For the first time in a few years, the Saskaloppet cross-country skiing event in La Ronge is returning home.
“With the forest fires in July 2015, a lot of the trees along the trail were burned and some of our facilities were burned,” said Dorothy Looyestein, the chairperson of the event.
“For the past two years, we’ve held the event out at the Don Allen Trails. But this year, after all of the hard work of park employees, employees from Lac La Ronge Provincial Park and the ski club volunteers, we’ve been able to clear the trees off the trail.”
Looyestein also says people are looking forward to getting back on the old trail.
“It’s just nice to be on the trails, the terrain is just very pleasing, it’s very comforting,” said Looyestein.
Officials are expecting around 300 skiers to come out this year. There’s a wide range of ski enthusiasts taking part, from toddlers to seniors.
The Saskaloppet kicks off on Friday, with races also scheduled for Saturday. You can find more information on the La Ronge Nordic Ski Club Facebook page.
(PHOTO: Saskaloppet poster. Supplied picture.)