The Saskaloppet is a popular competition among skiers. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

major event

Don Allen Saskaloppet cancelled due to coronavirus concerns

Feb 5, 2021 | 3:21 PM

The Don Allen Saskaloppet, a major competition for the La Ronge Ski Club, has been cancelled.

“Because of the COVID rules, we’re not allowed to have any competitions or events,” Saskaloppet Chairperson Sid Robinson said. “We don’t think the vaccinations or anything else is going to make a difference between now and March.”

The Saskaloppet was originally scheduled for March 5 and in normal years, it attracts hundreds of skiers. Robinson noted it was only cancelled one other time before in the 1980s because there wasn’t enough snow to host it. He’s hopeful the pandemic will be under control by 2022 and the races can occur then.

“There’s a lot of people who look forward to it,” Robinson said. “I know especially young people who are competitive, they’re always trying to get the fastest time in the Saskaloppet. They won’t have that chance this year.”

In the meantime, Robinson explained a second event called the Isolation Odyssey will be held instead. It will occur between March 1 and 31, and will include a range of distances and locations. The event won’t be competitive, but skiers will still be encouraged to track their times.