Cross country skiers in Yellowknife are expecting to enjoy warm weather this weekend as they participate in the biggest event of the city’s ski season. The 32^nd annual Northwestel Yellowknife Ski Loppet, presented by the Yellowknife Ski Club, will happen this Sunday, April 4^th.

Skiers may register on Saturday, April 3^rd, at Overlander Sports, from 9:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.

“The forecast for this Sunday is for a sunny warm day, which will be fantastic for our skiers and volunteers,” said Jennie Rausch, loppet coordinator. “We’re preparing for approximately 250 skiers or even more. Last year, we had 265 skiers and 42 volunteers, which was more than ever before, and we’re hoping to match or surpass those numbers. Every year, the loppet always turns out to be so much fun for everyone and I’m sure that we’ll have many return skiers.”

The loppet starts at 10 a.m., with all skiers expected to be on the trails by 11:30 a.m. at the latest. It’s held just north of Yellowknife at the Bert Mockford Ski Trail, which is created each year specifically for the loppet. Skiers of all ages and skill levels can choose from three routes, which are 6, 15 and 25 kilometres long. Some participants ski with their dogs, or pull children in pulks.

“Because the loppet is happening on Easter Sunday this year, we are making a special effort to recognize the holiday,” said Rausch. “We’ll have a variety of Easter treats available in baskets placed along the 6-kilometre trail, which is the one most likely to be used by our youngest skiers. Our checkpoint volunteers will also be wearing bunny ears, just to add a little extra fun to the day!”

Northwestel has been sponsoring the loppet for about a decade. The company’s sponsorship support is used to offset the costs of food, first aid supplies, advertising and a promotional item for participants, which this year is a T-shirt.

“The Northwestel Yellowknife Loppet is a wonderful community event that we are very happy to support,” said Anne Kennedy, Northwestel Director Communications. “It’s such a great way for skiers to come together near the end of the cross-country ski season and enjoy a fantastic day of skiing together. We’re also very proud of the Northwestel employees who volunteer to help make the event a success. I wish all participants a great day on Sunday.”

“We are so grateful to Northwestel for its continuing support of this event,” added Rausch. “The company’s ongoing commitment, combined with the time and energy of our volunteers, makes this event possible year after year. Our volunteers help in so many ways, including grooming the trails, working the checkpoints and preparing the excellent food that skiers get to enjoy. We are also very thankful to the Covello family, who donate the use of their cabin every year to serve as a key checkpoint that virtually every skier visits.”

In 2009, Northwestel contributed more than $550,000 in cash and in-kind donations to many northern community groups. Throughout its history, Northwestel has played a key role in the economic, social and cultural development of the North. Northwestel is recognized 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 and entertainment services 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.