Loppet Cup organizers passed a key test on Friday, with the International Ski Federation approving course conditions for this month's World Cup races. With two weeks left until the event at Theodore Worth Park, local officials are doing everything in their power to protect this small portion of winter from spring-like weather.
Claire Wilson, executive director of the Loppet Foundation, said organizers were in a “race to save snow” for the sprint and 10km events to be held on February 17 and 18. , the Federation of Nations (FIS) said it considered the conditions to be harsh. Wilson said Friday's snow check was surprisingly good and FIS approval gave the “official green light” for the race to continue.
Over the next two weeks, Loppet Cup officials will fortify the course with snow stored at Worth Park, brought in from elsewhere, or, if the weather is cold enough, made on site. continue. Wilson said the only thing that could cancel World Cup racing is if the rain expected next week is very heavy, or if temperatures during race week are very warm. She doesn't expect either scenario.
“We have no plans to cancel,” Wilson said. “All systems are up and running.
“I think we're in good shape with what we have (snow) and what we can bring in. We're going to give the best course we can given the conditions. That's definitely true for none of us. It's not what I dreamed of, but it will be a good course.”
Wilson said FIS officials are closely monitoring weather information and will hold an “emergency crisis meeting” on Friday. However, he was satisfied with the final test before the World Cup.
Wilson said a large amount of snow was made and stored at Wirth Park during the cold snap in early January. More could be brought in from Bloomington's Busch Lake ski jump if needed.
This weekend, the Loppet Foundation is hosting the City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival, which includes cross-country events, at Worth Park. The park has also hosted high school races, but the final two races scheduled for next week will be moved elsewhere to preserve Wirth Park's trails.