LOPPETS: WHAT TO EXPECT
The word loppet is Scandinavian in origin and means a mass participation cross-country ski event designed for skiers of all ages and abilities. Think of it as a fun run on skis. The idea is to get out there with other like-minded, fun-loving people who like to ski and have a good time. It is a great opportunity to meet other club members —and even others who may have travelled here from other parts of the province.
While some skiers will want to race around the course and test themselves over a certain distance, most will just want to achieve a personal goal. Have you ever wondered if you could ski 3, 6, 9, 16 or 30km? This year we are adding a 50 km distance to celebrate Wostawea’s 50th anniversary as Fredericton’s only cross-country ski club. This is the time to participate! Whether you are an adult just learning to ski, a youngster just finding your ski legs, or a seasoned and weathered skier, this is an event for all.
You’ll need to register. ahead of time online at zone4.ca . At the lodge, you will receive a bib, so wear it proudly during the event, and hand it back in at the finish. If you need advice on waxing for the day, someone will be around in the basement of the lodge to show you how. Wostawea loppets usually attract one hundred or more skiers so you’ll have lots of fellow skiers to stride along with and share stories with before and after the event.
There will be a mass start – faster skiers at the front, slower ones at the back – and at the signal, off you go! The courses will be colour coded – just follow the coloured course symbols (for the distance you have registered for), which are mounted on stakes in the snow alongside the trail. The trails will be groomed for classic skiing with one or two sets of tracks at all points.
We will have set up a couple of feeding stations – one at the furthest point of the course, and another back at the stadium start/lap/finish area. At the feeding station, there will be a warm drink and some treats.
When you have finished, there will be drinks and a warm meal waiting for you in the lodge where you’ll be able to refuel and share your experiences with fellow skiers and enjoy the camaraderie!
There are some wonderful prizes, drawn by bib number so all participants have a chance to win. Whether you’re a first-timer or an old loppet hand, we hope to see you at our annual Wostawea loppet!