Pacific Northwest Loppet Series

The participating events listed below are proud to combine into one amazing series in the Pacific Northwest. Come join us in the Columbia River Valley, the Callaghan Valley, the Methow Valley, the Shuswap, the Okanagan Valley and the Yukon for a competition that pits all ages against each other. Join in for six times the fun!

Click here to see results (interim and final).

Participating Events

We are pleased to announce TWO new events as part of the series for 2025/26!

  • The Reino Keski Salmi Loppet takes place in the middle of January at Larch Hills, near Salmon Arm, BC, This event has a very successful 40-year history in the local community and we are placed to have them join our series. The qualifying event is the 34 km Classic.
  • The Yukon Ski Marathon is set on the beautiful trails of Whitehorse, Yukon. The qualifying event is the 45 km free technique race.

Reino Keski Salmi Loppet

January 17th, 2026 – 34 km classic
Larch Hills, Salmon Arm, BC

Larch Hills Nordic Ski Club’s 41st Annual Reino Keski-Salmi Loppet is unveiling a new 32 km single loop race traveling through the renowned BC trail network. This is a CLASSIC only event with a shortened paraNordic route. The full course takes skiers through old growth forests, tranquil bogs, up rolling hills to Cec’s Cabin, returning down through the stadium for a final loop on the southern trail network returning to the stadium area finish line. 10 km and 17 km routes are available but do not qualify for the PNWLS. All skiers are treated to a famous beef on a bun or homemade soup.

Nipika Panorama Loppet Weekend

January 24, 2026 – 30 km classic
January 25, 2026 – 20 km free
Nipika Mountain Resort, Invermere, BC

The Toby Creek Loppet Weekend is the collaboration of the Toby Creek Nordic Club, Nipika Mtn. Resort and Panorama Mtn. Resort. Come and race the 30 km classic Saturday at Nipika, then the 20 km Skate event Sunday at Panorama and experience the two major trails in the Columbia Valley. Kids and recreational distances are included on both days. Ski two exciting venues and experience racing in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.

Ski to the Sun

February 7, 2026 – 40 km free and classic
Methow Valley, Mazama, Washington

The Methow Valley’sSki to the Sun Marathon and Relay is a 42 km point to point race traveling through North America’s largest ski trail network. The event offers Skate, Classic and relay options. There is a shortened para Nordic event. The full course takes skiers from the tranquil banks of the Methow River to the beautiful mountain vistas at Sun Mountain Lodge. Only the 40 km distances are eligible events for the series.

Coast Outdoors P’ayakentsut

February 28, 2026 – 50 km free
Whistler Olympic Park, Whistler, BC

The Coast Outdoors P’ayakentsut (Payak) is a free technique event for all ages and abilities. The wide courses traverse old growth forests and offer breathtaking views of Black Tusk, waterfalls, and the Brandywine Mountain range in the Callaghan Valley. Held on the fourth Saturday in February, there is an abundance of snow, chili, draw prizes and friendly competition. The Payak is also a qualifier for the prestigious American Birkebeiner, or “Birkie” race in Wisconsin.

Yukon Ski Marathon

March 21, 2026 – 44 km free
Whitehorse Nordic Centre, Whitehorse, Yukon

Get ready to glide or stride through the stunning winter landscapes of the North at our annual Yukon Ski Marathon in the 44 km, 21 km or 12 km events (Classic or Skate)! Experience friendly competition and a festive finish line on the trails that hosted North America’s first World Cup event. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a first-time participant this point-to-point event has something for everyone and takes in the best of Whitehorse’s legendary 100 km trail network in the land of the Midnight Sun. Ski through breathtaking trails and enjoy the warmth of our community spirit at the finish line.

Beyond the Ski Marathon, embrace and explore the Yukon’s winter magic with additional outdoor activities including, our Nordic Festival, snowshoeing, snowbiking, dog-sledding, hot springs and northern lights viewing.

Sovereign 2 SilverStar Ski Marathon

April 4, 2026 – 41km classic
April 6, 2026 – 41km free
Sovereign Lake, Vernon, BC

The Sovereign 2 SilverStar Ski Marathon (S2S) is a two day, two technique, two distance, two mountain extravaganza! Either race with the elite waves and try to take home some prize money or just come to enjoy the “Finishing is Winning” waves. The S2S is the best way to end your ski season with some of the best snow of the year! Starting in the world class Sovereign Lake Nordic Club and ending on the main street of SilverStar village, athletes can choose from either the 21 km or 40 km distances. Come join us on either the classic or skate days or do both to double your party time at our “Point to Party” event. We look forward to seeing you at the beginning of April!

How to Win

Well, of course we think you win just by showing up and finishing all these great events. But, if you want to win a cool prize, then you need to be one of the top 3 women or top 3 men based on points. Points will be awarded based on your placement in your age category at each event (total of 8 possible races). So, if you finish first in the 70+ age category, that’s the same as finishing first in the 20-year-old category. And the more events that you do, the more points you get!

Points in each age category are awarded as follows:

Points Awarded by Number of Participants
Number of Participants 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place 4th Place 5th Place 6th Place 7th Place 8th Place 9th Place 10th Place
10+ participants 15 12 10 8 6 5 4 3 2 1
3 participants 12 10 8
2 participants 10 8
1 participant 8

Notes:

  • To earn points in older age categories, the skier must compete in the longest distance for that age group.
  • If a specific age category (e.g., 70+) doesn’t exist at the full distance but does at a shorter distance, points are awarded for the shorter distance.
  • 70+ athletes who choose the longer distance will compete against athletes in the oldest age category for that distance.

So, come explore the Pacific Northwest on cross-country skis!