Mother Nature has been wreaking havoc this winter, but her havoc was the perfect storm for Carlton Trail Ski Club, who hosted their annual Valentine’s Loppet at their Dixon location.
The Feb. 10 loppet marked the first time in three years Carlton Trail was able to host it, after Mother Nature refused to cooperate the previous two years, leaving cold weather and snow shortages in her wake.
Loppet organizer Brad Lefebvre, noted he was pleased they were able to host it this year, especially considering just two weeks prior, snow shortages threatened to once again cancel the event.
“Most people think we’re crazy because we like to see some snow but if we wouldn’t have had snow we wouldn’t be having this right now. So we’re pretty excited.”
Of course, snow shortages were just part of the concerns for Carlton Trail who were also at the mercy of Mother Nature’s frigid temperatures.
Fortunately for the skiers and the club, the weather improved significantly for the loppet, reaching temperatures of -10°C to -15°C.
“The wind died down and the sun is shining, it couldn’t be too much better,” beamed Lefebvre.
This year’s loppet featured 42 skiers from a number of different communities including Saskatoon, Melfort, Humboldt, and Hudson Bay among others.
Lefebvre did note the loppet featured nearly half as many people as three years prior, when it was last held, but said he was pleased with the numbers he got, noting two straight cancellations likely contributed to the lower numbers.
With skiers coming from as far as Hudson Bay, Lefebvre notes those skiers are typically in search of good ski conditions, which is something Humboldt was finally able to provide.
In addition to skiing, the loppet also featured door prizes and dinner.
The door prizes came from local businesses, with some of them even being Valentine’s themed, noted Lefebvre.
“It’s always kind of rewarding when you can go to a business and they’re actually very receptive and looking forward to donating something… I went to pick up a few things (Feb. 9) and they were quite excited that we were having it this year,” noted Lefebvre of the support.
Lefebvre also received a great deal of support from approximately ten volunteers, who are so important to the success of the event, he says.
“If we wouldn’t have volunteers, we wouldn’t be doing it.”
Of course, the loppet is about fun, but is also a fundraiser for the ski club, with money raised from this year’s event helping to offset the cost of their new grooming equipment.
Overall, Lefebvre was pleased with how the loppet went, using the phrases “very good” and “excellent.”
“I’m really impressed and very proud to say that it’s gone very well. The clubhouse, the people, the socializing, the trails, the weather. I can’t think of anything that can be improved on really.”
Of course the club will be looking back on the event, making notes to get ready for next year while hoping Mother Nature cooperates, says Lefebvre.
“We keep our fingers crossed for sure, always. Mother Nature’s the boss. She can shut things down pretty quick or she can make things work like she did this year.”
Lefebvre would like to thank everyone who played a part in the loppet, whether through donation, volunteering, or even skiing. If anyone is interested in the club to check out their Facebook page or website, says Lefebvre.
