The pulse of the Loppet continues! We are pleased to bring you the 2022 Lake Louise to Banff Loppet & Relay as a Virtual Challenge beginning January 17th and running to end-of-day on January 30th, 2022 with an informal invitational on Sunday, January 23rd on the Lake Louise start line at 0900h.

We are humbled by the opportunity to host this event on the traditional lands of the Treaty 7 signatories who have always been and continue to be of this place ; the Stoney Nakoda nations of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Wesley; the Tsuu'tina First Nations; the Blackfoot Confederacy consisting of the Siksika, Kainai and Piikani and the Métis Nation of Alberta Region 3.

In 2021, we realized how many first-time Loppeters participated in the flexible and accessible virtual format; we think that's awesome! To provide an event that continues to encourage folks from all strides of life to participate, navigate the continuing pandemic and provide the day-of tradition, you have two options: participate when you wish between Jan.17-30th or attend the informal race day on January 23, 2022. The self-timed, informal race day will begin at 9am on Lake Louise on January 23rd, 2022. This self-sufficient event will be a chance to greet fellow Loppeters and enjoy (at times endure) the experience together. The course is prepared from Chateau Lake Louise to Castle Junction (NOT Johnston Canyon).

The unique 'Loppetea' blend from the Banff Tea Co. is available as a participant souvenir for pickup from either Wild Life Distillery in Canmore or the Castle Junction Corner Store.

As it is a virtual challenge, participants will be completely self-sufficient and therefore responsible to time themselves. Please use your stopwatch or smartphone to record and make note of your total elapsed time; this includes all water breaks, wax touch-ups, gear malfunctions, train interference and other adversity from start to finish.

Once you have completed your selected course and recorded your time (honour system), upload information along with your name and a photo (optional) to this events page. The course will be prepared from the Chateau Lake Louise to Castle Junction (36km. NOT Johnston Canyon). Course is subject to change in weather, wildlife use and other trail users. Parks Canada, Baker Creek and Castle Junction staff will maintain regular grooming schedules, however, volunteer course maintenance is not guaranteed throughout the event. Plan accordingly (e.g. large snowfalls, cold weather, strong winds).

In skiing the Loppet, we have the great fortune of travelling through important wildlife habitat. Please be respectful and use caution. Report wildlife-related concerns to Banff Dispatch at 403-762-1470 (note: cell service is intermittent and most reliable around Castle Junction and Lake Louise townsite). Please carry bear spray and follow the current COVID-19 protocols as outlined by Parks Canada

The course options are as follows:

Solo Skiers: 9.7km (Baker Creek to Castle Lookout), 20.3km (Chateau Lake Louise to Baker Creek), 36km (Chateau LL to Castle Junction) or 72km (The Ultra Corona Challenge, Chateau LL to Castle Junction and return).

Relay Skiers (2-6 per team): 36km (Chateau LL to Castle Junction) or 72km (The Team Ultra Corona, Chateau LL to Castle Junction and return).

Registering for the Costume Category is via email submissions to info@loppet.ca. See here for more details .

Please study the course maps prior to participating. You are responsible for all navigation, transport, food and timing. The course will be flagged with orange Loppet flags but these often disappear or get covered in snow. Please don't hesitate to contact Heidi Widmer if you need clarification on course details or clarification on the Virtual Challenge - info@loppet.ca

Thank you for your continued participation and enthusiasm for cross-country skiing. In our completely biased opinion, there is no better way to experience winter than on a pair of skinny skis.