STORIES & HISTORY
Stay up-to-date with the latest and oldest from the Fort Smith Ski Club! Find stories about events and our history. Get event recaps, like the Thebacha Loppet, and see the latest trail work reports. Read stories about our origins, past members, and historical events—your source for all things snow, community and history.
Featured Stories
Tracing the Historic Journey of the Thebacha Loppet
The Thebacha Loppet is more than a ski race—it’s a journey through Canadian history. Established in 1973, it stands as one of Western Canada's oldest ski tours. The 27.6 km course follows the historic DesNethé Discovery Trail, a traditional First Nations’ portage route used for centuries to bypass the Slave River rapids. Every year, this volunteer-powered event connects skiers to the pioneering spirit of the North. From its centennial clearing in 1967 to the modern race, the Loppet is an enduring testament to community and resilience, proving the North's winter traditions never fade! ...
All Stories
When the North Shone Bright: Fort Smith, Volunteers, and the Triumphant 2018 Arctic Winter Games
In March 2018, the Arctic Winter Games transformed the South Slave into the North’s ultimate sports arena, with Fort Smith hosting Cross-Country Skiing events at the Fort Smith Ski Club. The success of this massive undertaking—bringing nine circumpolar teams to Fort Smith—rested on the shoulders of community volunteers. From the tireless Groomers who perfected trails overnight to the dedicated Club members who served as race officials and site logistics managers, the entire town mobilized. This is the story of how Fort Smith’s collective spirit provided an unforgettable stage for the Games’ enduring legacy of competition and cultural exchange! ...
From Fort Smith Trails to the World Stage: The Inspiring Story of Sarah Daitch
The Fort Smith Ski Club proudly celebrates the incredible journey of Sarah Daitch, a local athlete whose career took her from our homegrown trails to the international stage. Starting as a young skier here in the Northwest Territories, Daitch developed into a national competitor, ultimately earning a spot on the Canadian National Nordic Ski Team. She competed at World Championships and World Cup events, bringing immense pride back to Fort Smith. Now a Chartered Mediator, she continues to serve the sport community as an NWT Sport Hall of Fame inductee and former Nordiq Canada Board Member! ...