THUNDER BAY -- Organizers of the Sleeping Giant Loppet are hopeful they can continue a tradition that began in 1978.
The annual mass-participation ski festival takes place in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park and features multiple events with distances for skiers of all levels and abilities.
“The decision to pause registration was made on Jan. 23,” said Peter Gallagher, the event's coordinator.
“The low snow conditions and a forecast of two weeks of warm temperatures have cast doubt on our ability to hold the event on March 2. The purpose of the registration pause is intended to reduce the number of refunds necessary for skiers who have already registered should the event be cancelled.”
Gallagher has his doubts about the next deadline.
On the event website, it said a decision will be made on the status of the Loppet on Feb. 7 with early registration rates applying until Feb. 11.
“If the event is cancelled on Feb. 7, it will not be held this year,” Gallagher confirmed.
“The Loppet will return on March 1, 2025. All registered skiers will receive a full refund. If snow conditions improve, it is possible that the Kamview Tour will be held at the Kamview Nordic Centre on March 2. The tour was cancelled earlier this year due to the late start to the ski season.”
The Loppet is an event hosted by Thunder Bay Nordic Trails and organized by a volunteer committee in cooperation with the staff of Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.
