Thebacha Loppet 2026

Thebacha Ski Loppet

Celebrating 53 years!

Saturday, March 14th 2026

Fort Smith, Northwest Territories

We are excited to be hosting skiers on the traditional territories of Smith Landing First Nation, who are keepers of their historic DesNeth é Discovery T rail that is part of Canada's Great Trail Network. Started in 1973, this is one of the oldest loppets in Western Canada, and is set on a historic portage trail that bypasses the four sets of unnavigable rapids on the Slave River at the Alberta-NWT border. The Loppet starts in Fort Fitzgerald, Alberta and winds through the boreal forest as it hugs the shores of the Mighty Slave River.

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Loppet Participant Fee Rate

Special 2026 Fort Smith Ski Club Membership RATE:

$10

ADULT EARLY BIRD RATE: $20

Early bird rate ends: March 6th

Late rate fee $30 starts after March 7th

Children ski for Free! 0-12 years old

*Must be accompanied by an adult

Youth 13-18 and University and College/University Students $10/Flat Rate

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Distance Ski Options:

Full Loppet 27.6KMs

Fort Fitz --> Goose Island 9.6km

Goose Island --> Pelican Halfway 7.7km

Pelican Halfway Checkpoint --> Mountain 5.3km

Mountain Checkpoint --> Nordic Centre (finish) 5km

Total - approx. 27.6KM

Checkpoints locations provide skiers food/drinks:

Goose Island Checkpoint

Pelican (halfway) Checkpoint

Mountain Checkpoint

At any time, a skier can exit the loppet at a designated check-point.

*More information on check-points will be provided @ bib-pickup & safety meeting*

Skiers can start at 3 locations; bus will drop off at the following:

Fort Fitzgerald, Alberta

Goose Island Checkpoint

Pelican - Half-way Checkpoint

Mountain Checkpoint

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In-person Bib Registration Details:

All participants must pick up their bibs on:

Friday, March 13th

5:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.

Fort Smith Recreation Centre

Out of town late bib pick-up:

Saturday, March 14

Fort Smith Ski Club @ 9:00AM-9:30AM

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Start Time and Bus Transportation Details:

Meeting spot: Fort Smith Ski Club

BUS LEAVES @ 10:30 AM

Safety overview for all skiers occurs just before bus leaves @ 10:15AM

Skiers arriving late cannot be transported to drop-off zones.

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What to bring: Please come prepared

Skiers are advised to dress appropriately for the weather, using multiple clothing layers, and also bring water, snacks and extra wax with them while skiing. Note that checkpoints will have beverages and light snacks available. Clothing layers can be left at the check-points, and we will do our best to ensure that your belongings make it back to the Nordic Centre.

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ANNUAL LOPPET EVENING

Thebacha Loppet participants wanting to socialize, eat, and win fun door prizes are invited for an evening with their fellow skiers. Food and drinks will be available to purchase at the local pub where the event will be hosted; minors are allowed for the private rental.

Location: Dirty O'Fergies Pub @ 6PM

Minors allowed :) - Prizes to be won!