Photo of Red Deer Public School Division students taking part in the annual ski loppet at River Bend Golf Course on Tuesday. (rdnewsNOW/ Ian Gustafson)

By Ian Gustafson

Hitting the Slopes

Over 450 students take part in Annual Red Deer Public Schools Ski Loppet

Feb 25, 2025 | 3:40 PM

For the first time in over a year, the annual Red Deer Public Schools Ski Loppet returned on Tuesday afternoon.

Approximately 475 students from Grades 3-12 in the division strapped on their cross-country skis and completed the scenic trails at River Bend Golf and Recreation Area.

Colin Christensen, coordinator of the Red Deer Public Schools Ski Loppet, said it’s always exciting holding this event every year, especially since they postponed it twice due to frigid temperatures earlier this school year.

“We had to postpone it last year too because the conditions weren’t favourable,” he said. “It’s nice to be able to come back and give these kids an opportunity to show us what they can do on skis.”

Photo of Red Deer Public School Division students taking part in the annual ski loppet at River Bend Golf Course on Tuesday. (rdnewsNOW/ Ian Gustafson)

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Christensen, who also skied in this event as a young boy, said it’s been around for quite a few years.

The students had an option to ski either three kilometres or five kilometres and it wasn’t just about who finished first. It’s about outdoor adventure, physical activity, and community spirit.

“We’ve got Nordic team members and I think 15 different schools represented, and we have lots of different people involved,” Christensen added.

“It’s just one of our pillars we’ve had for years to keep kids involved and give them an opportunity to get out and enjoy physical activity. It’s one of those sports you can do for the rest of your life. You can strap on the skis when you’re 50 and when you’re five. It’s just one of those sports.”