After seeing most cross-country events cancelled last year, skiers will get all the racing they can handle in February.
In addition to the very successful Whistler Nordics Loonie Races every Thursday night, racers can look forward to the return of the Lost Lake Shuffle, the Whistler Loppet and a pair of Coast Cup events.
Coast Cups – Feb. 11-12
Sanctioned by Cross-Country B.C., the fourth and fifth events of a five race series are taking place in Pemberton on Saturday and Whistler on Sunday. There’s an interval start for the different age categories, and the distances depend what category you fall into – about 1 km for the youngest skiers to about 5 km for adults. For more information on the Pemberton event, contact Delores Franz Los at dfflos@hotmail.com . For more information on the Whistler event, contact Lorraine Vollmer at lvollmer@telus.net .
Lost Lake Shuffle – Feb. 19
Rescheduled from early January because of the late start to the season, this is the fifth year for the Lost Lake Shuffle. It’s an enduro race, which means individual competitors and teams of three see how many laps they can complete of a 3.5 km course in a set amount of time. There is a four hour race, a two hour race and a one hour race for families. Some skiers are in it to win, and others to have fun and get in a bit of exercise. You can sign up at Whistler Cross Country Connection, and all proceeds will go to the Whistler Nordics youth programs. Chris Quinlan will once again emcee, a DJ will be on hand to play music, and athletes can unwind after the race with the annual chili feast at the Lost Lake Warming Hut. For more information visit
Whistler Cross Country Loppet – Feb. 26
This is Whistler’s longest running event, and is currently in its 29 th year – 28 th if you don’t count last year’s cancelled event. It’s organized by the Whistler Nordics, and has a strong youth turnout. Because it also offers long courses as well, it also brings out some of the top cross-country racers in the province. Details are still being finalized, but for more information you can contact Tom Barratt at 604-932-3602.
Cross-Country Clinics
In conjunction with the weekly Loonie Races on Thursdays, Cross Country Connection will also be offering Technique Tips for beginners looking to get into skate skiing. The cost is $2 to take part with a Whistler Nordics memberships ($25, including a membership in Cross Country B.C.). You can enter the clinic, take part in the Loonie Race, or do both.
"Now that we have these great conditions and are getting a good turnout to the races every week, we wanted to focus on the beginners a little more and get them up to speed," said Chris Waller of Cross Country Connection (CCC). "Once people are comfortable, more are going to take part in the races."
CCC will also offer a discount to clinic participants, who will still need night passes.
