Latest News
Jan 25, 2012
More photos and Team MitoCanada's race report. Some video from the course too. Plus great post-race video of the backswamp.
Jan 24, 2012
Some great race reports
Bob Truman
Ellie Greenwood
Jan 23, 2012
Chuck O'Callaghan took some excellent photos yesterday, check our photos page for more
Jan 23, 2012
Results are posted here
Jan 22, 2012
Live Race Day Photos
As coverage allows, we will post photos from the course during the 2012 Lake Louise to Banff Loppet & Relay.
Jan 21, 2012 (9PM)
The conditions for tomorrows race are excellent.
You may wish to run larger baskets, if you have them, to help with softer sections of track.
Some slushy sections have been reported close to the rail tracks East of Protection Campground.
On Leg 6 after the thin section on Sundance Canyon you will turn left onto Marsh Loop as in previous years. Instead of dropping onto the river at the first bridge we have been able to extend the track to the third bridge so you will drop onto the river later on. This will be clearly signed.
The track setting in Lake Louise is looking great, they have set 10 lanes running into 2 for the start.
Jan 20, 2012
Crews have been busy today and with a few touch-ups tomorrow, everything is (almost) hunky-dory. Details…
Legs 1-3: Very good snow conditions and trackset entirely.
Leg 4: Hillsdale split has been trackset uphill and packed for the downhill. Skiers can take off their skis and run on the road if they wish.
Leg 5: Reasonable snow/track along the 1A but it has its usual inconsistencies. Totally skiable. After the Muleshoe rail crossing, the river is lightly snow covered and fast. No slush reported today. The backswamp is in very good condition.
Leg 6: Healy Creek Trail is single trackset and has a skating lane. 500 m after exiting the Healy Creek Trail onto the Sundance Canyon paved trail, the snow cover becomes minimal for one km. Skiers can choose to take off their skis and run until the track improves. Upon dropping down onto the Bow River, skiers will again find a classic track and a skating lane to the finish at Central Park.
Start your taper!
Jan 18, 2012
The stars have aligned, snow has fallen and temperatures are rising. The race is on and it's going all the way to Banff! Race start is still 8am and all other details remain the same.
Our trail crews will be out frantically setting the last 2 legs of the race over the next few days so keep an eye on the website for course updates as we go.
Jan 18, 2012
Course update will be posted this evening
Jan 16, 2012
Locals along the 1A search for trailkill. Please ski quickly on Sunday!
Pack of 6 wolves near Castle Junction on Friday. Ski quickly but drive slowly.
Jan 15, 2012
Trail crews were busy on Friday and Saturday machine packing and tracksetting parts of the course. The Hillsdale split (leg 4) was skier and machine packed and it is in better shape than previous years. The LL, Baker Creek and Castle portions are machine set and are in excellent condition (picture taken on leg 2 along "Panorama Ridge" this afternoon).
Given the poor snow conditions existing today on the river beyond Muleshoe, in the Backswamp, Healy Creek trail and the Bow River (part of leg 5 and all of 6), we would stop the loppet at Sawback Picnic area (50 km) and divide the course into 6 relay legs. However, we are monitoring this weeks temperature and snow forecast carefully. The cold snap is predicted to break on Wednesday and some new snow is expected throughout the valley. It may be sufficient to improve the last 20 kms of trail.
We will make a final decision and post it Wednesday evening. In the meantime, it is never too early to start your training!
Jan 11, 2012
Recent high winds and warm temperatures over the last week have impacted parts of the course, particularly at the Banff end of the valley. Trail crews are working hard over the next several days packing the snow and checking conditions on the river and backswamp. We'll post an update on Sunday/15th letting you know our progress.
Jan 4, 2012
The Chateau Lake Louise is offering loppet participants a special Fairmont Lakeview Room rate of $289 per night. To book a room at this rate either call 403-522-3511 ask for the Lake Louise Loppet rate 2U8LOP or go to www.fairmont.com and enter promo code PLOP
Jan 4, 2012
The deadline for cancellations with a refund ($35) is January 8.
We have more than 40 people on the waiting list so please let us know as soon as possible if you need to cancel your registration.
