The Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club is poised to stage its 26^th annual loppet this Saturday, March 7^th. With the close of registrations last Sunday, the 2009 Northwestel Yukon Loppet has 140 skiers registered to take part.

As in past years, the race has attracted a wide variety of skiers of all ages and skill levels. The youngest participants are only three years of age and the most senior are in their mid-seventies.

“Northwestel has been delighted to sponsor this event over the years,” said Anne Kennedy, Northwestel Director Communications. “It’s such a wonderful community gathering and no matter what the weather, everyone has a fantastic time with their friends and family in the outdoors. This is just the kind of event that makes the North such a great place to live and Northwestel is happy to help make it happen.”

Ski conditions are expected to be excellent this year because of the large amount of snowfall, with more snow expected before the race begins. Volunteers will be out grooming the trails late Friday night and early Saturday morning to ensure they are ready for skiers. Others will prepare the stadium facilities very early Saturday morning.

“We are so lucky to have a great team of volunteers who come out every year to give their time and energy to this event,” said Sue Meikle, Northwestel Loppet Chief of Race. “It’s their commitment that makes this event such a fun day for the skiers. In particular, I’d like to thank volunteer Beth Hawkings, who has given countless hours as our Chief of Timing and Results for many years. She is a great example of the outstanding volunteers we are so lucky to have.”

The Northwestel Yukon Loppet includes routes for skiers of all ages and abilities, at distances of 3, 7.5, 20 and 30 kilometres.

Most participants are Yukoners, although several visitors are registered, including skiers from Ontario, Nova Scotia and Germany.

The Northwestel Yukon Loppet takes place at the Mount McIntyre cross country ski trails. The trails will also be open to other skiers on Saturday, although they will be directed to ski trails not in use by the loppet. For example, the Dog Trail will be closed from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to accommodate the loppet.

In 2008, Northwestel contributed more than $670,000 in cash and in-kind donations to many northern community groups, including the 2008 Arctic Winter Games. Throughout its history, Northwestel has played a key role in the economic, social and cultural development of the North. Northwestel is recognised as a key contributor to the well-being of northern communities through its community investment program and the volunteer contributions of its employees.

Northwestel provides complete telecommunications solutions in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon, northern British Columbia and High Level, Alberta. The company’s operations span nearly 4 million square kilometres of the most remote and rugged areas of Canada.