Weekend City of Lakes Loppet ski events canceled as extreme cold settles in, other options available
[Loppet Foundation]
Citing the extreme cold expected to last through the weekend, the Loppet Foundation has announced changes following event cancellations.
Event organizers stated they canceled the City of Lakes Skate/Classic Ski Loppet and Skate/Classic Ski Puoli Loppet in-person events on both Saturday, Feb. 6 and Sunday, Feb. 7.
"While it may seem early to make a weather decision, the models are only trending worse and this decision is not solely made from weather forecasts alone," the foundation said in a statement. "It is impossible to safely conduct an event with these projected temperatures while following COVID-19 protocols. In these conditions, we cannot keep volunteers and participants safe on the course."
However, there are additional options for those wanting to participate.
Organizers said that they hope those interested will still be able to participate in a hybrid race model, as well as an extended, virtual event option in which participants can ski the distance on any course of their choosing, time themselves, and report their results via a form that will be sent to them by MTEC. Participation in the virtual event is now open through Feb. 14.
There will also be a new ski event, roughly a 15K-18K distance, set for the afternoon of Sunday, Feb. 21. Loppet organizers said due to circumstances this year, they are allowing participants to move their City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival registration to this new event. More information will be emailed once it becomes available.
Earlier this week, event organizers also stated they had rescheduled this weekend’s Luminary Loppet event to Thursday and Friday night instead, due to cold weather.