LAKE PLACID, N.Y. – The 32^nd Lake Placid Loppet, presented by High Peaks Cyclery and Nordic Specialist, cross-country ski races will be held Saturday, Jan. 25, at the Olympic Sports Complex Cross Country Ski Center, in Lake Placid, N.Y.

The Lake Placid Loppet has established itself as one of the best events of its kind in the country.  Over the past 31 years, thousands of skiers have enjoyed skiing and racing on the challenging Mt. Van Hoevenberg trails at the Olympic Sports Complex course.   As a member of the American Ski Marathon Series, this event attracts hundreds of skiers from across the United States and Canada. It consists of a 50 kilometer Loppet (30.1 miles) and a 25-kilometer Kort Loppet (about 15 miles).

The cost to participate in the Loppet or Kort Loppet, which includes a dinner and awards banquet, featuring $5,000.00 in raffle prizes provided High Peaks Cyclery, is $60 and $55 for season pass holders, before Jan. 1, 2014.  After that date the cost is $70 and $65 for season pass holders, before Jan. 22, then $80 and $75 for season pass holders until Jan. 24.  No registration available on race day. 

There will be classic technique and free technique race starts for both the 25K and 50K races. Bib pickup will run from 3-8 p.m. in the cross country lodge, Friday, Jan. 24, and on race day, bib pick-up runs from 7-8:30 a.m.

The 50K classic technique race begins at 9 a.m. followed by the 25K classic race at 9:15 a.m. The 50K free technique race starts at 10 a.m. and the 25K free technique race will follow at 10:15 a.m.  Each finisher will receive a commemorative pin, gold for the Loppet and silver for the Kort Loppet.

This year’s event includes a free .5K (less than ½ mile) kids race (ages 12 and under) set to get underway at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 24. This year’s .5K kids race will be held under the lights in the Cross Country Stadium with fun prizes for finishers. All participants are to register on site. All events are supported by High Peaks Cyclery and Nordic Specialist.

To register for the Lake Placid Loppet, or for more information, please log on to http://www.active.com/lake-placid-ny/winter-sports/skiing-races/lake-placid-loppet-2014?force_a2=y.

-- ORDA --

Established in 1982, the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) was created by the State of New York to manage the facilities used during the 1980 Olympic Winter Games at Lake Placid. ORDA operates Whiteface, Belleayre and Gore Mountain ski areas; the Olympic Sports Complex at Mt. Van Hoevenberg; the Olympic speed skating oval, Olympic jumping complex and Olympic arena. As host to international and national championships, the Authority has brought millions of athletes, spectator and participants to the region, resulting in significant economic development.