Organizers are expecting about 300 skiers this weekend. (Image Credit: Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

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Hundreds expected for Don Allen Saskaloppet

Mar 4, 2026 | 1:16 PM

Organizers are ready for the Don Allen Saskaloppet.  

The event will start with the two-day, 75-kilometer Kupesewin race on Friday, followed by the two to 55-km races on Saturday. The mass start is scheduled for 10 a.m. that day on the ice near the Royal Canadian Legion.  

“When you compare it to other events across Saskatchewan, it’s parallel if not a little bit bigger than some of the other areas,” Chairperson Kevin Jackson said about the Saskaloppet. 

“It’s a big draw. It’s a tradition now. A lot of people come back to La Ronge for this weekend. It’s great to see the people who live here are still so opening and welcoming and volunteering and supporting the event.” 

With registration closing at midnight, there are already 279 people signed up to compete. The Saskaloppet brings in skiers from across the province with many school groups traveling to La Ronge from across Northern Saskatchewan. 

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Hundreds expected for Don Allen Saskaloppet

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Jackson noted the ski trails have also largely recovered following last summer’s wildfire. 

“Some of the areas are going to look a little different because a lot of the trees are burnt and missing,” he added. 

“We also did some bulldozer work and trail repair and improvements over the summer. Skiers who have been through the loppet are going to experience a little bit of a new trail this year.” 

Environment and Climate Change Canada is forecasting warm temperatures for the event with it expected to be -5 C on Friday and 2 C on Saturday. 

“I think it’s ideal when you come out of a couple of cold days and you have a cold base for the snow because the snow really sets nicely,” Jackson explained.  

“For the humans of the world who come out for the event, the warmer weather is definitely nicer. I think everything is going to play out perfectly with the transition of a bit of cold this week to warming up hopefully on the weekend.” 

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com