MINNEAPOLIS — In just 10 days, the Loppet Cup will bring tens of thousands of spectators to Theodore Wirth Park in Minnespolis, in order to watch the world's best cross country skiers, including Minnesota's own Jessie Diggins, compete in a cross country World Cup event.
But in order for all of it to happen, organizers have to save the course from Mother Nature.
"It is just going to be a race against time," said Claire Wilson, executive director of the Loppet Foundation, the organization that has spent years preparing to host the event.
On Wednesday, the Loppet closed Theodore Wirth Park to skiing and other winter activities in hopes of buying more time for a course that has been rapidly melting due to record warmth.
In the morning, teams of volunteers fanned out across the course on skis to shovel away dirt and debris that could cause the snow to melt faster.
"We're trying to protect the snow from the next few days of rain and warm weather," said Scottie Scott, one of the volunteers who showed up to help.
"We've also been making small trenches so that some of the water might pour off the tracks instead of pooling on the trail," said Mary McKelvey, another volunteer.
Another group spent the morning skiing out — and spreading out — large blankets on loan from Mortenson Construction. Though the blankets are designed to insulate fresh cement, they hope they'll also help keep snow from melting.
"This was not in the plan, but we just have to take precautions," said Piotr Bednarski, director of Loppet Nordic Racing.
The added precaution comes in response to a forecast that may not leave much time to utilize the many snow making machines the Loppet has on standby.
Claire Wilson: "Our plan is as soon as the temperatures drop — hopefully on Friday — those snow guns will go on and we will make as much snow, as fast as we can to fortify the thin parts of the course. It's been painful to watch the trail continue to deteriorate, and we are losing trail."
Kent Erdahl: "When's the last time you could even make snow? Do you remember?"
Wilson: "It has been weeks since we were able to make snow."
That is why moving snow is also now part of the preparations.
Highland Hills Ski Jumps in Bloomington delivered the first of several scheduled truckloads on Tuesday, and with more on the way, Wilson says the course will come together one way or another.
"I want everyone to remember what this looks like, because next weekend, it is going to be a beautiful ski trail with the world's best athletes flying down it," she said. "I guarantee it will be the most magical place to be next weekend."
And she says it will all be thanks to a lot of helping hands... and skiers.
"The entire cross country community — from everybody in Minnesota and Minneapolis to around the nation — is rallying around this event," Wilson said. "I'm tired, obviously. But I am so energized by all the love that's pouring in for this organization and for this event."
For more information on the Loppet Cup, click here.
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