Presentation and review
THE GATINEAU LOPPET:
Much more than a cross-country ski race !
The Gatineau Loppet cross-country ski race first came onto the scene in 1978 under the name of the «Rivière Rouge» («Red River»). It took place in Quebec’s Lachute region approximately one hundred kilometres north-east from the Gatineau Park. The race consisted of two events, a 55 km and a 35 km race. This established the Rivière Rouge as Canada’s largest cross-country ski event.
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Photo: Harry Foster |
Eventually, the equipment and support services became inadequate for the growing ski race. In 1982, the Rivière Rouge moved to the Gatineau Park in the northern part of Hull, Quebec. With this move, the race was also re-baptised the «Gatineau 55».
In 1989, the Gatineau 55 replaced its 35 km event with a 25 km freestyle race and a 25 km classic race. In 1996, the 3 events officially became the «Keskinada Loppet» – a name that deserves some explanation:
KE for Québec
SKI for cross-country skiing
NADA for Canada
The word «Loppet» is of Scandinavian origin for «large gathering» and refers to the membership in the international Worldloppet family of races.
A new moniker
On the eve of its 30th anniversary, Canada’s biggest cross-country ski celebration is taking on a new moniker, the Gatineau Loppet! This is the name that will be used for the various races and numerous activities that will be taking place between February 15 and 17, 2008.
An international cross-country ski event
The Gatineau Loppet is an international cross-country ski competition that attracts close to 3000 participants of all ages and levels to Gatineau Park.
Member of the Woldloppet league, the Loppet is part of a circuit of 14 world-wide cross-country ski events. A complete list of Worldloppet member races follows:
- Kangaroo Hoppet – Australia
- Jizerská Padesátka – Czech Republic
- Dolomitenlauf – Austria
- Marcialonga – Italy
- König Ludwig Lauf – Germany
- Gatineau Loppet - Canada
- Tartu Maraton – Estonia
- Sapporo International Ski Marathon – Japan
- La Transjurassienne – France
- American Birkebeiner – United States
- Finlandia Hiihto – Finland
- Engadin Skimarathon – Switzerland
- Birkebeinerrennet - Norway
- Vasaloppet – Sweden
The Gatineau Loppet takes place over the course of one weekend in mid-February and is comprised of 8 events:
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Photo: Harry Foster |
- 53 km - classic race
- 53 km Bell - freestyle race
- 29 km - Fischer classic race
- 29 km - freestyle race
- 16 km - classic race
- 5 km Rossignol - classic family race
- 10 km - freestyle family race
- 2 km Mini Gazifère for children
The groomed racecourse trails are carefully planned out to satisfy everyone, from elite athletes to recreational skiers. Most participants come from Canada’s National Capital Region, but a significant number also come from approximately 20 other countries including the United States, France, Finland, Germany, Russia and Japan.
The start and finish lines are on the grounds of the École secondaire Mont-Bleu situated on the edge of Gatineau Park in Hull, Quebec. This location is ideal for welcoming large numbers of skiers. The school provides the event with numerous rooms, including a large gymnasium and cafeteria to accommodate various activities. All tolled, the Gatineau Loppet is a true celebration of cross-country skiing in that it also encompasses a ski show, after-race meals for participants and many more activties.
Supported and managed by volunteers
A non-profit corporation under the former race name of Gatineau 55 manages the Gatineau Loppet. The goal of this corporation is to assemble resources to promote and organize sporting events such as the Loppet.
With over 35 members on the organizing committee, an office staff and over 500 volunteers – it is clear that the Gatineau Loppet is a large undertaking and involves the work of many dedicated people. Happy skiing and we hope to see you in February!