The 27th Annual Black Jack Loppet will be held on Feb. 27, with a 10 a.m. starting gun for the mass start free technique race, and the day before, on Feb. 26 at 10 a.m., Black Jack will hold the third annual interval start classic technique Kootenay Cup.
“Wait, does that make it a champagne birthday loppet?” laughed Wannes Luppens, president of the Black Jack Ski Club.
“These two fun events are for young and old, new and experienced, recreational and competitive,” Luppens continued. “If you’ve never tried the Kootenay Cup or the Loppet, why not give it a go this year? The more participants, the merrier!”
There is a lot of choice for adults and children, depending on how much of a challenge is desired, and both days include recreational (5 to 10 km) and competitive distances (10 to 30 km.)
Bib pickup will be at the groomer shed from 9 a.m. on both days, and following the races awards, will be given outside the Black Jack Cabin at the trailhead. Snacks will be also be provided following the race.
Participants are encouraged to pre-register online before the deadline for both races on Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. A $10 late entry fee will be charged for same day registration, and no more entries will be accepted after 9 a.m. on the day of the race.
For those on a loppet mission, check out the 25th Annual Troll Loppet held at the Castlegar Nordic Ski Club on Feb. 19. Go to www.castlegarnordic.ca for more information.
To register online, visit www.zone4.ca/onlinereg.asp?id=3414 or contact the competition secretaries, either Andrea McKay (362-7604) or Tammie Gibson (362-7071.)
Race fees range from $5 (ages 9 to 11) to $30 for adults in competitive categories of the Loppet.
For more information, visit www.skiblackjack.ca or contact Rob Spiller (362-2207), the chief of race.
