Ski your first Keskinada Loppet Some tips to get you started
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ONVINCED that loppets are populated only by elite athletes who treat cross-country skiing as a new religion? Maybe you’ve seen the TV ads, or your friends have talked about it, or perhaps you’ve been close enough to cheer on the frost-caked skiers crossing the finish line. But, the notion of doing it yourself sends a wintry shudder down your spine. Skiing 25 or 50 kilometres through the far reaches of Gatineau Park has not been your idea of a good time. This, too, can change. For many people, the Keskinada Loppet is their main winter objective. Every year, skiers start to get ready for the mid-February event as summer begins to wane. This gala event held in the National Capital Region is geared to winter enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. The Keskinada Loppet is Canada’s largest cross-country ski event. The 25th edition held last February attracted 3,428 participants, including 563 skiers visiting Canada
from 22 countries. The Keskinada Loppet is more than a race—it is an event. The organizers go to great lengths to introduce activities for all ages and abilities. The signature 50-km Freestyle event takes place on Sunday, February 15th. There are also a 25-km and a 10-km Free Style event on the same day. The Classic Style events on Saturday include 5-km, 25-km, and 50-km races. The youngsters’ event—MiniKeski—provides the skiers of tomorrow with a 2-km course. Volunteers dressed according to the annual theme will entertain them along the course. The great thing about all these events is that skiers are encouraged to travel at their own speed for each event. For example, skiers in the 50-km Freestyle event will leave the start area at the same time as about 1,000 other participants. Skiers are seeded into waves with the faster ones leaving first. The start of the 50-km Freestyle is one of the most exciting moments of the ski season. Participants will ski for two to six hours, depending upon their ability and stamina. An entrant who skis once a week for about three hours can expect to
be on the course for around five hours. The elite skiers will be back at the finish line in just over two hours. All along the course, you will experience what the Keski is all about. After a few kilometres, you’ll be skiing with people who share a similar level of skill. They might be strangers at first, but a sense of camaraderie quickly evolves. After initial words of encouragement, you discuss where you’re from, where you ski, and how many times you have done the Keskinada. At approximately the 10-km point, you reach the first feeding station. These stations are run by 20 to 25 volunteers who make sure you get something to drink and eat. They’ll also check to see if you’re feeling well enough to keep going. All along the 50-km course, as in all the other Keskinada distances, skiers enjoy breathtaking scenery and perfectly groomed trails. The knowledge and effort of 450 volunteers make the events run smoothly year after year. Organizers do everything possible to make the skiers’ experience memorable so they will join again.
Photos by Keskinada Loppet
By Claude Laramée
