The Invite is a collaboration between the Eden Prairie Nordic Ski Team and The Loppet. The Invite is a sanctioned high school invitational nordic ski meet held at Theodore Wirth Park. It’s designed for the top ten varsity ski racers from each high school to compete in a limited field of 16 teams from Minnesota. Three skiers will race in the 5K skate, three in the 5K classic, and four (two relays of two) will compete in the sprint relay event.
Kelly Donahue: events@loppet.org
Doug Boonstra: doug_boonstra@edenpr.k12.mn.us
GALLERY
Schedule is subject to change depending on conditions. All events below will start and finish in lower stadium near the Trailhead building/parking lot.
* The relay technique (classic or skate) will match the state technique in that given year.
Directions: The Trailhead
Please note: Courses may be dependent on natural snow and ongoing progress on the snowmaking loop. We will strive to keep all teams apprised of our trail conditions. Courses described below are considered tentative.
2024 Course Map (Google): Loppet Invite 2024 Google Map
Out of the lower stadium, around the roundabout, up to Coaches Corner and head back down to Jim’s Hill and around to the finish. Note: We have decided to keep this long-standing course (sections course may be slightly longer).
Possible Course: Twin Lakes loop, come back towards the stadium and go up the Ridgeline Trail and do LaSquadra. Return on Ridgeline Trail to stadium. We will try to get two tracks placed where it makes sense. It will not be best line.
Theodore Wirth Park / Loppet Foundation Fluoro Policy Info »
Teams must set up camp outside along the south and west end of the stadium. The back portion of the Trailhead will be available for teams/athletes to warm up and leave some small items. Each team will be assigned one table in the space provided. Please do not encroach on other team’s tables/space. The cubbies along the walls are also available for use. The Trailhead is open to the public. Please remind your athletes to be considerate of other users.
16 teams with up to 10 boys and 10 girls. Each team will enter the following number of racers for boys and girls teams. Individuals may participate in only one race (5k Skate, 5K Classic or the relays). Relays must be the same partners from qualifying to finals.
The team score is determined by each team’s top two 5K Skate finishers, top two 5K Classic finishers and top relay team. For the 5K races, the point values will begin at 60 points for first place, 59 for second place, 58 points for third place, etc. For the relays, the point values will begin at 119 points and descend by three points for each successive place, i.e. 119 points for first place, 116 points for second place, 113 points for third place, etc. Non-scoring individuals, as well as relays, will hold their finish place, and bump other individuals or teams down in place. Note that relays that don’t make the finals are still scored by time. A team’s total score is the sum of their 5K Skate, 5K Classic and relay scores.
Please note the following policy regarding buses:
Please instruct buses to return at 12:30pm (or time of your choice) to pick up teams at the Chalet.
Award categories will include (awards provided by Gear West this year!):
Each team needs to donate an assistant coach or experienced parent to help run the sprint, classic, and skate individual races. Duties will include skier lineup, starters, course control, timing helpers, and stadium set up. Please have this individual report to Doug Boonstra at the stadium at 7:50am (after the coaches meeting).
Note: Each team will be expected to provide 2 additional volunteers to assist with various aspects of the meet including technique and relay exchange control.
VOLUNTEER
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Wednesday, August 6, 2025 - 4:15 pm - 8:00 pm
Wednesday, August 20, 2025 - 4:15 pm - 8:00 pm
Thursday, August 28, 2025 - 4:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Thursday, September 11, 2025 - 4:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Saturday, September 20, 2025 - 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Sunday, September 21, 2025 - 7:00 am - 1:00 pm
Saturday, October 18, 2025 - 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
Saturday, January 10, 2026 - 7:30 am - 12:00 pm
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