On Jan 02, 2012, members of Team MitoCanada will lead intrepid skiers on a 100km cross country ski tour of Peter Lougheed Provincial Park.

Why ski 100 km in one day you may be thinking? The idea was originally born in late 2009 when Mito Team members; Blaine Penny and Tony Smith came up with the idea of attempting to ski all the trails of the park in one day. As it turns out, there about 85 km, but requires at least 105 km of skiing to link and complete all trails. Check out the video clip of the first expedition which took place on Jan 02, 2010. After successfully completing the challenge in 2010, the group repeated the ski (with a simpler 100 km version consisting of two 50 km loops) again in early 2011.

                          

When and Where? The 3rd annual tour will begin at 7 a.m. from the Pocaterra Hut. Since we'll be skiing for the first hour or so in the dark, skiers are strongly advised to bring headlamps. The tour will comprise two loops of 50km each. After completion of the first loop we'll stop for a well-deserved lunch before completing a 2nd - 50km loop.

Can I join you to ski only 50 km? New for 2012, will be the introduction of a 50km option. It is recommended that 50km skiers meet the 100 km group during the lunch break in Pocaterra Hut sometime between noon and 1p.m. to begin skiing the 2nd loop.

Is support provided? The tour is not a race and is unsupported. There are no aid stations or outside support provided.

                   

How would you rate the level of difficulty and should I try this if I have not skied much before? For an average recreational skier, this is a very difficult ski and not recommened. However, for fit athletes with a solid background in xc skiing, it is considered moderate to difficult (depending on the conditions). All skiers must have a very high level of fitness and technical skiing ability. Our route includes some significant climbs and fast descents with almost 4,500 feet of total elevation gain per lap. Pace will be brisk. We usually finish the tour after sunset therefore headlamps are essential for all skiers.

Is it skate or classic? This is a classic only event as the trails are double trackset and it is frowned upon to skate on the tracks in the Park.

Does the event cost anything? The event is FREE to enter. All we ask is that you have a positive mindset, mountains of ski endurance and are self-sufficient. Please help is us raise awareness for MitoCanada and the fight against MitoChondrial disease through your participation in the event.
 
Click here to learn more about Team MitoCanada.


Email tony@smithevents.ca if you're interested in joining us for either the 50 or 100km options.