Next Generation Loppet

1K / 2K / 3K ski event for youth and junior skiers

City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival

Next Generation Loppet

Name: Next Generation Loppet
Start: 2025-05-08T08:00:00+00:00
End: 2025-05-08T17:00:00+00:00

EVENT TIME: Saturday, February 1: 2:00pm (1K), 2:05pm (2K), 2:15pm (3K)

The Next Generation Loppet is designed to inspire the next generation of Loppet skiers by providing all the fun and excitement of the longer Loppet ski events in shorter distances perfect for youth or junior skiers newer to the sport.

Next Generation Loppet skiers will be able to choose from 3K, 2K, and 1K distances. New this year is a 500 meter cutoff option for the 1K skiers at the “Roundabout” if they need it (it avoids Jim’s Hill-not a big hill but enough to challenge some new skiers). Parents (no registration required) are welcome to join their 1K skiers on skis or foot-please just stay to the side or behind so other participants can easily pass). All distances are freestyle technique, meaning you can classic or skate ski the course.

GALLERY

Register

Next Generation Loppet (3K/2K/1K)

Registration Opens October 7

Register

Proceeds from the Next Generation Loppet benefit the Loppet Foundation. Learn more about the Foundation’s mission, vision, and values.

Registration and transaction fees are non-refundable, including in the event of delay, rescheduling, or cancellation of an event or program. An event or program registration is not transferable to another person or another event for any reason, including injury. Participating under another person’s name will result in disqualification.

A Note About the Data We Collect

If you wish to change events (e.g. changing race distance), please follow these instructions: RunSignup Event Transfer Instructions.

All pricing listed on RunSignUp reflects the processing fees per Minnesota’s “Hidden Fees Statute,” SB 478. RunSignup charges a variable processing fee of $1 per transaction plus 6% as our standard price.

Schedule & Packet Pickup

Schedule

Thurdsay, January 30: 4pm-8pm: Packet pick up at Utepils Brewing

Friday, January 31: 4pm-8pm: Packet pick up at The Trailhead

Saturday, February 1:

7:00am – 3:00pm: Packet Pickup, The Trailhead
10:00am-3:00pm: Shuttle Bus runs between Mortenson Parking Lot and the Trailhead. Note: Next Generation participants receive special parking option (see below) but this might be a great option for spectators or if the lots at the Trailhead/Chalet are full).
2:00pm: Next Generation 1K Starts
2:05pm: Next Generation 2K Starts
2:15pm: Next Generation 3K Starts
10:00am – 3:00pm: Utepils Beer Garden and Festival Village
10:00am – 3:00pm: Changing Area in Trailhead locker rooms (showers not available)
10:00am – 3:00pm: Finisher food inside the Trailhead

Map & Course

Map

2025 Course Map

Course Markings

The courses are marked with colored arrows on sandwich boards located at trail junctions. Course marshals may also be present at critical junctions to guide and cheer you on.

Transportation

Label Label

Special Parking for Next Generation

We will do our best to provide the closest parking possible for our young Next Generation participants and their families. Watch your email for permits to park in areas not available to other Festival participants.
- Saturday: Trailhead South Parking Lot or the Chalet Lot
Note that access to the Trailhead will be closed at Hwy 55. You will need to approach the both the Chalet and Trailhead via Plymouth Ave from the east or Golden Valley Rd from the north.
Watch your email. Permits will be emailed on the Thursday or Friday prior to Festival weekend.
Please be respectful of your parking privileges and do not duplicate or share your parking permit with others. Your pass is intended for one vehicle only.
You will need to print out your permit to show to the parking attendants- please have it ready on your dash before you get to the checkpoint. Do not plan to show it on your phone. It is too slow and hard to view for our parking volunteers who often have a line of cars to manage.
Please note that spectators coming to Theodore Wirth Park should plan to park at the Mortenson Lots (700 Meadow Lane and 4100 Olson Memorial Highway, Golden Valley). They are welcome to use the Trailhead-Mortenson shuttle bus, 10am-3pm, that leaves the Trailhead every 15 minutes on the quarter hour.

Dropoff and Pickup

Chalet Lot Drop Off Zone: Shows the location in the Chalet Lot (1301 Theodore Wirth Pkwy) where dropoffs and pickups will be allowed (if you are not using the special Next Generation parking permits).

