DUCK MOUNTAIN — The Duck Mountain Nordic Club is preparing to welcome skiers from across the province and beyond for its 45th annual cross-country ski loppet, set for Feb. 28 in Duck Mountain Provincial Park.
Club members have been working closely with park staff to ensure a fun and safe experience across the park’s 54-kilometre trail system. Volunteers put in many hours during the fall completing pre-season trail clean-up, while new doors were installed at two of the park’s five trail shelters — Jack Rabbit and Ski Hill.
Although snowfall arrived later than usual and in stages, the club has been busy grooming trails throughout the winter using a new Skidoo Skandic and roller purchased last year to support ongoing trail maintenance efforts.
The trails are used year-round by local residents and park visitors, and the club continues to encourage community support through memberships, which help determine grant funding allocations from Cross Country Saskatchewan. Memberships can be purchased online through the club’s website or via Zone4.
A loppet is a Scandinavian-style cross-country ski event focused on mass participation rather than competition. Planning for the Duck Mountain Loppet begins well before Christmas each year, and organizers consider it one of Saskatchewan’s premier Nordic ski events.
Club president and loppet chair Kevin Sutton said the goal is to build on the long history of both the club and the event, which were established by local ski legend Bruno Lemire.
While most participants typically come from communities across Saskatchewan, last year’s event drew skiers from every province between British Columbia and Ontario. Participation in 2025 exceeded 200 skiers, a turnout organizers described as better than average, with similar numbers expected again this year.
Ski distances range from five to 40 kilometres, along with a special Jack Rabbit course for young skiers that includes hotdog and marshmallow roasting. As the loppet is considered an outing rather than a race, there is no official start time.
Check-in opens at 8:30 a.m. at the Log-Inn shelter, located in the Madge Lake Golf Course parking lot.
Local businesses have once again provided financial support for the event, while skier safety will be supported by Sask Ski Patrollers. Participants can expect snacks at each of the park’s five trail shelters, entry into numerous prize draws, and the return of a popular taco bar provided by the Iron Grill.
More information about the event is available through the Duck Mountain Nordic Club’s website and Facebook page. Registration is available online through Zone4 under “Duck Mountain Loppet 2026.”
