UPDATE: Due to the poor snow conditions the Lake Placid Loppet and Kort Loppet have been postponed until Saturday, March 8. This story has been updated to reflect the change.

The 32nd Lake Placid Loppet cross-country ski races will be held Saturday, March 8, at the Olympic Sports Complex Cross Country Ski Center, in Lake Placid.

Over the past 31 years, thousands of skiers have enjoyed skiing and racing on the Mt. Van Hoevenberg trails at the Olympic Sports Complex course.   As a member of the American Ski Marathon Series, this event attracts hundreds of skiers from across the United States and Canada. It consists of a 50 kilometer Loppet (30.1 miles) and a 25-kilometer Kort Loppet (about 15 miles).

The cost to participate in the Loppet or Kort Loppet, which includes a dinner and awards banquet, featuring $5,000.00 in raffle prizes provided High Peaks Cyclery, is $70 and $65 for season pass holders, before Jan. 22, then $80 and $75 for season pass holders until March 7.  No registration is available on race day.

There will be classic technique and free technique race starts for both the 25K and 50K races. Bib pickup will run from 3-8 p.m. in the cross country lodge, Friday, March 7,and on race day, bib pick-up runs from 7-8:30 a.m.

The 50K classic technique race begins at 9 a.m. followed by the 25K classic race at 9:15 a.m. The 50K free technique race starts at 10 a.m. and the 25K free technique race will follow at 10:15 a.m.  Each finisher will receive a commemorative pin, gold for the Loppet and silver for the Kort Loppet.

This year’s event includes a free .5K (less than ½ mile) kids race (ages 12 and under) set to get underway at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, March 7. This year’s .5K kids race will be held under the lights in the Cross Country Stadium with fun prizes for finishers. All participants are to register on site.

All events are supported by High Peaks Cyclery and Nordic Specialist.

More information and the registration form for the Lake Placid Loppet can be found online.