To register, please go to Zone4.ca: Register Now
2026 THEBACHA LOPPET
Where Adventure and Winter Magic Meet!
The Thebacha Ski Loppet is one of the oldest cross-country ski races in Western Canada, having officially begun in 1973. The event celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023, and we are proud to celebrate the 53rd Annual Thebacha Loppet on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
The Loppet follows a historic traditional trail used by First Nations, which later became a vital portage route for explorers and fur traders to bypass the four sets of unnavigable rapids on the Slave River. The route starts in Fort Fitzgerald, Alberta, and winds through the Boreal forest, hugging the shores of the mighty Slave River as it leads to the finish line at the Nordic Centre in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories. The trail, which features incredible views of the Slave River rapids, is now part of Canada's Great Trail Network (Trans Canada Trail).
We are proud to host this event on the traditional territories of Smith Landing First Nation, who are keepers of the historic DesNethé Discovery Trail.
KEY DATES & SCHEDULE
The 53rd Annual Thebacha Loppet takes place on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
- Early Bird Deadline - March 6, 2026 at noon (Online at Zone4.ca)
- Registration Deadline - March 13, 2026 (Online at Zone4.ca)
- Bib Pickup For Local Skiers - March 13, 2026 - 5:00pm to 6:00pm (Fort Smith Recreation Centre)
- Bib Pickup For Out-of-Town Skiers - March 14, 2026 - 9:00am to 9:30am (Fort Smith Ski Club)
- Safety Meeting (Mandatory for all skiers) - March 14, 2026 - 10:15am (Fort Smith Ski Club)
- Bus Departure - March 14, 2026 - 10:30am (Fort Smith Ski Club)
- Loppet Begins - March 14, 2026 - After Bus Drop Off (Fort Fitz, Goose Island, Halfway, Mountain)
- Loppet Evening Social - March 14, 2026 - 6:00pm (Dirty O'Fergies Pub) NB. Children are permitted. Prizes to be won.
DISTANCE OPTIONS & COURSE DETAILS
The full, traditional course distance is approximately 27.6 kilometres. Shorter routes are maintained to accommodate participants of all ages and skill levels.
Course Segments
The full Loppet is approximately 27.6km. It is made up of the following four segments:
- Fort Fitz (Starting Point) --> Goose Island: 9.6km
- Goose Island --> Pelican Halfway Checkpoint: 7.7km
- Pelican Halfway Checkpoint --> Mountain Checkpoint: 5.3km
- Mountain Checkpoint --> Nordic Centre (Finish): 5.0km
Skiers can begin their journey at three different locations; the bus will drop off at the following:
- Fort Fitzgerald, Alberta (Full Course Start Location) - 27.6km to Finish
- Goose Island - 18km to Finish
- Pelican Halfway Checkpoint - 10.3km to Finish
- Mountain Checkpoint - 5km to Finish
PARTICIPANT GUIDE: Registration, Safety & Social
Registration
Registration for the Loppet must be completed on Zone4.ca. (see link above)
- Members -$10 (Special Rate for 2026)
- Adult (19+) -$30 (Early Bird $20)
- Youth (13-18) - $10
- Child (0-12) - Free (must be accompanied by an adult)
- University/College Student - $10
The course features three designated checkpoints that provide skiers with beverages and light snacks: Goose Island, Pelican (halfway), and Mountain.
- Skiers can choose to exit the Loppet at any designated checkpoint.
- Clothing layers can be left at checkpoints, and the club will do its best to ensure belongings are returned to the Nordic Centre.
The Loppet is a testament to the community's commitment, and organizers rely heavily on volunteers who start preparing and clearing the trails in the fall.
- Skiers are advised to dress appropriately for the weather using multiple clothing layers, and to bring water, snacks, and extra wax.
- For skier safety, weather and trail conditions can delay Loppet start times and shorten distances.
- No refunds will be issued for the loppet.
All participants are invited to the Annual Loppet Evening to socialize, eat, and win fun door prizes. The event will be hosted at Dirty O'Fergies Pub at 6:00 P.M., and minors are allowed during the private rental.
Tracing the Historic Journey of the Thebacha Loppet