Dec 15, 2011
We have reached our cap and registration is now closed.
If you would like to add your name to the waiting list please email us at ac.teppol|ofni#ac.teppol|ofni
Dec 15, 2011
Registration is over three quarters full already.
Don't miss out, sign up now and let your friends know.
Dec 15, 2011
Registration is now open!
Register here
Dec 13, 2011
Check out all of the awards plaques to see the previous fastest individuals and teams.
Nov 19, 2011
2012 Update!
We have set a tentative date of January 22 with a backup date of January 29.
Registration will open on December 15th.
Stay tuned for updates.
Jan 25
More photos here and a newspaper article and several race reports here
Jan 24
Videos
Lots of great videos here including the top 3 solo finishers. More to come.
Jan 24
Race Report
Great race report from Bob Truman over at
Skihere.ca
Jan 24
Photos
First set of photos posted here. We have some great video to post too.
If you have any photos from the race that you would like to share please let us know. (ac.teppol|ofni#ac.teppol|ofni)
Jan 24
Wrap Up
What a great day! "Thank you" to all of the skiers, volunteers and donors for making our loppet a great success. Full results are posted here. Great snow conditions and mild temperatures made for the best conditions in years. However, skiers are reminded that they must at least wear their race bibs. See you next year!
Jan 24
Results
Split time results have now been added. Full results are here. Lots of photos will be added over the next few days.
Jan 23
Results
Individual and Team results are here. Split times will be posted tomorrow.
Jan 23
Live Race Day Photos
As coverage allows, we will post photos from the course during the 2011 Lake Louise to Banff Loppet & Relay.
Jan 22 (6pm)
Updated Start Area
Because of slush on the lake we will not be starting on the lake but rather in the middle parking lot directly up above the public washrooms in the public parking area beside the Chateau Lake Louise
Jan 22 (4pm)
Trail Report
Leg 3: Logging road will be signed. There has been some utility maintenance disruption to the track just before Johnston Canyon campground. Follow the signs.
Leg 4: Hillsdale Split has too much snow for us to set a track in the ditch. There is sufficient snowmobile packed snow on the shoulder of the road for skiers to ski up the Hillsdale Split. Note: One way vehicle traffic will be approaching you. Vehicles will have been alerted to skiers on the road. We recommend that skiers run down the decent of Hillsdale Split. A track is now set from the east side of Hillsdale Split all the way to Muleshoe rail crossing.
After crossing the railway tracks skiers will find the usual snowshoe packed, skier set track into and through the Backswamp to the Sunshine Overpass.
Jan 21
Trail Report
Portions of three legs continue to require our attention.
Leg 3: After passing through Moose Meadows skiers will come to a dormant logging operation (yes, in a National Park!) where it is impossible for us to set a track for several hundred metres. Skiers should anticipate having to run along the hard packed access road until they approach the railway where they will again pick up the track for their final 2kms to Johnston Canyon campground. Directional signs will be posted.
Leg 4: Snow conditions on the Hillsdale Split are making it difficult to set a track. Crews will be working tomorrow to rectify that. It is possible that skiers may need to jog portions of the uphill or downhill sections.
Leg 5: The trail was packed yesterday and a track will be set tomorrow to Muleshoe.
We will update our website late tomorrow afternoon with the latest information.
Jan 20
Trail Report
Trail crews have been busy the past few days, some having only just returned to the Bow Valley after being marooned in Field for 3 days! Here is the current state of the six legs:
Leg 1: Lots of snow! The Fairmont tracksetters (Bruce and Jeff) report excellent, cold snow. Parks Canada tracksetters are catching up on all of their trails and plan to set the Tramline and campground trail tomorrow (Friday). Chad (Baker Creek) has set from the level rail crossing in LL to Baker Creek and reports excellent conditions. They have had traces of new snow.
Leg 2: Chad has set from Baker Creek to Castle Lookout. Again, excellent conditions.
Leg 3: Ed (Castle Mtn) has set from Castle Lookout to Castle Junction and is working at packing and setting from the Junction to Johnston Canyon campground. A little east of the beginning of the leg, there is a hairy descent through tight trees. Caution is called for. As we move east, warmer daytime temps (and minimal new snow since Friday's blast) have deteriorated the snowpack a little.
