Get those skis waxed and ready! The 5th Annual Opeongo Classic Loppet is set to start next Saturday January 26th.
Coordinator, Peter Cruchet says the Opeongo Hills Nordic Ski Club’s cross-country skiing race was put in place to promote the sport. Although some skiers are competitive, he says it’s mainly a fun and social event made to gather skiers from all corners of the Province. He points out that many skiers come from Ottawa, Toronto, Peterborough, Kingston and North Bay. He adds that the last race had 70 registered skiers and the attendance has been increasing every year by 25%. Last year’s race had to be cancelled due to poor weather conditions but when he looks at the conditions of the trails and the weather forecast, Cruchet has no doubt that this year’s race will be happening.
Cruchet, a former physical education teacher, says the sport of cross-country skiing, in terms of exercise, is a sport that works out your entire body. He says that the club’s objective when they opened was to bring out-of-towners in and show them how beautiful the Brudenell trails were. When he mentions the name of the club Opeongo Hills Nordic Ski Club he puts the emphasis on the word Hills so skiers can get an idea of what they can expect. Cruchet says that there are many hills and the scenery is beautiful making the trails a joy to ride around on.
As for the race, skiers have a choice. They can opt for the 20, 10, 5 or 2.5 kilometer races. He states that one of the things the club’s been focusing on are their kids programs and adds that children are welcomed to race as well.
The club is a non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers Cruchet says. The loppet actually funds the trails’ maintenance and other events they have going on. Cruchet took the time to thank the volunteers needed to help with the event as well as all of the businesses who have donated to the event’s raffle prize jamboree (every participant gets an entry). He says that the raffle prizes along with the chili, coffee and desserts, are always a big hit.
Admission
20km – $30
10km – $30
Adult Social 5km – $15
Kids/Youth 10 years old – 18 years old 5km – $10
Kids Under 10 2.5km – $5
To register for the race, click here. For more information on the Opeongo Hills Nordic Ski Club, click here.