Gatineau Loppet unveils new linear route
Skiers will have some new trails to explore at this year’s Gatineau Loppet. For the first time in its 35-year history, the long distance ski event will feature point to point races, with participants in the 38- and 55-kilometre classic technique races traversing nearly the entire length of the Gatineau Park trail system, starting at Lac Philippe in the north and continuing south to the traditional finish at Mont-Bleu High School.
“We decided to offer the new routes to give a challenge to skiers, as these routes are difficult to do alone,” said Julie Dumoulin, communications officer of the Gatineau Loppet. “It will be a fabulous adventure through Gatineau Park – from one end to the other – with wonderful scenery, including skiing alongside three lakes.”
This year’s linear race routes have been on the table for many years, and came at the request of past participants.
A member of the Worldloppet network of long distance cross-country ski races, the Gatineau Loppet also aims to offer linear courses worthy of the biggest point to point races of the Worldloppet, such as Sweden’s Vasaloppet and the American Birkebeiner.
Organizers have put a lot of thought into planning the new routes over the past year. “All possible routes were considered; we evaluated all possibilities and thought of safety, trail conditions, distance, and level of difficulty,” said Dumoulin. “Our dream is to finish in downtown Gatineau, but the trail that passes through Lac Leamy is unavailable this year due to the construction of the Rapibus system. We’ll see if this dream can come true one day.”
Starting in the north end of the park means new logistical challenges for race organizers and participants. A second start line will be set up and skiers be transported to the start, leaving Mont-Bleu High School over an hour before their scheduled start time. A waxing area, warm-up areas, bathrooms and a truck to bring skiers’ bags back to the finish will all be located at Lac Philippe.
The longer classic races will be point to point events, but Saturday’s 5 km and 20 km classic races will continue their traditional format, starting and ending at Mont-Bleu High School, as will all of Sunday’s freestyle races.
While this will be a trial year to see how things go and to see if skiers prefer the new linear routes, there is the possibility that in subsequent years the Loppet will offer linear routes for Sunday’s freestyle races as well. “At this time, eight kilometres of trail #36 along Meech Lake are not available for freestyle skiing due to the width and quality of the trail,” said Dumoulin. “Our main partner, the National Capital Commission, will do work on trail #36 this year and next year we’ll see if we have the winning conditions.”
The Gatineau Loppet takes place on Feb. 16 and 17, with the classic races going on Saturday and the freestyle races on Sunday. For skiers considering the 38 km or 55 km routes, it is important to register before Feb. 13, as organizers need to reserve buses that will bring skiers to the start. For more information visit www. gatineauloppet.com.