Just-in-time snowfall put smiles on the faces of organizers of the City of Lakes Loppet Ski Festival, who announced Monday that the full course, from Uptown to its new headquarters in Theodore Wirth Park, will be ready for this week's start of four days of competition.
In addition to the ski, fat-tire bike, dog sled and snowshoe loppets, flagship events include classic and skate marathons, a kubb tournament and Saturday night's Luminary Loppet and party.
"We were planning for a great event with or without snow in the forecast, as we've invested a lot of time, energy and money in ensuring that Wirth Park has a world-class trail system no matter the weather," said John Munger, executive director of the Loppet Foundation.
The full-course races are set to begin Thursday in Uptown on Bde Maka Ska (formerly Lake Calhoun) and will follow the Chain of Lakes to a grand finish in Theodore Wirth Park at the Trailhead, where the Loppet Foundation is headquartered.
The Trailhead opened this summer as part of upgrades to Wirth Park in a partnership between the foundation and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.
Those simply observing can hang out in the loppet village and beer garden, where craft beer and food truck refreshments will be sold.
For more information, visit loppet.org/events/cityoflakes loppet.
Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482