Leg 4: Johnston campground to Sawback Picnic area: Being worked on. Anticipate walking some of the steeper descents of the Hillsdale Split. (Not unlike other years!)
Leg 5: Sawback to Backswamp to Sunshine overpass: track being worked on, Bow River and Backswamp have been snowshoed and skier set.
Leg 6: In running across the Sunshine overpass, remember that skiers must carry a set of skis and poles. A two foot wide plywood walkway will be laid down over the cattleguard. Healy Creek trail is having the second track taken out to allow for skating. Appreciate that the trail is crowned and narrow in parts, so it ain't skating at the Nordic Centre! After exiting off the Healy Creek/Sundance trail on to the Bow River, a skating lane and a track is set to the finish line.
Please remember that skating anywhere other than on leg 6 is not in keeping with the spirit of the "classic" loppet.
Check back on Friday night for another update!
Jan 19
New Meeting Room at Chateau Lake Louise
Please note that this year we will be holding the pre-race meeting in a new location.
The Meeting Room is the Plain of Six Glaciers and Saddleback Room, It is located in the Lower Lobby of the Mount Temple Wing. It’s much larger than the Alpine Room. Please walk to the Mount Temple Wing, Once in the main lobby take the stairs or elevator down to the lower lobby and the meeting room is down the hall, past the business centre.
Jan 15
Trail Crew at work…
Trail marking near Sawback
Packing the ramp onto the river at Muleshoe
On the river near Muleshoe. No problem with snow coverage this year!
Jan 15
Remember your mother saying, "Be careful what you wish for…you might just get it"? Well, we got it! The loppet corridor has had mega snow in the last 48 hours and we will be back out today packing the trail with snowmobiles and snowshoes. Stay tuned!
Jan 11
We have the makings of a wonderful loppet! Trail crews have built the snow ramps on and off the river at Muleshoe (leg 5) and report above average snow coverage there and on the Healy Creek trail (leg 6). Beautifully set trails were skied on Sunday at Baker Creek (leg 2). With our special track setting permit expected in the next day or two, packing will begin on the other sections.
Jan 7
We have a long waiting list of eager skiers. If you have registered for the race and will not be able to attend you still have until midnight on Sunday, January 9 to cancel and receive a partial ($35 per person) refund.
Please email info@loppet.ca as soon as possible if you wish to cancel.
Jan 6
We are no longer accepting names for the waitlist. Thank you to everyone for their interest. We will contact everyone who has already added their name in the next few days to advise their status.
Jan 5
One of our loppet sponsors, The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, has generously offered our skiers their Fairmont Mountain Rooms for $129.00 + Taxes, including complimentary covered Self Parking. The weekend offer is available for Friday and Saturday nights or Saturday night only. Please quote rate code 2U8LOP
Dec 26
The 2011 Lake Louise to Banff Loppet & Relay is now full and registration has closed.
Dec 1
Registration is now open!
Don't forget we offer a shuttle bus to the start of the race which will prove particularly useful for solo racers. Make sure you register for this at the same time.
Nov 29
Registration opens December 1st at 6am.
Added a FAQ section
Oct 18
The tentative date for the 2011 Lake Louise to Banff Loppet & Relay is Sunday, January 23 with a backup date of Sunday, January 30. We will confirm these dates as soon as possible and we anticipate registration going live on December 1.
Jan 25
Race results here
Jan 25
Safe & Sound
Paul Doyle #67, finished the 72 km at 6:45 pm after his son, Liam Doyle (#52) saw him at the Sunshine Overpass and checked on his status. Paul arrived at the Sally Borden at 7:30 and enjoyed a beer and food with loppet volunteers. Jo thought a new category/plaque should be created for the skier with the most stamina. Liam thought otherwise!
Jan 25
Race reports here
Jan 24
First photos are posted here.
Jan 22
Trail Conditions - Update 6PM
Overall there are very good conditions from the start to Castle Junction (middle of Leg 3). The snow deteriorates in quality and quantity as you ski further east towards Banff.
