5K Ski Loppet

Fun 5K ski event for skiers of all ages and experience levels

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City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival

5K Ski Loppet

Name: 5K Ski Loppet
Start: 2026-02-01T07:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-02-01T15:00:00+00:00

Sunday, February 1

The 5K Ski Loppet is open to skiers of all ages. Whether this is your first year skiing or your eighty-first year in the sport, this event is for you!

Families or new skiers get to enjoy the excitement of being on the amazing Theo Wirth Park ski trails in a non-competitive outing. While more advanced or high school skiers putting a bow on their seasons can ski off the front to push their limits. This is the perfect event to just be a part of the excitement, enjoy the beautiful trails, and cross the finish line with big smiles. Cowbell for everyone!

You can classic or skate ski the course – there will be two sets of classic tracks groomed and a skate deck.

Younger skiers looking for shorter course options should check out the Next Generation Loppet, which has 3K, 2K, and 1K options.

GALLERY

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5K Ski

Price Increase: Jan 13 | $50

$46

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5K Ski - Youth (16 and under)

Price Increase: Jan 13 | $28

$23

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Proceeds from the 5K Ski Loppet benefit the Loppet Foundation. Learn more about the Foundation’s mission, vision, and values.

Registration and transaction fees are non-refundable, including in the event of delay, rescheduling, or cancellation of an event or program. An event or program registration is not transferable to another person or another event for any reason, including injury. Participating under another person’s name will result in disqualification.

A Note About the Data We Collect

Schedule & Packet Pickup

Schedule

Thurdsay, January 29: 4pm-8pm: Packet pick up at Utepils Brewing

Friday, January 30: 4pm-8pm: Packet pick up at The Trailhead

Saturday, January 31: 7am – 3pm: Packet pick up at The Trailhead (note other races are going on and parking will be limited)

Sunday, February 1:

7:45am – 9am: Packet pick up at The Trailhead
8:55am: 5K Ski Loppet Begins (Trailhead start & finish)
10:00am – 3:00pm: Shuttle Bus runs between the Trailhead (finish) and Mortenson Parking Lot
10:00am – 3:00pm: Utepils Beer Garden and Festival Village
10:00am – 3:00pm: Changing Area in Trailhead locker rooms (showers not available)
10:00am – 3:00pm: Finisher food inside the Trailhead – hot Captain Ken’s Chili is waiting for you!

Map & Course

Course Markings

The courses are marked with colored arrows on sandwich boards located at trail junctions. Course marshals may also be present at critical junctions to guide and cheer you on.

Transportation

Race Day Parking

All participants & spectators should park in the Mortenson Parking Lot walk over to the start area

Shuttle Bus Schedule

10:00am – 3:00pm Shuttle Buses will run from The Trailhead (finish) to Mortenson
Note there are not shuttles before the 5K start, participants can walk over or get dropped off at the Chalet

Drop off / Pickup

Dropoffs and pickups will be allowed at the Chalet (1301 Theodore Wirth Pkwy). Please note that access to the Trailhead will be closed at Hwy 55. You will need to approach the Chalet via Plymouth Ave from the east or Golden Valley Rd from the north

Road Closures

Make note of these for getting around race morning. Be sure to let your spectator fans know as well.

Theodore Wirth Pkwy will be closed to all traffic from Hwy 55 to Plymouth Ave: Saturday 7am-1:30pm & Sunday 7am-12pm
Glenwood Ave will be closed between Theo Wirth Pkwy and Xerxes Ave Saturday & Sunday 8am – 1pm
Theodore Wirth Pkwy will be closed between Glenwood Ave and N Wayzata Blvd Saturday & Sunday 8am – 1pm

Festival Village & Post-Race Party

Refreshments! All skiers get one free Utepils beer (21+) or NA beer or soda at the finish party inside the Trailhead! Please have ID available. Additional beer may be purchased on site by participants or spectators.

Chili! For years, the Loppet has served Captain Ken’s Chili at the finish line. Just what a tired skier needs to start the recovery process!

Sponsors! Our sponsors help make everything happen and better! Please visit and thank them for their support. We are sure you will have some fun with them, too!

Indoor Changing Area – Trailhead locker rooms. Showers not available.

Race Bibs: In an effort to reduce the waste generated by thousands of bibs, the Loppet will collect all bibs at the finish. We wash and reuse the bibs from year to year. Please return your bib after the race. Thank you for helping us reduce waste and move toward greener events!

FESTIVAL VILLAGE

Awards

Top 3 in the Male, Female and Non-Binary Overall categories will receive a handcrafted wood plaque. Podium ceremony will happen near the Finish Line right after the results are official. There will not be age group awards for the 5K (but look for glory or your proof of adventure in the results).

Volunteer

The Loppet needs help in all capacities supporting the participants during the City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival.

All Festival volunteers will receive an exclusive winter volunteer hat!

Please sign up to volunteer by clicking the button below. If you have any questions, please email volunteer@loppet.org.

Volunteer Signup

VOLUNEER

EVENT SPONSORS

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City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival

FAQ

Can I change my race distance or transfer my entry to a friend?

The deadline to make race distance changes is 4:00pm on the Friday a week before the race. After that, a registrant wishing to change to a shorter distance will need to register and pay the full fee for the new race distance.
You can change which event you registered for through RunSignUp. Click here for a video on how to switch your registration and instructions to help with troubleshooting. Event transfers can be made up until 11:59 p.m. on May 13.

What does my entry fee go towards?

Entry fees go towards the production of the event and The Loppet mission of connecting people to the outdoors through experiences that grow community!

When will the participant guide be published?

Typically we send it out to registered participants and post it on the event website about 1 week ahead of the event.

Are there any special group discounts?

Email events@loppet.org if you’re part of a run club to see if there’s a way for us to partner with each other.
As a way to recognize the Dakota land we run with and steward, all Indigenous people can participate in any Loppet event for free by emailing events@loppet.org and requesting a discount code

Are dogs allowed at this event?

While we love your furry friends please leave them at home for these large Loppet events.

Are strollers allowed?

The Juneteenth Fun Run is fully on pavement and is our stroller friendly course. All other event courses are not conducive to strollers (CityTrail Loppet, Utepils Trail Loppet, City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival, Luminary Loppet). Spectators are welcome to have strollers around the venue though.

Who do I contact about the race if I have a question?

The Loppet Foundation
1301 Theodore Wirth Parkway
Minneapolis, MN 55422
events@loppet.org
612-604-5330
Registration: registration@loppet.org
Sponsorship: sponsorship@loppet.org

I have special accessibility requirements, who can I talk to about this?

Reach out to events@loppet.org and we can talk about how we can support you.

Do people ever take breaks during the race?

Yes! This is your race, take the breaks you need to feel good during your event. All Loppet races have course cut off times, check the participant guide for the course cut off time that you have to be finished by.

I’m a spectator, where should I watch or what do I need to know?

Check the Mtec app to see if there’s live tracking for the event.
Check the course and transportation sections of the website for details
Loud cheering, fun signs, cowbells, noise makers, music are all highly encouraged. Please keep cheers and signs positive and respectful.
Food & beverages are available for purchase at the finish line (best to bring your credit card!)