City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival

Race Day Logistics


The Loppet Foundation :: Events :: City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival :: Logistics

Keep everyone safe

Review the Health Screening Form from the Minnesota Department of Health on race morning. If you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, please stay home.

Information below may be updated…

All bags dropped off at the North Beach Parking Lot on Saturday and Sunday (for the point to point races starting at Bde Maka Ska) will be transported to the finish area near The Trailhead at Wirth Park. Participants in races that both start and finish at the Trailhead may also use Bag Drop/Claim if they wish. Note that the Loppet provides bag tags, but you will need to bring a fully enclosed or duffel-type bag for your personal items. Do NOT leave wallets or other valuables in your bag as the Foundation will not be responsible for these items. Please leave the kitchen sinks and lead weights at home.

Timing chips must be returned before leaving the finish area. Bag claim and a changing tent will located in the North Trailhead Parking Lot. Find food (including the always popular bowl of chili) and drinks inside The Trailhead.

Saturday Amenities Schedule

  • 6:00am – 9:00am: North Beach Volunteer Parking
  • 7:00am – 11:00am: North Beach Classic Races Last Minute Bib Pickup
  • 7:00am – 11:00am: North Beach Parking Lot Dropoff Zone
  • 8:00am – 11:00am: North Beach Bag Drop (Got Junk trucks)
  • 10:00am – 2:30pm: The Trailhead North Parking Lot Bag Claim
  • 10:00am – 3:00pm: Surly Brewing Co. Beer Garden and Festival Village
  • 10:00am – 4:00pm: Changing Tent Heated
  • 10:30am – 4:00pm: The Trailhead Food Station
  • 11:00am – 4:00pm: Shuttle Bus runs between The Trailhead and Calhoun Executive Center

Sunday Amenities Schedule

  • 6:00am – 9:00am: North Beach Volunteer Parking
  • 7:00am – 12:00pm: North Beach Parking Lot Dropoff Zone
  • 8:00am – 12:00pm: North Beach Bag Drop (Got Junk trucks)
  • 8:00am – 12:00pm: North Beach – Last Minute Bib Pickup
  • 9:30am – 3:00pm: The Trailhead North Parking Lot Bag Claim
  • 10:00am – 3:00pm: Changing Tent Heated
  • 10:00am – 3:00pm: Surly Brewing Co. Beer Garden and Festival Village
  • 10:30am – 3:00pm: The Trailhead Food Station
  • 11:00am – 3:00pm: Shuttle Bus runs between The Trailhead and Calhoun Executive Center

Start Times

Racers must begin the race at their assigned start time or with their assigned wave. Keep it fair, keep it fun. We would certainly prefer to not have to consider time penalties or disqualification for not complying with start protocols.

Wave Placements and Start Times

Wave placements for the Skate Ski Loppet will be posted on the event page under the Start Format & Wave Placement section.

We are carefully monitoring the arc of COVID and will make adjustments in start formats and wave sizes and structure as is necessary to keep our participants safe.

Cutoff Times

For the safety of both skiers and volunteers, skiers must reach the following positions by the designated times. Skiers who do not reach these positions in time will have the choice of continuing on unsupported (we will release course marshals and volunteers) or be transported to the finish area.

Saturday Cutoff Times

  • Glenwood Ave (Aid Station 3) – 12:00 pm

Sunday Cutoff Times

  • All skiers at Glenwood Ave/Wirth Beach – 12:15 pm
  • Fat bikers at Glenwood Ave/Wirth Beach – 1:00 pm