This is a photo essay of a small part of the City of Lakes Loppet. These images record about five hours between 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at the site of the Snow Sculpture Contest. It was at the northwest shore of Lake Calhoun, a site called Loppet Village at Lake Calhoun Center.
A ramp of snow formed a overpass of the Loppet race cources in a final loop to the Finish line. Spectators passed under the racecourse and accessed the lake’s frozen surface.
The Kubb Tournament, the Ice-Cycle races, the starting point of many of the youth racecourses were right offshore. The longer raceways lead to their respective beginnings, in other parts of the city of Minneapolis. All made use of the park system and the frozen lakes. The Big Tent was just behind the Finish line. It was a very excellent way to spend some of a winter Saturday.
Check out the whole three-part series showing the Snow Sculpture contest and process:
• 2014 Snow Sculpture Contest, overview, 1 of 3
• 2014 Snow Sculpture Contest, plans & tools, 2 of 3
• 2014 Snow Sculpture Contest, execution and results, 3 of 3
The City of Lakes Loppet is mostly about urban cross country skiing, but other outdoor activities provide copious opportunities for joy as well.
I spent all of my time at the Loppet Vilage at Calhoun Center, and specifically at the Snow Sculpture Contest. The northwest shore of Lake Calhoun, which in other seasons serves as soccer fields, served as the ending point for most of the races and a focal point for most of the weekend’s Loppet activities.
The Snow Sculpture Contest was conducted inside a final loop to the finish line.
Of course there was people-watching and wonder.
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