Sat-Sun, February 1-2, 2025

Ski: Loppet, Puoli, Tour

The Loppet Foundation :: Events :: Loppet, Puoli, Tour Ski

2025 Participant Guide

2025 Spectator Guide

Part of the City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival

View Festival Information »

Point to Point Ski Races

City of Lakes Ski Loppet Marathon

City of Lakes Ski Loppet is one of the flagship events of the City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival, with the distance usually around 30K (26K for 2025). This long distance event is a truly unique cross-country skiing experience. The COLL Ski Loppet typically takes racers over the parkways and through the woods to a grand finish in front of The Trailhead in Theodore Wirth Park – this year though (2025) due to low snow levels skiers will be skiing all on the snowmaking loop at Wirth Park. Skiers of all ages and abilities will be challenged and thrilled by this beautiful urban course. Go for your best time, or simply enjoy this unique ski experience that features an incredible mix of urban skiing and wooded natural trails.

Saturday, February 1, 8:30am: Classic Ski Loppet (classic/diagonal stride only)

Sunday, February 2, 8:30am: Skate (Freestyle) Ski Loppet. Expect elite-level competition in the Best of the Loppet first wave.

Participate in the long course Skate and earn points for the Tour de Finn. Learn more here.

The Loppet Challenge: Do both the classic (Saturday) and skate (Sunday) Loppets! Yep, back-to-back days. Save approximately 15% registration by signing up for the Challenge. In addition, all Challenge participants will receive a 11×17 festival poster. Anyone who registers for the Loppet Challenge or for both the Loppet Classic/Skate separately will be included in the Challenge results.

City of Lakes Ski Puoli

This 20K point-to-point ski event is a truly unique cross-country skiing experience. The Ski Puoli Loppet takes skiers over the parkways and through the woods to a grand finish in front of The Trailhead in Theodore Wirth Park. (this year, 2025 will be a lap course on snowmaking trails for an 18km event)

Skiers of all ages and abilities will be challenged and thrilled by this beautiful urban course. Go for your best time, or simply enjoy this unique ski experience that features an incredible mix of urban skiing and wooded natural trails.

Saturday, February 1, 10:15am: Classic Ski Puoli (classic/diagonal stride only)

Sunday, February 2, 10:15am: Skate (Freestyle) Ski Puoli

City of Lakes Ski Tour

Enjoy the beautiful urban wilderness of Theodore Wirth Park in this recreational event, perfect for skiers of all ages and abilities. The Ski Loppet Tour is will be about a 9K this year, making it a great introductory distance for novices and an enjoyable outing for veterans with a grand finish at The Trailhead in Theodore Wirth Park.

Saturday, February 1, 10:20am: Classic Ski Loppet (classic/diagonal stride only)

Sunday, February 2, 10:20am: Skate (Freestyle) Ski Loppet

The Start and Finish

Waves: Final waves and start times will be emailed and posted in the Participant Guides a few days before the event. The Skate Loppet first wave, The Best of the Loppet, is meant for the top competitive skiers. While the early part of the course features wide trails, we also use pacing or finish predictions asked during registration help us set waves that reduce congestion on the trails.

Finish Location: All races finish at The Trailhead, Theodore Wirth Park, 1221 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Minneapolis MN 55422

Parking and Transportation: Please see notes below. Our point to point participants use a variety of methods including shuttle bus, metro bus, skiing or walking to the start, dropoffs/pickups by friends, etc.

Registration and Packet Pick Up

	Status	Starting 9AM 10/1/24	Starting 11/15/24	Starting 12/18/24	Starting 1/15/25	Starting 1/30/25
Loppet Challenge (Classic Ski Loppet + Skate Ski Loppet)	Open	$145	$178	$204	$238	$270
Classic Ski Loppet	Open	$85	$105	$120	$140	$160
Classic Ski Puoli Loppet	Open	$85	$105	$120	$140	$160
Classic Ski Tour	Open	$45	$55	$60	$75	$85
Classic Ski Tour - Youth (16 and under)	Open	$23	$23	$23	$28	$35
Skate Ski Loppet	Open	$85	$105	$120	$140	$160
Skate Ski Puoli Loppet	Open	$85	$105	$120	$140	$160
Skate Ski Tour	Open	$45	$55	$60	$75	$85
Skate Ski Tour - Youth (16 & under)	Open	$23	$23	$23	$28	$35

Proceeds from the Loppet, Tour and Puoli Ski Races 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

Registration Policies

If you wish to change events (e.g. changing race distance), please follow these instructions: RunSignup Event Transfer Instructions.

Registration and transaction fees are nonrefundable, including in the event of cancellation. 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.

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.

For other questions about registration, please email registration@loppet.org.

Take The Loppet Challenge

Can we interest you in a challenge? The Loppet Challenge that is! We’re challenging YOU to do both the classic (Saturday) and skate (Sunday) Loppets! That’s right, back-to-back days of skiing. What do you get out of the Loppet Challenge? Besides bragging rights, all Challenge participants will receive an exclusive Loppet Challenge tech hat, 11×17 festival poster and save 15% on registration.

What are you waiting for, register for the challenge TODAY and prove that you’re up for the Challenge!

Packet Pick Up

Race bibs will be available for pickup at the following times and locations:

Thursday, January 30: Utepils Brewing (225 Thomas Ave N, Minneapolis, MN), 4pm-8pm
- Bring your own cribbage board for Utepils’ weekly Cribbage Night!
Friday, January 31: The Trailhead (1221 Theodore Wirth Pkwy), 4pm-8pm
Saturday, February 1: The Trailhead, 7am-2pm
Sunday, February 2: The Trailhead, 7am-12pm

The Course

Course Map

2025 Course Map. You can select and deselect certain layers including your course, the Cedar Lake Start Area, and the parking/shuttle info.