Leg 1 - Great conditions to Baker Creek. Underneath the Trans-Canada Highway the railway has thrown rocks up onto the ski tracks. We advise you to remove skis and walk this section.
Leg 2 – Generally good, thin coverage in campground with willows sticking up.
Leg 3 – Some thin portions with short icy downhills.
Leg 4 – We recommend you walk steep portions of the descent on the Hillsdale Split. Warning sign will be posted at start of descent.
Leg 5 - Generally thin cover, deteriorating in last couple of kms along the 1A before you cross the road at Muleshoe and drop into the river and the Backswamp. From the road crossing at Muleshoe to the train tracks we recommend you remove your skis and walk. Reasonably good conditions in the Backswamp.
Leg 6 - Trackset (to the best of our abilities) for classic and skating on Healy Creek and on the river to the finish.
For the last 2 legs (from Sawback east to Banff) we recommend rock skis if you have them.
Jan 20
Trail Conditions
The course has been trackset and is looking great. Crews will continue to fine tune the trails during the week. We have some recent photos (Jan 19 & Jan 17) of the course here and will try to post more updates as the week progresses.
Jan 19
We will be offering a limited gear shuttle this year. At the Chateau registration desk we will accept one bag per skier (gym bag sized, no skis or poles). This will be delivered to the finish line or to the wrap up party at the Banff Centre depending on your choice.
Please be considerate as we don't have a lot of room to transport extra gear. This would be particularly useful for solo skiers who are taking the bus shuttle and may be stuck at the start line with their warm up gear.
Jan 18
Registration is now closed as we have reached our limit of 160 skiers. Thanks for supporting our loppet!
Jan 17
Weekend trail crew warriors have good news to report … we fully anticipate being able to ski the full 71 km to Banff! Crews will reset the track midweek. Weather forecasts indicate a minor cooling trend by the end of the week. Any further changes will be posted here, with a final posting on Friday evening.
This elk kill was spotted today (Sunday/17) just off the trail on Leg 2. We regret that we will not be able to offer a feed zone at this location. Vegan skiers have objected.
Jan 15
Bus Shuttle Note: Please note that the Brewster bus shuttle is a one-way shuttle from Banff to the Chateau. It does not provide any transport to any checkpoints other than the start of the loppet (beginning of Leg 1). If you are racing on a team you will require your own transportation for the exchange points.
Jan 14
Recent warm temperatures throughout the Bow Valley have made loppet organizers and skiers alike all a little twitchy. Our trail crews will be out this weekend tracksetting and assessing the condition of the trails, river crossings and the backswamp area.
With this first-hand information, we will provide an update on Sunday evening/17th. Think cold, think snow!
Jan 7
It's filling up fast folks. We have 21 solo participants and 15 teams registered so far.
Don't miss out!
Jan 1
It takes a lot of great people to sponsor a race like this. Check out all the companies that support us with prizes and services in kind.
Dec 22
One of our loppet sponsors, The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, has generously offered our skiers their Fairmont Mountain Rooms for $129.00 + Taxes, including complimentary covered Self Parking. The weekend offer is available for Friday and Saturday nights or Saturday night only. Please quote rate code 2U8FAM
Dec 8
We are very excited to announce that we will be offering a Brewster shuttle bus to all skiers.
This bus departs from Central Park in Banff (located across from the Post Office and at the finish line - free parking all day) at 6:00AM on race day, dropping skiers off at the Chateau at 7:00 AM. The cost of the bus is $10 (non refundable) per person and must be paid for during registration.
Save the hassle, gas and environmental impact of driving and enjoy the time to relax before the big race. More information here
Dec 7
Added Latest News page. You can access it from the menu under "Details". The most recent news will continue to appear on the main page but the complete history is available on the Latest News page along with Twitter updates.
Dec 5
Follow us on Twitter for updates on the race preparations. On race day itself we will be posting live updates and photos as events unfold.
Dec 1
Registration is now open at Zone4.
Sep 26
Mark your calendars.
The 2010 Lake Louise to Banff Loppet & Relay will be held on January 24 with a backup date of January 31. Registration will open in November.
We hope to see you all there!
Feb 19
We have lots of great photos from the 2009 loppet. Check them out here.
For full results please check here.
