 km, 36 km and 72 km, and team categories are either a 36 or 72-km race.

Special to this year’s event is the Corona Challenge for those participating in the 72-km loppet from Lake Louise to Castle Junction and back.

The King, Queen, and Team winners will receive a six-pack of golden Corona brews (non-alcoholic beverages will also be given away).

“I think setting up a challenge with my athletic background always brings me a certain energy and I think the Bow Valley likes a good challenge,” Widmer said.

As is customary for the loppet, a costume category is available for teams to dress up for the occasion. Further details and course routes can be found at www.loppet.ca.

To complete the virtual race, each participant must record and then upload their time to www.zone4.ca.


Jordan Small

About the Author: Jordan Small

An award-winning reporter, Jordan Small has covered sports, the arts, and news in the Bow Valley since 2014. Originally from Barrie, Ont., Jordan has lived in Alberta since 2013.
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