February 20, 2023 - (Gatineau, Que.) What a success! From February 17 to 19, 2023, close to 2,300 athletes of all levels took part in the largest international cross-country skiing event in Canada. Representing 18 countries, they greatly celebrated the 45th edition of the Gatineau Loppet by making the sublime trails of Gatineau Park their favourite playground throughout the weekend.

Thousands of skiers took part in 9 different events – 2 km, 5 km, 10 km, 15 km, 27 km, 50 km and 400 m relay – and in various styles – classic and free – in a competitive or friendly setting. All while enjoying excellent weather and course conditions to accompany them in their prowess.

“What an extraordinary edition we had again this year! The Gatineau Loppet 2023 brought together close to 2,300 skiers from around the world and offered them extraordinary conditions for competition and discovery in the heart of our magnificent Gatineau Park. I would first like to thank our 300 volunteers for making this 45th edition a great success. You are passionate, dedicated and so inspiring. You have once again succeeded in taking the skiing experience to the next level. You are simply amazing! Thank you also to the partners without whom the event could not take place. Finally, I would like to warmly congratulate all those who took the start as a novice, amateur, avid skier or renowned athlete and who demonstrated – at every kilometer – their tenacity, their motivation and their strong mental. Whether it was in timed races, relays, stress-free discovery waves or in the minis’ course, congratulations to each and everyone for their individual and team exploits! See you in 2024 for new challenges,” commented Philippe Lebel, President of the Gatineau Loppet Board of Directors.

Headliners and the next generation of cross-country skiers
For the second year in a row, the Gatineau Loppet had the great pleasure of welcoming the Salomon team with Alex Harvey, three-time Olympian and three-time world champion, Graeme Killick – Canadian cross-country skier who participated in the 2014 and 2018 Olympic Games), and Simon Lapointe who replaced the injured Alexis Turgeon.

Among the young prodigies to follow (and ranked during this 45th edition!) let’s note the presence of the French Gérard Agnellet, winner in the men’s 50 km free race of the Gatineau Loppet 2023. Agnellet also won the Birkie in 2022 (USA) and the foulée blanche in 2023 (France).

Céline Chopard-Lallier, head of the podium in the women’s 50 km free race of the 2023 Gatineau Loppet and, finally, Émilie Bulle who placed third in the women’s 50 km Free event at this year’s Gatineau Loppet. Bulle was first in the Dolomintenlauf 2023 (Austrian Worldloppet race) and second in the Transjurassienne 2023.

Families also had a great time during the traditional 2 km Mini, presented by our partner Sport Échange Outaouais, which saw 145 little ones put on their skis to walk the course specially designed for them. It was a source of pride to see these children having so much fun skiing, developing their technique and sportsmanship while having fun with other young enthusiasts, their families and their friends. The next generation of cross-country skiers has a bright future ahead of them!

Gatineau Loppet Trail of Legends Inductions
Several inductees into the Gatineau Loppet Hall of Fame also marked this 45th anniversary to highlight the valuable contributions of individuals and organizations to the development and influence of our event and cross-country skiing:

Inducted into the Trail of Legends :
● Lise Meloche – Legend
● Dave McMahon – Legend
● National Capital Commission (NCC) – Pillar
● Gatineau Park – Pillar

Inducted into the Veterans Club (participated in 35 Gatineau Loppet medium and long distance events):
● Alain d’Entremont
● Greg Dale Irwin
● Paul Wright
● Pierre Huppé
● Robert Palliser
● Yves Deguire

Thousands of thanks
We would like to thank from the bottom of our hearts our nearly 300 volunteers, without whom none of this would be possible. Year after year, this team deploys boundless energy to support the organizers of the Gatineau Loppet and to offer the most beautiful and safest of events to the cross-country skiing enthusiasts who gather for this occasion.

We are also fortunate to be able to count on the commitment of the Board of Directors and the Organizing Committee, as well as the team of the Executive Producer, Groupe Simoncic, who put their passion and expertise at the service of the Gatineau Loppet’s success and international reputation.
The Gatineau Loppet would also like to thank all its sponsors and partners: Salomon, Otto’s Subaru-BMW, Swix, Euro-Sports Nordic, Tourisme Outaouais, Nordik Spa-Nature, Rossignol, Xact Nutrition, Fischer, Physio Avantage Plus, Sport Échange Outaouais, Tourisme Québec, the City of Gatineau, the Municipality of Chelsea, Loisir Sport Outaouais, the National Capital Commission, Worldloppet, the International Cross-Country Skiing Federation, Nordiq Canada, Cross-Country Skiing Quebec, ENGNE, Rollerski. ca, ZiZu, Fromagerie Bergeron, Chelsea Pub, la Distillerie du square, CRAFT, Surge Activewear, La santé et plus, La Dérive.

We would like to thank Mrs. Isabelle N. Miron – Deputy Mayor and Municipal Councillor (District de l’Orée-du-Parc) of Gatineau, Mr. Mathieu Lévesque – MNA for Chapleau and Mr. Pierre Guénard – Mayor of Chelsea and His Excellency Mr. Margus Rava, Ambassador of the

Republic of Estonia to Canada for honouring us with their presence at the Worldloppet Cocktail on Saturday, February 18, 2023.

Congratulations to all participants! To learn more about all the results, visit here.