Prince George, B.C. – Organizers and volunteers have been busy preparing the Otway Nordic Centre for Sunday’s 2016 Spirit of the Rivers Loppet and say the facility is in great shape.

The Caledonia Nordic Ski Club’s Chief of Competition, Andrew Watkinson, says “you may be comparing things to the way they look in the city but out here it’s an entirely different world and the centre is in surprisingly good condition.” He adds “you have to remember that the groomers are preserving and maintaining the trails all year round so we’re in good shape for Sunday.”

Watkinson says “it will be safe and we will have the option to alter the courses and/or the stadium (maybe to the Biathlon area) to avoid some problem areas.” The only adjustment expected due to conditions is the classic tracks will not be set.

He says “the grinders will be out early Sunday morning to soften the icey spots and we’ll be in great shape for the day.”

The annual Spirit of the Rivers Loppet is a fun, recreational style, family-oriented

event with categories for all. It can be used either as a competition or a relaxing way to spend a day outside taking in the pristine beauty at the Otway Nordic

Center. You can ski 30 kilometres if you’d like, or as little as 2.5 km.

One hundred and seventy skiers took part last year.

Sunday’s Loppet kicks off at 10 am (and remember it is the first day of Daylight Savings Time). Chili or soup and a bun are included in the entry fee.