Marathons – 5 laps of the 5.3km loop

Puolis – 4 laps of the 4.5km loop

Tours – 2 laps of the 4.5km loop (does not include N Finger or La Squadra)

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.

Aid Stations

The aid station will be located at the Par 3 and will be stocked with water, electrolyte drink (Gatorade), and some energy gels.

Event Schedule

Thursday

4pm-8pm: Packet pick up at Utepils Brewing

Friday

4pm-8pm: Packet pick up at The Trailhead

Saturday

7:00am – 10:00am: The Trailhead – Bib Pickup
8:30am: Classic Ski Loppet Begins
10:15am: Classic Ski Puoli Begins
10:20am: Classic Ski Tour Begins
8:00am – 2:00pm: Bag Drop
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
10:00am – 3:00pm: Shuttle Bus runs between The Trailhead and Mortenson

Sunday

7:00am – 12:00pm: The Trailhead – Bib Pickup
8:30am: Skate Ski Loppet Begins (waves to be announced)
10:15am: Skate Ski Puoli Begins
10:20am: Skate Ski Tour Begins
8:00am – 3:00pm: Bag Drop
10:00am – 3:00pm: Changing Area in Trailhead locker rooms (showers not available)
10:00am – 3:00pm: Utepils Beer Garden and Festival Village
10:00am – 3:00pm: Finisher food inside the Trailhead
10:00am – 3:00pm: Shuttle Bus runs between The Trailhead and Mortenson

Transportation and Parking

Bus: Please consider taking the bus (Metro Transit)!

Ski or Walk: If you live near the start, consider walking or skiing to the start! If you’re skiing back home please cheer on and give right of way to the skiers still competing (and snowshoers and bikers on Sunday).

Race Day Parking

All participants & spectators should park in the Mortenson Parking Lot and take the shuttle bus to the start.

Shuttle

Shuttle Bus Schedule
- Trailhead to Mortenson, 10am-3pm, every 15 min on the quarter hour

Dropoffs and Pickups

Pickup in Theodore Wirth Park: Dropoffs and pickups will be allowed at the Chalet (1301 Theodore Wirth Pkwy), approx 1/4-mile walk from the finish at the Trailhead. 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. The Trailhead is unavailable for pickups. Your fans are also welcome to park at Mortenson Parking Lot and you may walk (approx half mile) from the finish to their vehicle or take the Trailhead-Mortenson shuttle bus. We recommend that you consider putting dry walking shoes and socks in your race bag.

Road Closures

For your information on getting around race morning (and for your spectator race fans to know). Note the road sections and closure times below.

Theodore Wirth Pkwy from Hwy 55 to Plymouth Ave: Saturday (7am-2:30), Sunday (7am-12pm)

Hotel: Discounted room rates: LOPPET Foundation Preferred Rates – Ramada Minneapolis Golden Valley

Must book hotel through link above to get preferred rates

Bag Drop/Claim/Changing Area

Bag drop will be located in the stadium by the finish area. We will provide bag tags, but you will need to bring a fully enclosed or duffel-type bag for your personal items. Do NOT leave wallets or other valuables in your bag as the Loppet will not be responsible for these items. Please leave the kitchen sinks and lead weights at home.

Ski Racks available outside the Trailhead.
Indoor Changing Area – Trailhead locker rooms. Showers not available.

Festival Village and Post-Race Party

Utepils Beer! All skiers get one free drink ticket (beer or soda) to use at the finish inside the Trailhead! Please have ID available if you’re wanting a beer. 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. It is our goal to do that again in 2025. 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!

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!

Awards

Classic and Skate Loppet

Commemorative medals for first-year finishers, commemorative pins for multiple-time finishers.

Awards for top male, female and non-binary finishers. Must be present to receive cash awards packets.

Skate:
- 1st Place: $1,000, handcrafted wood plaque
- 2nd Place: $600, handcrafted wood plaque
- 3rd Place: $400, handcrafted wood plaque
- 4th Place: $200, handcrafted wood plaque
- 5th Place: $100, handcrafted wood plaque

Classic:
- 1st Place: $300, handcrafted wood plaque
- 2nd Place: $150, handcrafted wood plaque
- 3rd Place: $75, handcrafted wood plaque

The Awards for the first three male, female and non-binary category finishers will happen at the finish line podium immediately after the race. Top finishers should report to the podium within 5 minutes of finishing. Medal stickers for first through 3rd place male and female 10-year age categories 19 & under, 20-29, 30-39 . . . 80+. (These may be picked up at the Awards Booth as soon as results are posted.)

If there is a top finisher dispute, please bring it to the timing shed or awards booth before awards are given out.

Classic and Skate Puoli Loppets

Handcrafted wood plaque for the top three male, female and non-binary category finishers.

The Awards Ceremony for the first three male, female and non-binary finishers will happen at the finish line podium immediately after the race. Top finishers should report to the podium within 5 minutes of finishing. Medal stickers for first through 3rd place male & female 10-year age categories 19 & under, 20-29, 30-39 . . . 80+. (These may be picked up at the Awards Booth as soon as results are posted.)

The Double Loppet Award

This is an opportunity for you to both challenge yourself, and take advantage of two cross country ski festivals. Ski in any of the City of Lakes Loppet ski races, held on the first weekend in February each year, then ski in the Vasaloppet USA events, held on the second weekend of February, and earn your Double Loppet Award. Double Loppet skiers pick up their Double Loppet award at the Vasaloppet.