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The Loppet Foundation :: News & Stories :: Loppet Foundation COVID-19 Update

Loppet Foundation COVID-19 Update

As usual, we believe that staying outdoors and active is important for all of us. But like all civic organizations today, we need to first prioritize the broader public health. As such, we are still encouraging outdoor activity, but not in groups or social settings. 

What does this mean in practice? For at least the next few weeks, it means that we will be doing things like grooming trails, but not opening The Trailhead. We will be guiding you with ideas for outdoor activity, but we will not be directly leading groups or coaching. 

Some of the specifics include:

  • Trails and grooming. Our outdoor areas are open. We encourage you to use them. Our goal is to continue to groom ski trails at Wirth Park through at least March 22. Note that for the remainder of this season we are not charging for skiing. We encourage anyone interested in enjoying some outdoor activity over these otherwise troubling days to come on out and enjoy the trails. For the most up-to-date trail conditions, check out our Trails Conditions page.  
  • The Trailhead. The Trailhead building will be closing at 9 p.m. this evening, March 16, and will stay closed through at least March 27. While we recognize that The Trailhead building makes using the outdoors easier, it is spring and the temperatures are warmer. Maybe change into ski boots and go to the bathroom at home before heading out to the trails. 
  • Boulder Nordic Sport. At least to start with, customers will be able to access Boulder Nordic Sport on a limited basis. We are still developing the protocol for how that will happen and with what hours. See the BNS website for more information and updates
  • Programs & Events. We are suspending all Loppet programming through at least March 27. We will, however, be providing information and suggestions on activities, ranging from walking to running to biking to skiing to strength training, maybe some bird watching, and more. 

As we all try to minimize the impact of COVID-19 and keep this disruption to our lives as short as possible, it is important that we all pitch in. To that end, here are some guidelines and suggestions for all of us to follow:

  • Stay informed: 
  • Practice daily preventative care:
    • Stay home if you are sick.
    • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
    • Practice social distancing.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
    • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home and work.
    • Practice other healthy habits including good sleep, outside activity, and healthy food.

Obviously, this public health crisis is evolving every day. We will continue to monitor the situation and will undoubtedly be adjusting our protocol as we move forward. Hopefully, if we can all get ahead of this situation we will be able to get back to business as usual as soon as possible. Until then, look for the Loppet to provide ideas and encouragement for all of us to get outside as much as possible during this difficult time. More than ever, getting outside and staying active will help us all stay sane, avoid disease, and stay healthy. 

Maybe we won’t see you on the trails this time – but we do look forward to you posting your trail-based selfies on Loppet social media. I expect that we’ll be providing prizes for our community members who post about their best outdoor adventures over the weeks to come . . .

We look forward to seeing you soon,
The Loppet Team