For the 28th straight year, cross-country skiers swarmed the trail system at the Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club.

This year 152 skiers competed in four distances – 30 kilometre, 20 km, 7.5 km and three km – of the Northwestel Yukon Loppet, organized by the ski club.

The weather on Saturday was perfect for the event: the cold winds that had plagued the trails died down, the sun came out and the temperatures rose to a very comfortable -15C, perfect for a long ski.

"It was another successful year for the Northwestel Yukon Loppet,” said Claude Chabot, executive director with the Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club. "Cross country skiing is very popular in the Yukon. Events like the Northwestel Loppet keep the sport alive and well, showcase our great trails and remind us how lucky we are to have a facility like this so close to downtown.”

The day wrapped up with an awards presentation at a banquet held in the Grey Mountain Room of the Mount McIntyre Recreation Centre Saturday evening.

In 2010, Northwestel contributed more than $600,000 in cash and in-kind donations to many northern community groups. Throughout its history, Northwestel has played a role in the economic, social and cultural development of the North.

"Northwestel is very pleased to support this event again this year,” said Anne Kennedy, Northwestel Director Communications.

"As a longtime participant myself, I enjoy how year after year, the Loppet proves to be such a great community event. It brings both competitive and recreational skiers together and overall, it's great fun for everyone. Northwestel is proud to include this event as one of the many ways we support our community.”

Overall winners by distance are as follows:

Three-kilometre Boys

Aidan Hupe, 19:38.3

Three-km Girls

Isla Hupe, 26:56.1

7.5-km Special O Men

Owen Munroe, 45:39.5

7.5-km Boys

Marcus Deuling, 28:22.1

7.5-km Girls

Colae Ann Swenson, 28:11.9

20-km Men

Trevor Bray, 1:15:49.1

20-km Women

Adrienne Hynes, 1:25:51.4

30-km Men

David Gonda, 1:44:30.2

30-km Women

Pippa Lawson, 2:04:57.4