Yo ho ho There’s Pirates in Them Thar Hills!

On Friday, February 2, 2024, approximately 375 staff and students, from 13 SD83 schools, participated in the annual Pirate Loppet at Larch Hills. The Loppet is designed to encourage the development of a lifelong love of cross-country skiing and, in part, aligns with the District’s strategic priority of Developing a Culture of Well-being. The Pirate Loppet has been an annual event since 2005, except for the year 2021-2022.  

Students in grades 3-8 started their skiing adventure with a ‘bang,’ signaled by the firing of the black powder cannon, operated by Pirate Mike. The event started at the Larch Hills Chalet parking lot and winds through some of the beautiful scenery in the nearby ski trails.

Following their 1 km, 2 km, or 5 km ski, participants were welcome to enjoy a hotdog and hot chocolate provided by The Lady Striders.

Pirate Loppet Captain, also known as Vice Principal Megan Weir, commented, “There was a good turnout, enough snow and spring-like conditions for the annual event. Thank you to all those who helped make this large event a reality, including the organizers at the school level, the bus drivers, the Larch Hills Nordic Society, the fabulous team of community volunteers, the dedicated organizers on the Pirate Loppet Committee, and all the sponsors.”

The school with the greatest representation (percentage of the school population) is awarded the Pirate Flag. Congratulations to the 65 student participants from South Canoe School for capturing the coveted pirate flag!

Proceeds from the Pirate Loppet are contributed towards the “Skis for Schools” grant, which is available for schools to apply for after the event. Successful applicants use the funds to purchase cross-country ski equipment for students to use at their school. Since 2005, the Pirate Loppet Committee has provided $36,900 to schools for the purchase of cross-country ski equipment. Last year’s recipient was South Canoe School.

A sincere appreciation goes out to the community sponsors whose generous support makes the Pirate Loppet possible: Askews, Bimbo Bread, DeMille’s Farm Market, First Community Church, Grimm’s, Hudson Dental, John’s Ski Shack, Lady Striders, Skookum Cycle and Ski, Shuswap Tourism, Stella Jones, Tim Hortons, and Toliver Advertising & Design.

A special thank you to the Pirate Loppet Committee members: Angela Carson, Leanne and Ron Brintnell, Megan Moore, Tom Peasgood, Steve Rodwell, Susan Rothlisberger, Megan Weir, and George Zorn.

Despite the foggy weather, the spirits of the young buccaneers, decked out with eye patches, mustaches, and pirate gear, weren’t dampened. It was a great day for all!