The Loppet Foundation

The Loppet Foundation is a non-profit organization that connects people to the outdoors through experiences that grow community. In partnership with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB), the Loppet operates the Twin Cities' most well known cross-country ski trails, in addition to hiking/running trails, mountain bike/fat-tire bike trails, a snow tubing hill, an alpine hill, paddling and nature-based programming in partnership with Eloise Butler Wildflower garden, plus summer adventure camps for youth, all based out of The Trailhead in Theodore Wirth Park. The Loppet is widely known for organizing large-scale sporting events which have shaped cross-country skiing in the United States and beyond. The 2018 Masters Cross Country Ski World Cup, 2011 and 2021 U.S. Junior Cross Country Ski Championships, 2020 FIS Cross Country World Cup, U.S. SuperTour races, 2019 and 2020 USA Winter Triathlon National Championships, 2018 Super Bowl Live and most recently the 2024 FIS Loppet Cup, which drew 25,000 spectators daily to watch some of the best nordic skiers in the world in Minneapolis’ unique urban park. The Foundation also organizes 50+ Loppet events each year, including the City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival and our annual fundraiser, the Luminary Loppet, which attracts over 15,000 participants annually. Focused programming in Adventure Camps, Minne-Loppet, and Junior Loppet programs have helped thousands of youth in North Minneapolis schools learn life-long outdoor skills, gain confidence in their abilities, and find healing in nature. The Loppet Run Club, Loppet Ski Club and BIPOC bike clubs provide adults with the opportunity to gain group recreational experience, while Loppet TRAIL KIDS is a stepping stone for children ages 7-13 into other more competitive programs. The year-round nationally-recognized competitive training programs for junior and adult racers through Loppet Nordic Racing and Loppet Cycle Works.