Don Allen Saskaloppet will go ahead, but organizers are expecting fewer skiers. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

major event

Saskaloppet returns following 2021 cancellation

Feb 7, 2022 | 12:27 PM

The Don Allen Saskaloppet, a major event for the La Ronge Ski Club, will return in March after its cancellation due to COVID in 2021.

“Normally, we would get about 300 skiers out to the Loppet each year,” said race organizer Sid Robinson “I expect it will be down a bit this year because some people won’t want to travel, but we are hoping for a good turnout. The snow conditions are excellent.”

There are several races skiers can register for including the five-kilometre, 12-km, 20-km and 35-km events, which will all begin March 5 at 10 a.m. outside the Royal Canadian Legion in La Ronge. The main 55-km event will begin at the same location that day, but the start time will be at 8:30 a.m.

The ski club will also be hosting the two-day Kupesewin event, where participants will spend the night at the summit on the Don Allen Trails. That race will start March 4 at noon and Robinson expects about a dozen skiers will register for it.

“There’s a couple of changes,” he said. “We will cancel the banquet, we are going to require everybody to be vaccinated, but other than that, things should look pretty much the same as they did in years past.”

Made in Saskatchewan

Find My Plus One: The Canadian App for Getting Out and Living Your Best Life

Mar 09, 2026

Riderville

Ask Not for Whom the Ed Hervey Tampering Window Opens!

Feb 02, 2026

Seniors Scene

New Year - New Habits

Feb 02, 2026

Robinson mentioned the Saskaloppet attracts many skiers from the tri-communities, throughout Saskatchewan and even nearby provinces. He believes people are ready to start racing again, noting even though COVID remains a concern, the sport is relatively safe considering the distance skiers have between each other on the trails.

Registration for the races can be found online here or on the La Ronge Ski Club website. Robinson added volunteers are still needed and those who are interested should reach out to him.

“We’re always looking for volunteers, so if there is anyone who would like to help out, they can get a hold of me,” he said.

–

derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno