Part of the City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival
Saturday, February 4: 2:00pm (3K), 2:05pm (2K), 2:10pm (1K)
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. Both distances are freestyle technique, meaning you can classic or skate ski the course.
The Open Loppet 5K is also a good option for skiers of any age looking for more of a challenge through a further distance and added competition.
The Start and Finish
Start and Finish Location: All races finish at The Trailhead, Theodore Wirth Park, 1221 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Minneapolis MN 55422
Parking and Transportation: Please see notes below with special parking arrangements for Next Generation participants.
Updates
Registration opens Tuesday, October 18, 2022!
Registration & Packet Pickup
| Status | Starting Opening Day | Starting 12/6/22 | Starting 1/10/23 | Starting 1/31/23 | Starting 2/2/23 | Registration Deadline | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Next Generation Loppet (3K/2K/1K) | Open | $10 | $10 | $10 | $10 | $10 | N/A |
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
Registration Policies
If you wish to change events (e.g. changing race distance), please follow these instructions: RunSignup Event Transfer Instructions.
Registration and transaction fees are nonrefundable, including in the event of cancellation. 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.
For other questions about registration, please email registration@loppet.org.
Packet Pick Up
Packets (bibs and other goodies) will be available for pickup at the following times and locations:
- Thursday, February 3: The Trailhead, 4pm-8pm
- Friday, February 4: The Trailhead, 4pm-8pm
- Saturday, February 5: The Trailhead, 7am-3pm
The Course
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. Know the color of arrow you should be following for your race (it is also always our goal to match your bib color with your arrow color – this also helps course marshals know which course you are doing).
- 1K: Orange arrows
- 2K: Purple arrows
- 3k: Red arrows
Event Schedule
Thursday
- 4pm-8pm: The Trailhead, Packet Pick Up
Friday
- 4pm-8pm: The Trailhead, Packet Pick Up
- Next Generation: Check your email for special parking permits (see below)
Saturday
- 7:00am – 3:00pm: Packet Pickup, The Trailhead
- 2:00pm: Next Generation 3K Starts
- 2:05pm: Next Generation 2K Starts
- 2:10pm: Next Generation 1K Starts
- 10:00am – 3:00pm: Utepils Beer Garden and Festival Village
- 10:00am – 4:00pm: Changing Tent Heated
- 10:30am – 4:00pm: The Trailhead Food Station
Transportation & Parking
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).
Parking Maps
- Trailhead Area Map. To give you an idea of the Festival Village layout (this map is from 2022 to give you an idea of what 2023 might look like).
- Chalet Lot Drop Off Zone: Shows the location in the Chalet Lot where dropoffs and pickups at the Trailhead will be allowed (if you are not using the special skijor parking permits). Dropoff/Pickup is not available at the Trailhead.
Thursday/Friday Packet Pickup Parking
- Trailhead Small North Lot: Closed (venue), Dropoffs/Pickups allowed (no parking)
- Trailhead Large South Lot: Open but may be limited.
- Chalet Lot: Open but may be limited.
- Overflow Lot: Closed
- Mortenson Construction Lot: Participant parking available after 5:00pm (walking distance to Theodore Wirth Trailhead)
Road Closures
- Make note of these for getting around race morning. Be sure to let your spectator fans know as well.
- Glenwood Ave from Xerxes to Theodore Wirth Pkwy: Saturday (7am-1pm), Sunday (7am-2pm)
- Theodore Wirth Pkwy from N Wayzata Blvd to Glenwood: Saturday (7am-1pm), Sunday (7am-2pm)
- Theodore Wirth Pkwy from Hwy 55 to Plymouth Ave: Saturday (7am-2:30), Sunday (8am-12pm)
Drop off / pick up in Theodore Wirth Park
- Dropoffs and pickups will be allowed at the Chalet (1301 Theodore Wirth Pkwy). Please note that access to the Trailhead 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.
Festival Village and 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 2023. 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!
Changing Tent: Right next to Bag Claim is a heated changing tent to get into dry clothes! We recommend including walking shoes in your bag if you are meeting a pickup at the Chalet or Mortenson.
Race Bibs: In an effort to reduce the waste generated by thousands of bibs, the Loppet will collect all of our bibs at several post-race locations. We realize that some racers would like to keep their bib for their own personal “wall of fame” and that is OK. But if you are indifferent and know that it would sit on a corner shelf and eventually end up in the trash, please return your bib after the race. And, yes, it also saves the Loppet significant expense which allows us to direct more finances toward our mission-based programs.
Awards
Commemorative medals for all Next Generation finishers.