September 15, 2017 (Gatineau, QC) – As the leaves on the trees around the region slowly change colours, Gatineau Loppet organizers are focused on one thing only —cold and snow—as they gear up for the event’s 2018 edition on February 16, 17 and 18 in the magnificent Gatineau Park. The 40th edition comes with a pleasant surprise for cross-country ski fans in the region and around the world.

New for 2018
Gatineau Loppet organizers are delighted to announce the addition of a 51 km free technique linear race. Since 2013, the skiers using the classic technique have had the privilege of using the outstanding trail from the municipality of La Pêche to École secondaire Mont-Bleu (arrival) in Gatineau. Thanks to a colossal undertaking and superlative cooperation by Gatineau Park, skiers using the free technique will also get to use trail no. 36 from north to south, which is reserved exclusively for classic technique skiing. It is important to note that this privilege is granted strictly and only for February 18, 2018.

Thus, for its 40th edition, the Gatineau Loppet will offer 8 cross-country ski races (51 km linear – 27 km – 15 km – 5 km classic, and 51 km linear – 27 km – 10 km – 2 km mini free technique), as well as the fatbike and snowshoe races.

2018 Registrations Open
Registrations for the next edition are officially open for the cross-country races (fatbike and snowshoe to follow) and we invite you to go to the Gatineau Loppet Web site at www.gatineauloppet.com to register and take advantage of the limited specials. Please note the substantial discounts for participants who register before December 10th, 2017. For past editions, the 51 km classic linear race was very popular, with record participation rates, and the number of participants is limited. We encourage you not to wait too long before reserving your spot for the races.

New President
The Gatineau Loppet is proud to announce the appointment of its new President Claude Laramée. This appointment became official at the event’s AGM on June 27. Mr. Laramée takes over from Philippe Lebel, who had held the position since August 2015. Mr. Laramée is an avid cross-country skier who has been serving on the Gatineau Loppet Board of Directors, and who has contributed his time and energy to the Outaouais community for more than 20 years. This committed visionary founded Événements Nordiques Gatineau, an organization that rallies several regional cross-country skiing organizations around a common goal: holding International Ski Federation World Cup events in Gatineau. The opening stage of the prestigious Ski Tour Canada in Gatineau in 2016 was the culmination of 10 years of volunteer work and efforts. In 2016, he received the prestigious Dollard-Morin recreation and sport volunteering award, as well as the Ordre de Gatineau.

The new President would like to “thank outgoing President Philippe Lebel for his daring initiatives during his mandates, which brought the Board of Directors to project into the future through strategic brainstorming sessions and to find innovative ways to enhance skiers’ individual experiences during the event.”

The Gatineau Loppet is the biggest international cross-country ski event in Canada. This event is part of the prestigious Worldloppet Ski Federation circuit, which includes the top 20 long-distance cross-country ski races around the world. Every year, this sports event brings together more than 2,000 skiers from some 20 countries.