The status of one of the most popular cross-country ski events in the Sea to Sky Corridor is up in the air due to questionable conditions.
The fifth annual Sigge鈥檚 Payak race is facing uncertainty after the pineapple express rain that has battered the Corridor this winter.
Although many of the trails at Ski Callaghan are back open for recreational skiers, the route for the loppet and, importantly, the stadium staging area are currently compromised and could not host a mass start event.
鈥淚t is essential that the race course be safe for all participants, and that the event be fun and enjoyable,鈥� Dirk Rohde stated in a press release. 鈥淐urrently we cannot hold the race with the snow levels and condition of the stadium. We are very concerned about the warm weather in the forecast, it is melting away our course.鈥�
He said the organizing committee meets on Feb. 22 to make the final call on the race. The options are to go ahead as planned on Feb. 28 for the loppet and March 1 for the kids and youth events, move the event to March 14 and 15 if there is a solid forecast for snow, or cancel the event completely.
鈥淚t鈥檚 all weather-dependent at the moment, and we are doing some serious snow dancing,鈥� said Rohde.
The Payak currently has more than 430 registrations, which Rohde considers a good signup given the low snow season prior to Feb. 1. It is the largest loppet in B.C. and is also a qualifier for the US Birkebeiner event in Wisconsin.
A total of $3,400 in prize money is up for grabs in the 30 and 50 kilometre races in 2015. Racers and volunteers also have the chance to win many other prizes.
For more information, go to www.payak.ca or check out the Twitter feed @payakentsut.
