Mission
The mission of the City of Lakes Nordic Ski Foundation is to promote and support cross country skiing in the Minneapolis area – especially among inner-city youth.
A Vision for Wirth Park
The Nordic Ski Foundation’s long term vision for Theodore Wirth Park: View PDF
Non-Profit Status
The City of Lakes Nordic Ski Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. The corporation’s tax identification number is 41 175 3882.
Annual Meeting Date
The annual meeting of the Foundation is set for the second Tuesday in October at 7 p.m. Pending availability, the meeting takes place in the fireplace room at the Theodore Wirth Chalet. All members are welcome (membership applications will be available on-site). Learn about the Foundation’s activities, vote on board members and enjoy the evening. Check for more information as the annual meeting date approaches.
Board of Directors
- Kate Ellis, President
- Bill Blazar, Vice-President
- Scott Gislason, Treasurer
- Mary Bolla, Secretary
- John Munger, Executive Director
- R.T. Rybak
- Mark Bixby, M.D.
- Bruce Abbett
- Ed Ryan, M.D.
- Piotr Bednarski
- Mark Raderstorf
- Joseph Duffy
- Judy Lutter
- Leroy Leftwich
History
The Nordic Ski Foundation was founded in 2002 with a vision to establish an urban cross-country ski marathon. The first City of Lakes Loppet was held that year with 800 skiers completing a 24km course on Lake Calhoun. Since then, the Loppet has become synonymous with winter in Minnesota.
In 2004, several kilometers of groomed trails were added near Anwatin and the Foundation began running the first cross-country ski programs in the Minneapolis public schools. Other events the Foundation runs include the Tri-Loppet; a paddle, mountain bike and trail run event using Minneapolis’ chain of lakes, and the Trail Loppet; a half marathon trail run through Theodore Wirth Park.
In 2011 the Foundation hosted the Junior Olympic’s, the first time the event has been held in an urban location, and has hopes of hosting the Para-Olympics next year. Through elementary and youth programs we taught over 600 Minneapolis Public Schools youth how to ski this year alone, and have instilled a passion for a lifetime of outdoor activities in hundreds more.
The Loppet youth programs continue to expand, the Loppet grows in participation every year, and the foundation remains committed to improving and investing in the cross-country ski trail system (including lights, snowmaking and grooming) in Wirth.
