Races and loppets

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Loppets

Loppets are cross-country skiing events offering friendly races in a social environment. While some participants are passionate competitors, many simply enjoy the ride, finishing 5km-40km distances at their own pace. All ages and abilities are encouraged to participate, especially beginners. It’s where we come together to celebrate everything we love about cross-country ski culture – friendly faces, cheering enthusiasts, camaraderie amongst competitors, determination of our youngest, admiration for grand-masters, the great outdoors, and the inner satisfaction gained by knowing you’ve crossed the finish line. In Nova Scotia, loppets bring out the best in everyone. If you’re under five years of age, you may even have the chance to enter a “cookie race”, with medals you can actually bite into.

Perhaps you’re wondering about the term “loppet”? Naturally, it has Scandinavian roots, where our sport originated over 5,000 years ago. It’s a special term, describing a gathering of skiers within a positive and festive atmosphere. Scandinavian countries endure long winters with limited daylight – loppets evolved as an important means of uplifting everyone’s spirits and finding inner greatness by skiing en masse. The word “loppet” continues to hold significance in our sport’s culture across the globe.

Nova Scotia loppets bring skiers together and follow the light-hearted tradition of these historic events. We find motivation by skiing as a group while appreciating winter’s landscape. At the same time, we meet new ski friends and catch-up with previous acquaintances throughout the day. After we’ve cheered every skier to the finish line… we definitely celebrate afterwards. Once you’re a part of a Nova Scotia loppet, you’ll most certainly leave all of your worries behind.

Loppet itineraries are all unique. Our province’s loppets may include: socials after the event, draws for prizes, awards, pot-luck, prizing for winners, hand-crafted wooden medals for all, or cookie races for youngsters. One thing all loppets have in common is lots of skiers having lots of fun! Additional facts below:

· Host – Nova Scotia Cross-Country Ski Clubs

· Ages – 3 Years-to-Grand Master

· Abilities – Beginner-to-Expert

· Distance – 5km-40km

· Start – Mass

· Timed – Yes

· Technique – Classic, Skate or Freestyle

· Post-Race Gathering – Many Host Socials

View loppet dates in our Calendar.

What’s in a Name?

LOPPET: /’loʊ.pɛt./ Scandinavian origin. A large cross-country skiing event held on a groomed trail, offering choice of techniques as classic, skate, or freestyle; over distances of 5km – 40km (classic Vasaloppet in Sweden, 90km). Historically, many offer rest or food stations along the way, with great celebrations afterwards. XC skiing originated in Northern Scandinavia over 5,000 years ago. Numerous languages use the word “Loppet” with no modifications, and maintain its festive traditions.

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Stories

Loppets hold many stories of camaraderie, inspiration, traditions, and good times. They are uplifting events offering something for everyone. Do you have a story to share? Please send along, nsxcski@gmail.com.

Videos

Racing for Cookies!

Join the excitement of the “Cookie Race” at North Highlands Nordic. It’s a day of serious fun for our youngest competitors… that really hooks them on cross-country skiing. “Good luck to everybody. Everybody’s a winner. Go!” — Rosemary Algar, Cookie Race starting line.

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Loppet Highlights – North Highlands Nordic

Experience good times, friendly people, expertly groomed course, potluck meal, reliable snow, world-class scenery, hand-crafted wooden medals… and dedicated volunteers. Schedule the annual NHN loppet into your calendar – it’s been held every year for the past 32 years.

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2019 Loppet – “You Folks Have the Right Attitude”

It’s the start of the 2019 NHN Loppet. Another great day on the trails enjoyed by many. “You folks have the right attitude. This is just a fun event.” — Linda Murray, NHN President, at the start line.

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Photos

· 2020 NHN Loppet+ Cookie Race

· 2019 NHN Loppet + Cookie Race

· 2017 NHN Loppet + Cookie Race

· 2016 NHN Loppet

· 2014 NHN Loppet + Cookie Race

· 2013 Honey Pot Loppet

· 2013 NHN Cookie Race

Nova Scotia Provincial Championships

The Nova Scotia Provincial Championships is a two day event with races for all ages and abilities. Some skiers choose competitive races, while many select recreational “fun skis” – there’s something for everyone! Be inspired by Nova Scotia’s national-level competitors, bunny rabbits, grand-masters, and first-timers. Join us for the full experience.

