Ski: Loppet, Puoli, Tour

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 35K. This long distance, point-to-point event is a truly unique cross-country skiing experience. The COLL Ski Loppet takes racers over the parkways and through the woods to a grand finish in front of The Trailhead in Theodore 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, 9:00am: Classic Ski Loppet (classic/diagonal stride only)

Sunday, February 2, 9:00am: 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 event follows the course of the other big events, but skips most of the hardest hills.

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, 9:45am: Classic Ski Puoli (classic/diagonal stride only)

Sunday, February 2, 10:00am: 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 approximately 10K, 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, 10:15am: Classic Ski Loppet (classic/diagonal stride only)

Sunday, February 2, 10:30am: Skate (Freestyle) Ski Loppet

Waves: Final waves and start times will be emailed and posted in the Updates section 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.

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.

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-3pm (note that this is not recommended for point to point races unless you are already there for Saturday Trailhead races. Parking will be limited.)
• Saturday, February 1: Cedar Lake Start, 7am-10am (for Saturday point to point races only)
• Sunday, February 2: Cedar Lake Start, 7am-12pm (for Sunday point to point races only)

Course Map

2024 Point to Point Google Course Map. You can select and deselect certain layers including your course, the Cedar Lake Start Area, and the parking/shuttle info.

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. Know the color of arrow you should be following for your race (your bib color will match with your arrow color – this also helps course marshals know which course you are doing).

Aid Stations

In general, aid stations are stocked with water, electrolyte drink (Gatorade), simple snacks and some energy gels (aid stations later in the race for longer races).

Cutoff Times

For the safety of both participants and volunteers, skiers must reach the following positions by the designated times. Skiers who do not reach these positions in time will have to turn in their bib/chip. A representative from our medical team will be on hand to help evaluate the health and risk of continuing for the participant. Please respect their decision. A support vehicle (SAG) will be available to bring the participant to the appropriate location, e.g. finish area to get a bag, medical team for further observation, to their vehicle, etc. If the participant is deemed healthy to continue and declines a SAG ride, they may continue with the understanding that they are now like anyone from the public. Volunteers may no longer be available (course marshals, aid stations, etc.) and the participant should know the trails. Note that these times are quite generous and few skiers have trouble meeting these cutoffs, but please choose your event appropriately for your speed, experience and skill level.

• Saturday Classic Ski Events: Reach Glenwood Ave Aid Station – 12:00 pm
• Sunday Skate Ski Events: Reach Glenwood Ave Aid Station – 12:15 pm

Thursday

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

Friday

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

Saturday

• 7:00am – 10:00am: Cedar Lake – Bib Pickup
• 7:30am – 11:00am: Mortenson to Cedar Lake start Shuttle Bus (time for Tour/Shoe fans to take the bus back to Mortenson and then get a shuttle to the Trailhead)
• 8:00am – 10:30am: Cedar Lake Bag Drop (including Start Line Corral option)
• 9:00am: Classic Ski Loppet Begins
• 9:45am: Classic Ski Puoli Begins
• 10:15am: Classic Ski Tour Begins
• 10:00am – 2:30pm: Finish Area Bag Claim
• 10:00am – 3:00pm: Utepils Beer Garden and Festival Village
• 10:00am – 3:00pm: Changing Area in Trailhead locker rooms (showers not available)
• 10:30am – 3:00pm: Finisher food inside the Trailhead
• 10:00am – 3:00pm: Shuttle Bus runs between The Trailhead and Mortenson

Sunday

• 7:00am – 12:00pm: Cedar Lake – Bib Pickup
• 8:00am – 12:00pm: Cedar Lake Bag Drop (including Start Line Corral option)
• 9:00am: Skate Ski Loppet Begins (waves to be announced)
• 10:00am: Skate Ski Puoli Begins
• 10:30am: Skate Ski Tour Begins
• 9:30am – 2:30pm: Finish Area Bag Claim
• 10:00am – 3:00pm: Changing Area in Trailhead locker rooms (showers not available)
• 10:00am – 3:00pm: Utepils Beer Garden and Festival Village
• 10:30am – 3:00pm: Finisher food inside the Trailhead
• 10:00am – 3:00pm: Shuttle Bus runs between The Trailhead and Mortenson

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

Point to Point participants should park in the Mortenson Parking Lot and take the shuttle bus to the start.

Shuttle

• Shuttle Bus Schedule
  • Route 1: Mortenson to Cedar Lake start, 7:30am-11:00am, running continuously
  • Route 2: Trailhead to Mortenson, 10am-3pm, every 15 min on the quarter hour
  • After the race, there is no shuttle returning to Cedar Lake. From the finish, walk back to Mortenson or take the Trailhead-Mortenson shuttle.

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. Zoom in on the Google Course Map above and select the Road Closure layer.

• Glenwood Ave from Xerxes to Theodore Wirth Pkwy: Saturday (7am-1pm), Sunday (7am-2pm)
• Theodore Wirth Pkwy from N Wayzata Blvd to Glenwood: Saturday (7am-1pm), Sunday (7am-2pm)
• Theodore Wirth Pkwy from Hwy 55 to Plymouth Ave: Saturday (8am-2:30), Sunday (8am-12pm)

All bags dropped off at the point-to-point start on Saturday and Sunday will be transported to the finish area near The Trailhead at Wirth Park. 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.

• Staying Warm and Start Corral Bag Drop! At the start, keep your warm clothes on and stuff them in your bag (bring your own bag!) just before the start and hand them over the fence or place them in our snowmobile tubs or on the tarps. You are also welcome to save us a trip and take them to the bag transport vehicle that will be parked near the boat launch. There is no warming tent at the start though we will have a few fire pits near shore and away from the start. Please dress warmly and label your bag clearly with your race number. We will provide bag tags, but you will need to bring a fully enclosed or duffel-type bag for your personal items.
• Bag Claim is located near the finish area at the Trailhead.
• Ski Racks available outside the Trailhead.
• Indoor Changing Area – Trailhead locker rooms. Showers not available.

2025 Festival Village map coming soon!

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!

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 Ceremony 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

Commemorative medals for all finishers.

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.)

Classic and Skate Ski Tours

Commemorative medals for all finishers.

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.

2024 Results: Loppet Festival 2024

2024 Photos: Festival Photos 2024

• Search by name or bib number!

2023 Results: Loppet Festival 2023

2023 Photos: Loppet Festival 2023

• Search by name or bib number!
• 31km Skate Loppet – Part A – Len Bernstein
• 31km Skate Loppet – Part B – Len Bernstein
• 19km Skate Puoli Loppet – Len Bernstein
• Mixed Participants – Ski, Bike, Snowshoe – Len Bernstein

2022 Results: Loppet Festival 2022