Health & Fitness
Theodore Wirth Skiers Just Keep On Keeping On
It's been a tough winter for snow lovers, which has provided great fodder for countless articles about lack of the white stuff. Here's another one.
Over the last decade, and thanks in large part to the City of Lakes Nordic Ski Foundation, Theodore Wirth Park has become somewhat of a regional Mecca for winter sports in general and Nordic skiing in particular. It's on the cusp of world-class status in this regard, and that's no exaggeration. Wirth hosted the Junior Nationals (Olympics) last year, and is slated to host the World Paralympics this year.
No, there's no ski jumping (anymore). And there are no plans for luge or bobsleds. But Wirth's unique and challenging terrain in an urban environment make Wirth the place to be if you live or work in the cities and Nordic ski.
That remains true this year, too. Ten years ago you simply would not have skied at Wirth with the amount of snow we've had this year. But now Wirth has snow making capability, which only a few, far-flung parks in the Metro area have. And yes, Wirth has been making snow.
Find out what's happening in Golden Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Granted, there's no hope of making 33 kilometers of snowy ski trails, to which we've become accustomed in recent years. Only nature can do that. But if you like to ski, or need to ski, then you can ski a scenic and challenging 2-3 kilometers loop of man-made snow in north Wirth. And considering this winter, that's pretty darn good.
This Saturday, January 7, will be a celebration of sorts -- a celebration of skiing during a relatively snowless winter. At 9 am for kids and 10 am for adults, skiers will hit this loop for the annual Pre-Loppet (now the Peace Coffee Pre-Loppet http://www.loppet.org/blog/2011/12/23/despite-skimpy-snow-peace-coffee-pre-loppet-is-on/).
Find out what's happening in Golden Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Traditionally, the Pre-Loppet has been a 17 kilometer race that starts in north Wirth and ends on Wirth Lake. But, naturally, this year that's not going to happen. All else having failed thus far (including some peculiar Nordic snow dance rituals), skiers will take what they have and make the best of it. We can all appreciate that. So come on out this Saturday to ski or spectate, and celebrate our winter.