Dropoff/Pickup is not available at the Trailhead.
Please note that access to the Trailhead/Chalet area will be closed at Hwy 55. You will need to approach the Chalet via Plymouth Ave from the east or Golden Valley Rd from the north.

Road Closures

Make note of these for getting around race morning. Be sure to let your spectator fans know as well.

Theodore Wirth Pkwy from Hwy 55 to Plymouth Ave: Saturday (7am-2:30), Sunday (7am-12pm)

Festival Village & Post-Race Party

Chili! For years, the Loppet has served Captain Ken’s Chili at the finish line. It is our goal to do that again in 2024. Just what a tired skier needs to start the recovery process!

Sponsors! Our sponsors help make everything happen and better! Please visit and thank them for their support. We are sure you will have some fun with them, too!

Indoor Changing Area – Trailhead locker rooms. Showers not available.

Race Bibs: In an effort to reduce the waste generated by thousands of bibs, the Loppet will collect all bibs at the finish. We wash and reuse the bibs from year to year. Please return your bib after the race. Thank you for helping us reduce waste and move toward greener events!

FESTIVAL VILLAGE

Awards

Commemorative medals for all Next Generation finishers!

Volunteer

The Loppet needs help in all capacities supporting the participants during the City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival.

All Festival volunteers will receive an exclusive winter volunteer hat!

Please sign up to volunteer by clicking the button below. If you have any questions, please email volunteer@loppet.org.

Volunteer Signup

VOLUNEER

City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival

FAQ

Can I change my race distance or transfer my entry to a friend?

The deadline to make race distance changes is 4:00pm on the Friday a week before the race. After that, a registrant wishing to change to a shorter distance will need to register and pay the full fee for the new race distance.
You can change which event you registered for through RunSignUp. Click here for a video on how to switch your registration and instructions to help with troubleshooting. Event transfers can be made up until 11:59 p.m. on May 13.

Is this a Trail Sisters approved race?

Yes! Here are the standards we meet: All Loppet run events meet Trail Sisters Approval Standards which include:
- Equal awards for men & women (The Loppet also has equal awards for non-binary participants)
- Women’s specific apparel & swag
- Menstrual products at aid stations
- Women on the starting line
- Pregnancy & postpartum policy: registered participants who become pregnant or are <6 months postpartum can reach out to events@loppet.org a month prior for their event entry to be deferred by 1 year

What does my entry fee go towards?

Entry fees go towards the production of the event and The Loppet mission of connecting people to the outdoors through experiences that grow community!

When will the participant guide be published?

Typically we send it out to registered participants and post it on the event website about 1 week ahead of the event.

Are there any special group discounts?

Email events@loppet.org if you’re part of a run club to see if there’s a way for us to partner with each other.
As a way to recognize the Dakota land we run with and steward, all Indigenous people can participate in any Loppet event for free by emailing events@loppet.org and requesting a discount code

Are dogs allowed at this event?

While we love your furry friends please leave them at home for these large Loppet events.

Are strollers allowed?

The Juneteenth Fun Run is fully on pavement and is our stroller friendly course. All other event courses are not conducive to strollers (CityTrail Loppet, Utepils Trail Loppet, City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival, Luminary Loppet). Spectators are welcome to have strollers around the venue though.

Who do I contact about the race if I have a question?

The Loppet Foundation
1301 Theodore Wirth Parkway
Minneapolis, MN 55422
events@loppet.org
612-604-5330
Registration: registration@loppet.org
Sponsorship: sponsorship@loppet.org

I have special accessibility requirements, who can I talk to about this?

Reach out to events@loppet.org and we can talk about how we can support you.

Do people ever take walking breaks during the race?

Yes! This is your race, take the breaks you need to feel good during your event. All Loppet races have course cut off times, check the participant guide for the course cut off time that you have to be finished by.

I’m a spectator, where should I watch or what do I need to know?

Check the Mtec app to see if there’s live tracking for the event.
Check the course and transportation sections of the website for details
Loud cheering, fun signs, cowbells, noise makers, music are all highly encouraged. Please keep cheers and signs positive and respectful.
Food & beverages are available for purchase at the finish line (best to bring your credit card!)