News & Stories

A brush stroke of Loppet Blue

World Loppet Headquarters have been hit by the first storm of the season. The Loppet office, the hidden apartment unit adjoined to the Theodore Wirth Chalet, has been struck by the magic wand of Loppet Blue, setting the stage of a transformative winter season to come. Thanks to the generous donation of paint from Hirshfield’s in Southdale, volunteers have been able to work like elves in the night, painting away and shedding new light on this unique office space.

Up until the early 1980’s, the Loppet office was the home to the caretaker of Wirth Parkand his family. From then on, the premises were vacated and used only as storage space for the chalet’s needs. The City of Lakes Nordic Ski Foundation moved in four years ago. Since then the small office has housed the burgeoning organization and served as the launching pad for all the programming, trail and event work that has reached and benefited thousands of people throughout the city.

Mark Nunemacher, interior designer at Gabberts, is responsible for the renovation of this space. He donated his time and expertise to select colors and a layout to help the Foundation maximize its space and tell its story. “You are a skiing organization. You’ve got to get some skis on the wall!” Nunemacher spent a morning remounting posters and plaques that celebrate the Foundation’s accomplishments and events. What has resulted is a welcoming and dynamic work space. Additives to the office will include wooden skis adorning the walls, ski bib valences hanging on ski poles acting as rods, and an all important hot chocolate and tea station featuring honey from Foundation director John Munger’s bees.

With the work space ready for winter, there is only one thing we are waiting for… let it snow!