February 11, 2012 (Leavenworth, Washington) – The Hog Loppet is a non-competitive 30-kilometer ski trek from the top of Mission Ridge Ski Area to Blewett Pass located in Central Washington.  The 24^th annual ski event has been coordinated and produced by the Leavenworth Winter Sports Club (LWSC) for more than 6 years.  Since adopting the event, LWSC now recruits more than 500 participants and set a maximum participation to 600 skiers.  LWSC’s success falls largely on their amazing aid stations, shuttle transportation, volunteers and dedicated sponsorship from Icicle Creek Homes.

In late January LWSC staff starts scouting the course in preparation for the big event and will watch it closely until the trek date.  LWSC lays one set of classic tracks that are groomed early Saturday morning for optimum performance.

LWSC strongly recommends that participants use the shuttle bus service.  Parking at Blewett Pass is limited, used by event organizers, weekend recreationalists and requires a sno-park permit.  LWSC suggests using classic or skate skis because alpine and backcountry skis are quite heavy.  It is not an event for first time skiers because there is some steep terrain and non-groomed conditions near the start. Classic or light weight touring skis would be best for most skiers.  LWSC supports the course with over 60 staff including US Forest Service, Apple Valley Snowmobile Club, Cascade Medical Center, Mission Ridge Ski Patrol, LWSC staff, Chelan County Sheriff Posse, Chelan County Search & Rescue and others.

Buses leave from Leavenworth Park & Ride at 6 a.m. and from Wenatchee Convention Center at 6:30 a.m. transferring more than 400 people to Mission Ridge Ski Resort.  New registrations on event day are allowed, but organizers prefer that you pre-register online to ensure accuracy of shuttle service, shirt orders and food orders.

Participants take a double chair from Mission Ridge base area and transfer to a high speed quad to reach the summit.  The elevation is 6,734-feet.  The route follows a Mission Ridge boundary road north of Mission Peak to Forest Service Road 9712.  The trail is groomed from the start to the Catch Basin under Mission Peak.  There is a very short distance under the Peak that is not groomed, but the rest of the course is groomed for skate and classic techniques.  Participants descend off the peak and then climb 1200’ back up to Mission Gap for another descent to Aid Station 1.

Hog Loppet Staff monitor participants at all Aid Stations located approximately every 10 kilometers.  Participants are welcomed with fresh baked cookies, brownies, fruit, hot soup, hot coco, water, energy bars, bagels and more.  All the supplies are shuttled into the course around 5 a.m. on snowmobiles.  From Aid 1 skiers follow Beehive Road on a gradual descent to the finish with short, gentle sections of climbs.  Heading along Trondsen Ridge participants make their way to Haney Meadows with spectacular views of the Stuart Range and Mount Rainier visible on clear days.  This flat area becomes a welcomed hangout, a chance for skiers to wait on slower members of their party or socialize with staff and fellow trekkers around a warm fire.

The majority of the Hog Loppet course is a popular snowmobile area. On race day the course is NOT closed to recreational snowmobile users. However, at Blewett Pass and other major intersections along the course, event staff will be stationed to inform snowmobile trail users of the large number of skiers on the trail. LWSC cannot restrict access and after learning of the event, if snowmobilers wish to continue on to the course they are asked to slow down, watch carefully for skiers and try to avoid driving on the groomed classic track. Hog Loppet posters are posted on the Blewett Pass summit bulletin board weeks in advance to decrease the interest in snowmobiling that day.

Useful Links

Event Page & Registration HERE.

View Pictures of the 2010-11 Hog Loppet Trek HERE.

Videos

2010

2011

2011 Hog Loppet Stats

– 30 kilometers
– 23rd annual event
– 602 registrations, 557 participants
– First skier finished at 9:45 a.m.
– Last skier finished at 5:10 p.m.
– Youngest skier 10
– Oldest skier 73
– From Other States: Wyoming, New York, California, British Columbia, Oregon, Idaho, Massachusetts
– 82% use the bus shuttle service.