Nova Scotia has been celebrating ski racing for over 50 years at the Provincial Cross-Country Ski Championships. The event has been hosted by cross-country ski clubs annually, at various locations throughout the province.  Skiers of all ages and abilities are encouraged to participate and experience the camaraderie inherent in this long-standing event.  

Itineraries are unique every year. Events may include: socials after race days, draw prizes, medals for victors, special take-aways for participants, or meals (optional).

Loppet Facts

Host – NS XC Ski Club, Variable

Ages – All

Date – February 2021, TBC

Location – Nova Scotia, TBC

Abilities – First-Timer-to-Expert

Eligibility – Everyone

Distances – 1km-20km

Start – Mass + Individual

Timed – Yes

Style – Classic + Freestyle

Fee – Nominal

Find the next Nova Scotia Provincial Championship’s date in our Calendar.

Stories

Provincial Championships hold many stories of inspiration, fun, and personal bests. If you have a story to share, please drop us a line, nsxcski@gmail.com.

Videos

Provincials simply brings out everyone’s best – our volunteers, skiers, and supportive fans. Press play to enjoy a few highlights. The 2020 Provincials included a friendly community 5 km event. Be sure to join us in 2021.

2020 Provincial Championships Highlights

They skied their hearts out! We’re proud to see moms, dads, out-of-town friends, visiting club members, youths, seniors, and even canine companions who enjoyed a day in the great outdoors amongst skiers.

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We Race – Youths at 2020 Provincials

We are reminded of the joy racing brings to thousands of youngsters across the country. Youths love racing and experience many benefits such as: friendship, time management, sense of community, fun, resilience, leadership, love of the sport, and independence. Why do you love racing?

Photos

Celebrating ski racing for more than 50 years at the Nova Scotia Provincial Championships. 

Loppets in Canada and Global

National Loppets

Gatineau Loppet

The Gatineau Loppet is the largest international loppet held in Canada, attracting over 2,500 skiers from beginner-through-elite, who participate in races from 2km – 51km. A member of the Worldloppet league, it is part of a circuit of the 20 biggest cross-country ski races around the world. The Gatineau Loppet is an annual ritual for many Nova Scotia skiers. Thousands of like-minded people of all ages and abilities find the courage to race, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie.

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Canadian Birkie Ski Festival

Enjoy a three-day celebration of cross country skiing and Nordic Legends. The Birkie is Western Canada’s Premier Nordic Ski Event, offering races from 500m – 55km. Formed in 1985, the Birkie continues the tradition of honouring perseverance, courage and fortitude – as well as lots of Nordic Fun for the whole family! The Birkie is founded upon the historic rescue of an infant Norwegian prince, by two Birkebeiner Warriors in 1206, who carried him 55 km on skis to safety. The Birkie includes a 55 km race where participants carry a 5.5 kg pack, to symbolize the infant prince.

Lilla Roy, NS skier, completes the 31 km event, 2020 Birkie. (Photo: Jan Studios)

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International Loppets

Internationally, large-scale loppets attract thousands of skiers. Ski marathons of 90 km distances draw the world’s best cross-country skiers and amateurs, to the same start line. The global scene is full of energy – packed with spectators celebrating everything about cross-country skiing.

Vasaloppet

The Vasaloppet is the world’s largest cross-country ski race, held in Sweden. Since 1922, over 1.5 million skiers have crossed the finish line, which includes races from 5 km – 90 km. Three Nova Scotia skiers from North Highlands Nordic, have completed the 90 km historic race – Kris Doyon, Daniel Murray, and Ian Murray. This race pays tribute to Gustav Vassa, a revolutionary on cross-country skis, who led a rebellion against Danish rule in 1520.

“It was magical to participate in an event that celebrates a nation’s existence with a participation-based sporting event.  It was more than an accomplishment to finish the Vasaloppet, it was being able to participate in living history.  If you want to feel the pulse of Sweden, do the Vasaloppet.”

DANIEL MURRAY | 2 x VASALOPET COMPETITOR | NS PROVINCIAL TEAM COACH

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Worldloppet – International Loppet Series

Your opportunity to travel, gaining insight into other cultures. Ski around the world through the Worldloppet series. Worldloppet is an international sports federation of cross-country skiing marathons. The aim of Worldloppet is to promote the sport of cross-country skiing, by focusing on popular skiing through the various ski races around the world. Only one and the best ski marathon from a country can be a member of Worldloppet. Currently, the Worldloppet includes 20 long-distance ski races from Europe, America, Asia and Oceania.

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