Ski club hosts 49th annual race
Small but dedicated turnout for Loppet could lead to big things next year, organizers hope
Stewart Burnett
Northern News Services
Thursday, April 13, 2017
INUVIK
Turnout wasn't huge but the Inuvik Ski Club is happy with the results of its 49th annual Top of the World Loppet and organizers are looking to build toward next season.
Holly Jones, director of programming with the Inuvik Ski Club, stands with Olympian Jess Cockney and Olympic coach Anders Lenes. - photo courtesy of Patrick Gall
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"It went pretty well, super small," said club treasurer Patrick Gall of the eight people who turned out to race.
"We only had a few people here but we made sure to make it fun for them. I think it went well. I had a lot of fun anyway."
Participants raced a variety of distances early Sunday morning. The event had stiff competition with the Muskrat Jamboree and reindeer crossing that same day.
Olympian skiers Jess Cockney and Sharon Firth, along with coach Anders Lenes, were on hand to lead skiers and do a bit of exposition.
"They're so well-known in the area, at least here," said Gall. "They always have good tips, always chatting with people. I think what they're trying to do is really nice and the ski club is trying to do the same thing - get more people skiing, increase the knowledge about skiing. It brings in knowledge from outside the area and a higher level of knowledge. Olympians and Olympic coaches is the best company you can ask for when you're trying to run a ski event."
The event served as a learning experience for the ski club's new management, too. They are hoping to build toward a much fuller season next year and larger Loppet event to commemorate its 50th anniversary.
A few Jackrabbits sessions and ski days with the high school and youth centre are all that's left before the snow melts, said Gall.
He hopes to start next year's ski season on time. Opening was delayed this past year because of turnover in management.
"As soon as we can get snow on the ground that makes good trails, we can start up the programming immediately," said Gall. "The real mid-winter is a bit too cold for some of that stuff, but the early and the late, this kind of temperature, the snow's really fast and it's a nice time to be out."
