380 participants enjoy a satin-coated event.

So, how did the 37th running of the classic Morin-Heights Viking Loppet go on Sunday, February 22nd? Well, this post-event message from a first time 20 km participant sums it up:
“Today was my first Loppet. A small word of thanks to the organizers for; the information, welcome, waxing, buses, trails conditions, finish line and meal. All went very well. Thank you, and see you next year!”

Granted, a week prior to the event, there was a certain amount of nail biting by organizers and registrants alike when rain followed by a deep freeze morphed the soft Laurentian snowscape into a solid icescape. However, all was saved by Mother Nature’s JIT (just in time) delivery of 20 cm of fresh snow to cover up the boilerplate mess. We even had a fine dusting on the day of the event, giving the ski trails a satin-like finish. Comfortable temperatures around -8ºC, headed up to close to zero as the day progressed.

This year the Morin-Heights Elementary School Loppet reception & lunch area featured a specially fabricated stage, complete with picturesque backdrop, on which stood the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place podiums. This provided the assembled skiers with better viewing for the gold, silver and bronze medal presentations awarded by the always amusing MC Guy Thibaudeau. It was heartening to see so many youngsters (grandkids) and oldsters (grandparents) garnering so many medals in their respective age category.

Each year, the Morin Heights Viking Loppet attracts cross country skiers across the age spectrum. This year ages ranged from 2 to 80. Over 130 volunteers provided enthusiastic encouragement to participants at every stage of the event, from the initial frenzy of picking up racing kits, to handing out refreshments at en-route trail feeding stations, to the final shouts of encouragement at the finish line.

Ottawa based Sportstats timing team, with their ChampionChip detecting technology ensured accurate “speed of light” results delivery. Click here for complete Loppet results

The volunteers’ efforts were rewarded with a post Loppet afternoon party. Besides refreshments and speeches of gratitude, volunteers won draw prizes donated by local businesses.

Join us next year for another great community event!

Derek Wills

The Town Hall is opened from
Monday to Thursday
8:30 to 12:00 and from
12:45 to 16:30, and Friday
from 8:30 to 12:00

567, chemin du Village
Morin-Heights (Québec)
J0R 1H0

Telephone : 450 226-3232
Fax : 450 226-8786
municipalite@morinheights.com