Whitehorse Nordic Centre will host ski races and festival March 8-9.
March in the Yukon is a great time of year. Longer days, a high probability of warm(ish), sunny days, and of course lots and lots of skiing.
The Whitehorse Nordic Centre is set to host the annual Yukon Ski Marathon on March 8. This newly re-imagined event is set to become the premier cross-country ski race in the Yukon and a key highlight of the Pacific Northwest Loppet Series, bringing together skiers from across the region.
The aim of the Yukon Ski Marathon is to provide competitors an exciting new race on the loppet calendar, and offering up a unique experience on pristine trails right in the heart of Whitehorse. The event is designed for both elite athletes and recreational participants, with courses that offer a variety of distances to suit all levels.
“We are thrilled to join the Pacific Northwest Loppet Series and elevate the Yukon Ski Marathon as a signature event in the region,” said Ben Poudou, the manager of the Whitehorse Nordic Centre. “This is an incredible opportunity for skiers to experience the magic of the Yukon’s winter landscape and be part of an exciting new tradition.”
The Yukon Ski Marathon has partnered with Make It Happen, the Sport Tourism program, AirNorth, Yukon’s AIrline, and the Sternwheeler Hotel, to transport and accommodate out-of-territory competitors making the long trip North.
Fran Nyman, who is the event coordinator for the ski marathon and the Whitehorse Nordic Festival, said the hope is that the annual event will continue to grow and bring in skiers from all over, as well as those who may also already be in Whitehorse for the Canadian Masters Championships.
Marathon race numbers are a little lower than she had hoped, for Nyman said, but she added the two events could succeed together going forward.
“I think what’s happened is that a lot of people that may have come up for the ski marathon, are choosing to come up for masters. So we do have some people from B.C. And I think we have one American from out East.
“We were hoping for more. You know, we’re kind of thinking, people who are coming from outside this year are certainly going to go back with good stories to their clubs, and we should see it get better over time.”
The Yukon Ski Marathon shows off our world-class trails, reliable snow and large, friendly ski community.
“The Yukon Ski Marathon is not just about challenging yourself on snow,” said Poudou. “It’s about embracing the landscape, the culture and the people who call this place home. We’re excited to welcome everyone to experience the Yukon beyond the race.”
“It’s, sort of, main agenda is just to celebrate our northern lifestyle and everything we like to do outside.” Nyman said.
The festival will feature partnerships with other organizations, she added. The Yukon Orienteering Association will host a snowshoe orienteering course; Adventure Smart and Yukon Search and Rescue will host an hour-long session; the Whitehorse Curling Club and Icycle Sport (with fat bikes and e-fat bikes) will be on hand with how-to demonstrations; Kicksled Revolution will offer people the opportunity to tryout a kicksled; Biathlon Yukon will give festival-goers an opportunity to try out laser rifles, either on skis or snowshoes.
There will also be a soapbox derby at the end of the day. Nyman said food and drink will also be represented with a beer garden by Winterlong Brewing, and other food vendors setting up.
The third annual Nordic Festival runs March 9, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The ski marathon itself gets underway March 8, at Fish Lake Road and Copper Road (at the gazebo), and will feature race distances of 44 km beginning at 11 a.m., 22 km at noon and 12 km at 1p.m.
“Skiers will be bussed out to the start line,” Nyman said, adding she thinks most racers will come back in between 2 and 4 p.m.
Trails are groomed for both classic and freestyle skate techniques, and the marathon is an official event of the Pacific Northwest Loppet Series. The event will also feature family-friendly activities, medal presentations, and post-race festivities with food, drinks and prizes.
A Whitehorse Nordic Centre news release says the Pacific Northwest Loppet Series is a cross-country ski race circuit that spans premier locations across the Pacific Northwest, bringing together a community of passionate skiers for a season of high-caliber events. Each race in the series offers participants the chance to experience diverse terrains while competing for series-wide recognition.
For more information and registration visit yukonskimarathon.ca or email info@whitehorsenordic.ca
