CALEB NICKERSON
BRISTOL Feb. 17, 2018
On Feb. 17, cross-country skiers and snowshoers gathered near the Pine Lodge in Bristol for the second annual Ski Pontiac Loppet.
Founder and organizer Connie Renaud explained that participants could slide or walk at their own pace around the marked course, which she estimated to be four kilometres long.
“What I want a loppet to be is a celebration of winter, of having fun out in the snow,” she said. “To me that’s what a loppet is. Originally the loppet was created so people could go from point A to point B in the wintertime and some people race, some people take their time.”
Originating in Scandinavia, the events have made the jump across the Atlantic and several large-scale events take place in the Gatineau region.
The Pontiac version drew more modest numbers, but managed to attract participants as far-flung as Aylmer.
The event serves as a bit of a teaser for the extensive network of trails that volunteers from Ski Pontiac have cleared out in the woods adjacent to Pine Lodge’s golf course and beyond.
Following the event, attendees were invited to head up to the Lodge and warm up with some hot chocolate.
