As Whitehorse recovers from hockey fever, skiers are preparing for the 28^th annual Northwestel Yukon Loppet on Saturday, March 5^th. Early bird registration closes on February 19.

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 Curtis Shaw, Northwestel Vice President of Consumer Markets. “Skiing is such a huge part of life in the North and this annual event is one of the highlights of the season. It is events like the Northwestel Yukon Loppet that make the North such a great place to live and Northwestel is happy to help make this happen.”

The Northwestel Yukon Loppet includes routes for skiers of all ages and abilities, at distances of 3, 7.5, 20 and 30 kilometres. The trails are in excellent condition this year. Interested skiers can get entry forms at the Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club, Coast Mountain Sports and Icycle Sports, or download forms at www.xcskiwhitehorse.ca.

“The ski conditions are some of the best we've had in years and will make for a superb event with fun for all,” said Claude Chabot, Executive Director Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club. “Our trail crews can be counted on to do their usual fantastic job on the loppet course.

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.

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.

 In 2010, Northwestel contributed more than $600,000 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.