News & Stories

World Cup Letter to the Community

Dear Loppet Community – 

It is with sheer joy that we have announced the Loppet Cup –  a FIS COOP Cross-Country Ski World Cup to be held February 17 – 19 (President’s Day Weekend!) 2024.  I wanted to tell you a little bit about why we decided to take on this wonderful, albeit daunting, opportunity. 

As many of you know –  the Loppet came so close to hosting a World Cup in March 2020 – and while that event was Covid canceled – the energy created around it has sustained.  We wanted to build on that energy and create an event unlike any other. This will be an elite sporting event, without the elitism.  Thanks to our co-hosts Share Winter –  the event will be free and open to the public.  We are organizing in alignment with our mission – connecting people to the outdoors through experiences that create community.  What better experience than one that highlights our unique community and celebrates this city park. We Are Bringing the World to Wirth!

While the world’s top cross country ski athletes (including our very own Jessie Diggins) will be showing off their superhero powers on the Loppet course – we will be showing off the superheroes in our community. You will not need to be a cross country ski fan to be a fan of the Loppet Cup.   Loppet program participants, our community partners, the park, and the surrounding neighborhoods will be central to the experience. 

The historic Wirth chalet will serve as a Welcome Center to all – where spectators can learn more about the history of Wirth Park and the myriad of ways the community has engaged with the outdoors in this special place. 

Inside the park, spectators will be free to explore different viewing areas of the course, chasing their favorite skiers, and enjoying Minnesota-made treats. Loppet ambassadors, Northside organizations and local clubs will facilitate cheering sections. There’s not a bad seat in the house!

Finally – on President’s Day (2/19) the Loppet will host a Community Celebration featuring experiences on the World Cup course, tubing and skiing with special guests, snowshoeing, fat tire biking and more.  Plan to join us for this free celebration of all the Loppet has to offer the world! 

We know you all want to be a part of this international spectacle  –  so here are some ways to get involved: 

•  Sign up for more information or to volunteer on our website www.loppetcup.com  or follow us on social media – @loppetcup on Facebook and Instagram

• This is a huge undertaking for a small non-profit. To finance this venture we need corporate sponsorship. If you know anyone in the local, national or heck – international community who wants to be a part of this unique experience, please contact our Sponsorship Director, Abby Delaney at delaney@loppet.org.  

• Stay engaged with us in all of our good work –  while this World Cup will be a heavy lift- it will not detract from our programming and mission driven efforts.  Quite the opposite – this will put our work on the world stage! Donate, participate in programs and events volunteer, become a member!  Whatever it looks like for you – stay connected to the Loppet Family. 

  We look forward to this exciting year together.