August 18, 2011 (Tierra del Fuego, Argentina) – The first ever Ushuaia Loppet ski marathon is taking place on Monday, August 22nd 2011 outside the city of Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina.

The freestyle technique, 42km Ushuaia Loppet takes place at the Centro Invernal Tierra Mayor on General San Martín Day in Argentina, a national holiday in honor of Argentina’s liberator. The following Sunday the 28th will mark the 25th edition of the region’s traditional Nordic race, the Marchablanca 21km freestyle technique race, starting and finishing at the earth’s southernmost downhill resort and 2015 Interski host, Cerro Castor.

The event is part of the Ushuaia cross-country ski community’s desire to improve Nordic skiing in the region which enjoys reliable snow, great terrain, but still relatively primitive infrastructure. “Nordic skiing here, like lots of things in Argentina, is improvised in comparison to Cross-Country Skiing in Europe or North America but you have to start somewhere and we are starting here with the Ushuaia Loppet,” said chief of race Pablo Valcheff who has lead the Marchablanca for several years and also recently began serving in the cabinet of Ushuaia’s mayor.

The Marchablanca Organization – which is overseen by the non-profit Club Andino Ushuaia – has partnered with both Cerro Castor and Centro Invernal Tierra Mayor for organizational purposes, especially grooming the trails.

“This is a testament to collaboration,” said the Marchablance Race Director Pablo Valcheff, “the Club Andino Ushuaia, the winter centers in the Valley, the government at multiple levels — they are all involved and helping to realize a real calendar of Nordic events in Tierra del Fuego.”

More information can be found at www.marchablanca.com or www.clubandinoushuaia.com.ar.