Frequently Asked Questions

Updated for 2020

Registration

Where do I pick up my bib?

Bib pickup for solo racers and teams is at the Chateau Lake Louise at 8am on race day.

Can I pick up my registration package before race day?

We do not have a pre-race day pick-up. Solo skiers and team captains(or your leg 1 skier) must be present at the Chateau Lake Louise at 8am in order to pick up the set of team bibs and race package.

If I ski any leg other than leg 1 do I have to go to Lake Louise?

Your team captain or team representative must pick up the bibs and race package. Your team is responsible for getting the bibs to the other team members. Leg 1 skier can ferry the bibs down the line by carrying them if no other method is available. It is not necessary for all team members to be present at the race start.

If the race is postponed or cancelled do I get a refund?

There is a $35.00 refund if you withdraw before January 4th. Full refund if the event is cancelled. No refund if event shortened or postponed. Alternate date is one week later than original date.

Why would the race be postponed?

Our cutoff is -22 degrees C wind chill factor at 0800 or during the event. On a couple of occasions we have delayed the start by an hour to move above -22. Another year, the loppet was halted midway because the temps dropped through the day. Occasionally we have shortened the loppet to 50 km, starting at 0900 and finishing at Sawback (end of regular leg 4) because of lack of snow at the Banff end of the valley. If there is lack of snow leading up to the planned date, we work with the best forecasts we can get to determine if there is a better chance for snow between the planned date and the backup date. If at all possible, we go for the planned date.

Transportation

Is there a shuttle bus to the start in Lake Louise?

Yes. We provide a one-way shuttle that departs from Central Park in Banff at 7am (prompt).
The cost for this shuttle is $15 per person, payable at time of registration, and is non-refundable.

Does the bus drop people off along the way?

No. The shuttle drops you at the Chateau Lake Louise, it does not stop anywhere else.

Is there a bus back to Lake Louise?

No, we provide a shuttle from Banff to Lake Louise to eliminate the need for a shuttle back.

Is there a shuttle between legs and back to Banff?

Periodic shuttles are provided from the end of each leg to the next checkpoint. More frequent shuttles are provided from the finish line at Sawback to Banff's Central Park and the Banff Centre.

Course

How long is the course?

The course is approximately 50kms.

How long does the race take?

Times vary depending on the conditions. The fastest times for the shortened course are under 3 hours and anywhere up to 6 hours.

What is the course record?

For the shortened 50 km course:
Fastest woman Kathryn Stone, 3:13 in 2014
Fastest man Ian Dafferin, 2:49 in 2001

Is there a time cutoff?

Yes. Skiers must pass through the Baker Creek checkpoint (end of Leg 1) within 2 1/2 hours of the start time. The cutoffs are in place both for skier safety and also in consideration of our volunteers.

What wax should I use?

Waxing is a very personal choice and for that reason we do not provide suggestions or recommendations on waxing. Most skiers do rewax during the race and you should be prepared for a variety of conditions during the day. We will provide regular course condition updates as the race day approaches along with a final update a day or two before the race.

Do you provide course updates?

We will provide regular course condition updates as the race day approaches along with a final update a day or two before the race.

Can I skate during the race?

On the 72km course, skating is possible and permitted on the final leg from the Sunshine overpass to the finish line at Central Park. It is not in the spirit of the race to skate anywhere else on the course.
On the shortened 50km course skating is not permitted.

Can I switch skis during the race?

Yes. You can change skis during the race if you wish. Depending on the conditions you may want to switch to "rock skis" later in the race, as the east end of the valley historically gets less snow.

What do I do with my warm up clothes at the start of the race?

We will provide a drop bag service from inside the Chateau Lake Louise back to the finish line. We will provide you with a tag that you can attach to your bag before heading out onto the lake for the start of the race.

Can I drop gear along the way?

We have no process in place to deal with gear dropped along the way; however our volunteers will do their best to reunite you with any gear that is left along the race course at designated aid stations.

Food/Drink

What kind of food/drink is supplied on the race course?

Each aid station will have a selection of brownies and cookies along with warm water and warm sports drink.
If you are skiing solo you will probably want to bring your own supplies and supplement with aid station offerings.

What kind of food/drink is supplied at the reception after the race?

The awards ceremony offers a light dinner of cold cuts, cheese, fruit, buns and light snacks along with a refreshing beer or two.

Teams

Can we ski as a team of less than 4?

Yes, on the 50km course you can ski in a team of 2, 3, or 4. Who skis which legs (or multiple legs) is up to you. Some teams will have one skier do legs 1-2 and the other do 3-4 while we have had teams which alternate each leg. The choice is yours.

Can our first skier also ski solo?

On our shortened 50 km course skiers must be registered either solo or as a team member.

Can I switch legs with another skier?

Yes. Ultimately we only need to know who is skiing on the team. For example. if you said you are skiing leg 1 but now wish to ski leg 3 that is fine with us. As long as your team starts and finishes the race and makes exchanges at the checkpoints then we don't mind who does each leg.

I can't ski in the race. Can we bring in another skier?

If you want to make a trade on your team you can take care of this amongst yourselves in terms of payments. Please advise us via email of any name changes and ensure that your new skier has reviewed the waiver that was signed by your team captain upon registration.

Do I have to have equal numbers of male and female on a mixed team?

No, but in the spirit of the event the team must be mixed-gender.