DUCK MONTAIN — Three weeks of frigid temperatures finally broke to a terrific zero degrees Celsius on Feb. 22 for the 44th annual Duck Mountain Cross-Country Ski Loppet, said Kevin Sutton, chair of the organizing committee
“The great weather forecast, the history and quality of our Loppet saw more than 200 participants,” Sutton said. This was a bump up from the usual 150 participants.
“Skiers enjoyed the stellar weather as they weaved their way through the boreal forest,” he said. “They chose distances from five to 40 kilometres, including a short 1.5 km jaunt to the Jack Rabbit shelter where Wayne and Kathy Gayle had hot dogs and marshmallows for the young skiers.”
The Loppet course included a three-kilometre route for children and beginning skiers; five, 10, 15 and 20-kilometre routes which are both classic and skate options; a 25-kilometre challenging classic course; and classic routes of 30 and 40 kilometres.
In addition to skiers from Saskatchewan, participants travelled from Castlegar and Courtney, B.C.; Edmonton, Alta.; Winnipeg, Man., and a 75-year-old chap from Picton, Ont., Sutton said. Their ages ranged from a two-year-old touring in a chariot to a spry 81-year-old gal.
“Various clubs brought their ski racers to get a good workout on our hilly terrain in both skate and classic disciplines,” he said. Shelter workers Ed Guenther, Randy Trofimenkoff, Georgette and Ken Helmkay, Les Schmidt, Mike Ever, Brian Morgan, Rick Aikman, Barb MacLean and JoAnne Kurenoff all ensured skiers were greeted with enthusiasm and treats, all washed down with some warm “Duck Mountain Dew.”
With the Duck Mountain Ambulance and Erin Tyson, along with her five Saskatchewan Ski Patrollers out on the course, everyone’s safety was ensured, he said.
The Taco Bar supper, served at the Rec Hall to about 200 skiers, was back by popular demand as the Iron Grill restaurant at Kamsack, which catered the meal, had “knocked it out of the park.
“A big shout out to Les Schmidt and Ken McNeil, who put in many hours on the trails in freezing weather packing the snow accumulation, tracking and tackling tree removal,” he said. “Last week, the park staff was able to get their SxS out of sick bay, and Colt Finney did a great job in helping pack the base. This allowed me to set the track for a “best line” around downhill corners to ensure no one ended up in the “rhubarb.”
“Barb McLean and Les Schmidt put in a lot of time in many facets of the organizing, and Cheryl, my great wife, was always doing something, from a variety of administration tasks, registration, letters and much more.
“The Loppet was lot of work with challenging snow conditions and cold, but emails/comments were positive.”
“I haven’t giggled that much going downhill in a while,” said one.
“Out of the over 130 loppets I’ve skied in, the Duck was one of the best,” is a comment from a skier who has competed at several World Master Games.
“The organization, trails and terrain were terrific,” a participant said. “The track-setting was outstanding.”
“To have a big turnout, those comments and smiles makes the effort worthwhile,” Sutton said.
Photographed as they were about to start the 44th annual Duck Mountain Loppet on Feb. 22 were Alex, Anouk and James Millar of the Regina Ski Club. James said that as a youngster, he had enjoyed attending the Loppet “many times.” | Photo by William Koreluik
About to begin the course for the Duck Mountain Loppet on Feb. 22 were Max Gao of Regina, Paul Daudet of Winnipeg, Chuck Brumwell of Regina, Lisa Powell of Winnipeg and Barbara Mysko of Regina. | Photo by William Koreluik
Zoë, Isabella and Twila Napoleoni of Yorkton were participants of the Duck Mountain Loppet, their first. | Photo by William Koreluik
Riley and JoAnne Maloff of the Yorkton Ski Club were at Duck Mountain on Feb. 22 participating in the annual Loppet, which is an event the duo had attended about five times before. | Photo by William Koreluik
At the map which outlines the various routes cross-country skiers could take while attending the annual Duck Mountain Loppet on Feb. 22, were: Alex Daubiss, originally from France and now living in Regina; Charlotte Daubiss, eight, of Regina, who marked her seventh time attending the event, and Sara Maria Daubiss of Regina. Alex, who has attended the Loppet every year for the past 13 years, said Duck Mountain is “a skiers’ paradise” that the whole family “loves.” | Photo by William Koreluik
Nathan and Miranda Layh of Langenburg attended the Duck Mountain Loppet with their son Miles, marking the first time in four years that the couple has attended the annual event. | Photo by William Koreluik
Cheryl Brooke, the secretary-treasurer of the Duck Mountain Nordic Club, which holds the Duck Mountain Loppet every year, was photographed enjoying a moment of relaxation on a woodpile at the registration shack where the event’s many sponsors were posted. | Photo by William Koreluik
John Porritt (standing) of Picton, Ont. attended the Duck Mountain Loppet on Feb. 22 when Catherine Van Nieuwenhuyze, right, of Preeceville helped Georgia and Elwood Van Nieuwenhuyze lace up their ski boots. | Photo by William Koreluik
Having attended the annual Duck Mountain Loppet “many times,” from left, Marlene and John Grebinski and Ken and Tilly Wiens of Regina agreed on Feb. 22 that they “love” attending the event. | Photo by William Koreluik
Former Canora resident, Kevin Sutton of Madge Lake serves as president of the Duck Mountain Nordic Club which holds the annual Loppet. He said the club’s goal is to provide the best cross-country skiing trails possible and explained the use of a roller that is used to pack snow, making it ready for setting the trail. | Photo by William Koreluik
Barb Trofimenkoff of Kamsack was among participants at the Duck Mountain Loppet on Feb. 22. | Photo by Kevin Sutton
Skiers enjoyed the taco bar help in the Madge Lake Rec Hall and catered by the Iron Grill restaurant from Kamsack.| Photo by Kevin Sutton
Younger skiers enjoyed a rest at the Jackrabbit Junction during the Duck Mountain Loppet where they were able to roast marshmallows.| Photo by Kevin Sutton
Britta Danielson, left, of Edmonton, and Camille Spirling of Saskatoon were photographed as they left the registration hut and headed onto the trail of the Duck Mountain Loppet. | Photo by Kevin Sutton
Brenda Reid of Saskatoon checked out the map of the cross-country ski trails before beginning her trek during the annual Loppet. | Photo by Kevin Sutton
Cathy Rae of Saskatoon was among the smiling, happy participants in the 44th annual Duck Mountain Loppet on Feb. 22. | Photo by Kevin Sutton
