Here’s the latest update from the Lake Louise to Banff Loppet website:
Jan 30 (6AM)
“Trail crews were out yesterday renovating the snow and resetting track where possible.
Leg 2: Three delinquent moose are walking on the trail around Baker Creek. If you see them, give them the right of way. They’re bigger than you are.
Leg 3: “Caution” signs are posted on a short, heavily treed downhill section between Castle Lookout and Castle Junction.
Leg 6: (Healy Creek trail): Renovation of the snow and track has been necessary to soften it up. As a result, some parts of this leg do not have a track for classic skiing and indeed are better for skating. Setters will attempt to put in a track by Saturday morning. Skiers should be prepared to alternate technique. Please check tonight for any final updates.” Loppet
Preparing to start the Lake Louise to Banff Loppet
The weather forecast is showing some new snow overnight in Lake Louise and lesser amounts at the Banff end. Your penalty for being a fast skier is that you’ll be breaking trail for us slow skiers. Maybe we’ll get just enough fresh snow to cover up some of the road debris. Problem is, it’s the last half of the course that needs the snow, but there’s always heavier snowfall at the Lake Louise end.
It’s rare(once a year actually) that I am out on the trail at 8 a.m., but I look forward to seeing any of you other manic skiers tomorrow morning ON Lake Louise. Best of luck to all participants, especially those individuals who are doing the entire 71K on their own. I admire your determination and fitness. I did it once as an individual, but I always prided myself on being a quick learner, so I have henceforth been on a team.
Some snow/trail conditions may not be the best, but it’s good to see we’ll be able to do the entire course all the way to Banff. When you ski past the volunteers, give them a shout of thanks for the work they’ve done to enable us to enjoy this unique event. It promises to be a lot of fun!
