Midwest Winter Games
March 6, 2027
Ski, Play, Fun!
The Midwest Winter Games is a new winter festival for youth & juniors ages 16 and under at Theodore Wirth Park! The Loppet and Minnesota Youth Ski League are teaming up to bring the next generation of winter athletes together for a day of racing, playing, and celebrating all things winter! Whether you’re ready to race your heart out in a timed ski race or dive into some seriously silly snow-filled shenanigans, there’s something for every young winter enthusiast.
Choose from timed 1k, 2k or 3k classic cross-country ski events or the untimed Fishscale Frenzy for your newest skiers. For the racers who want to rip: we’ll have a timed skate ski cross race for kids ready to SEND IT! Then keep the fun going with winter activities for the whole family including ski tug-of-war, ski limbo, snowball target toss, shovel races, indoor crafts and community art.
Join us for a day of outdoor play at Theodore Wirth Park!
Register
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
If you wish to change events (e.g. changing race distance), please follow these instructions: RunSignup Event Transfer Instructions.
All pricing listed on RunSignUp reflects the processing fees per Minnesota’s “Hidden Fees Statute,” SB 478. RunSignup charges a variable processing fee of $1 per transaction plus 6% as our standard price.
Schedule & Packet Pickup
Schedule
Schedule subject to change, check back for updates in January
- 8-11am Bib Pickup (inside Trailhead building)
- 9am 3K: Ages 13-16 (U14 & U16) Mass Starts (waves by age group)
- 9am – 11am Ski Cross skills loop preview open/also just for fun for those not registered
- 9am – 1pm Festival activities open
- 9:30am 2K: Ages 11-12 (U12) Mass Starts
- 10am 1K: Ages 8-10 (U10 & U8) Mass Starts (waves by age group)
- 10:30am .5-1K: Fish Scale Frenzy, not timed (open to all ages)
- 11am – 12pm Ski Cross Start – individual starts every 20 seconds
Course Map
Coming soon!
Transportation
Bike (the best!): We encourage participants and spectators to bike, walk, or jog on race morning. There will be extra bike racks at the Trailhead (parking lot) where you can lock your bike. Bring your own lock.
Take the bus(!): The Number 7 route typically stops right at the Trailhead but for event day it will drop off at Plymouth Ave & Xerxes because we have games that will be set up in the normal drop off area. Check www.metrotransit.org for info and route planning. The Number 7 typically stops right at the Trailhead, but because of activities the bus will be dropping off at Xerxes & Plymouth.
Parking: Lots of parking at Mortenson Parking Lot! We expect the Trailhead lot to fill quickly. It is a short walk or jog from the Mortenson parking lot to the start area. Please do not park in any reserved spaces at Mortenson.
Swag & Awards
Coming soon!
Volunteer
The Loppet needs help in all capacities supporting the participants during the Midwest Winter Games.
Please sign up to volunteer by clicking the button below. If you have any questions, please email volunteer@loppet.org.
VOLUNTEER
Midwest Winter Games
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. a week before the event.
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.
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.
I’m a spectator, where should I watch or what do I need to know?
- 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!)
Will you have merchandise available for sale?
Yes! Come check out our awesome merch in the adventure shop at the Trailhead or at the finish line.
Results & Photos
2027
- Results Link
- Photos Link
Upcoming Loppet Events
Join Us at Upcoming Loppet Events
Tuesday, October 20, 2026 - 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Run Your Pace, Understand Your Base: Empowering Female Runners Through Pelvic Floor Awareness
Monday, November 2, 2026 - 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Roundtable: Snø Racing Program Update and Masters Racing Discussion
Thursday, November 12, 2026 - 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Theodore Wirth – An inside look at the man, the park, and his legacy
Monday, November 16, 2026 - 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Heart Health and Endurance Sport
Friday, December 4, 2026 - 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Senior Social
Saturday, February 6, 2027 - 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival
Sunday, February 7, 2027 - 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival
Saturday, February 13, 2027 - 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Luminary Loppet
Join the Community
Support The Loppet Foundation
The Loppet depends on our community to support our mission through donations, membership and volunteering.
Support our mission of connecting people to the outdoors through experiences that grow community.
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