Prairie Holiday Loppet cross-country ski race returns to Winnipeg’s Windsor Park [Video]

The Prairie Holiday Loppet made its long-awaited return to Winnipeg’s Windsor Park Saturday, with dozens of racers hitting the trails.

A loppet is a Scandinavian cross-country skiing event that sees a large group of people ski together on groomed trails. After a soggy winter season last year, organizer Murray Carter was happy the event could make a comeback.

“Because we had a little bit of a melt yesterday, we ended up shoveling for nine hours,” Carter said. “Four of us shoveled for nine hours to make this trail a great success, and it turned out perfect.”

Carter said the event sees people come from across the country, most of which are visiting loved ones for the holidays.

“It’s about a festive experience,” he said.

Participants ranged from beginners to veteran athletes.

Olympic cyclist Leah Kirchmann put her bike away and broke out her cross-country skis for Saturday’s event.

Kirchmann said she grew up taking part in cross-country skiing races and decided to get back …