As Whitehorse recovers from hockey fever, skiers are preparing for the 28th annual Northwestel Yukon Loppet set for Saturday.

In past years, the race has attracted a wide variety of skiers of all ages and skill levels. The youngest participants are only three years of age and the most senior are in their mid-seventies.

"The ski conditions are some of the best we've had in years and will make for a superb event with fun for all,” said Claude Chabot, executive director for the Whitehorse Cross Contry Ski Club.

"Our trail crews can be counted on to do their usual fantastic job on the loppet course.”

The Northwestel Yukon Loppet includes routes for skiers of all ages and abilities, at distances of three, 7.5, 20 and 30 kilometres. The trails are in excellent condition this year.

The Northwestel Yukon Loppet takes place at the Mount McIntyre cross country ski trails.

The trails will also be open to other skiers on Saturday, although they will be directed to ski trails not in use by the loppet.

For example, the Dog Trail will be closed from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to accommodate the loppet.

Northwestel provides complete telecommunications solutions and entertainment services in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon, northern British Columbia and High Level, Alta. The company's operations span nearly four million square kilometers of the most remote and rugged areas of Canada.

"Northwestel has been delighted to sponsor this event over the years,” said Curtis Shaw, Northwestel vice-president of consumer markets.

"Skiing is such a huge part of life in the north and this annual event is one of the highlights of the season. It is events like the Northwestel Yukon Loppet that make the north such a great place to live and Northwestel is happy to make this happen.”