Nicolle Hodges | [email protected]
Adventure has always appealed to the human spirit.
The second annual Jasper NordicFest, produced by Multisportscanada, returns with trails and challenges suited for leisure athletes and the highly competitive alike.
The multi-day loppet and sports festival from March 7-8 is a surefire way to get your legs burning and heart pumping while enjoying some of the most beautiful views in Canada.
鈥淎ll routes are groomed for both skate and classic skiing, and the trail run and snowshoe event is also packed and marked,鈥� said owner and director of Multisportscanada, Trevor Soll.
With two days of cross country ski races on the newly developed trails at Athabasca Falls and Whirlpool Hub, and seven kilometres of snow-packed trails for the snowshoe and foot races around the Athabasca River Loop, describing the event as breathtaking is fitting for its views and physical demands.
鈥淭he event offers a great opportunity for people to try something new in a fabulous location; the views and courses are amazing,鈥� said Soll.
With greater exposure to events like this, people of all ages and fitness levels will see that not all finishers are sinewy-legged men and women who climb like mountain goats.
With nine different distances over two days - ranging from a family-friendly two kilometre loop to the rekindled 35 kilometre Caribou Loppet (with both individual and two to four member relay options) - Soll said people can easily do one each day, and if they鈥檙e fast, they could do more.
Whether you鈥檙e bringing the family out for an afternoon of skiing, hot chocolate, bonfire and interpretative displays by Parks Canada, or are seeking an opportunity to push yourself physically while pummeling along snow-laced trails, NordicFest is sure to become a new yearly tradition.
With $10 from each race entry going directly to the Jasper Yellowhead Historical Society (JYHS), you are not only able to enjoy the community of Jasper but also ensure its preservation.
鈥淭hey [JYHS] are an amazing group of people and we love to support the maintenance of local history,鈥� said Soll.
鈥淭he event platform is set up to allow athletes to fundraise and donate additional funds.鈥�
The growing contrast between our sedate, tech-driven lives and the pull to head outside grows ever stronger with each passing year.
NordicFest is a soul-filling reminder of how important it is to honour that deep stirring to break free from our comfort zone and connect with our wilder selves.
鈥淟ast year was great,鈥� says Soll.
鈥淓veryone that attended loved the routes and the scenery - and we lucked out with the weather.鈥�
This year, he expects it to be even better.
If the human spirit craves adventure, Jasper鈥檚 NordicFest is the perfect way to take a big gulp of the great outdoors.
Volunteers are needed for this event. If you would like to participate, contact Ann Thomas at [email protected].
This could be your Focus Feature. Email [email protected] for information.
