Cross-country skiers from communities across the West Kootenays turned out for the Castlegar Nordic Ski Clubs Troll Loppet on Sunday.
Skiers came from Rossland, Castlegar, Nelson, New Denver and Silverton to participate, and there were 151 registrants in total, down slightly from last year’s 175 participants.
Of those, 22 were small children who took on the two-kilometre course around Mud Lake.
The course was set up with activities for the kids to do as they made their way around with their parents, and in some cases, their younger siblings, who were brought along in infant carriers or sleds.
Other participants took on the 10-km, 16-km, 20-km, 30-km or 40-km courses and were sent on their way by Conrad Brattebo — the last-living charter member of the Sons of Norway — who was dressed in his Viking costume.
Brattebo explained that the Castlegar Nordic Ski Club has been holding the loppet since 1961 when it was held in Kinnaird Park.
“We’re so happy what has taken place over all the years,” he said.
The club started on Sept. 30, 1961, as the Sons of Norway Sports Club and had 54 members.
