The snow has all but disappeared in Whitehorse but in Old Crow, the trail conditions were ideal for the sixth annual Father Mouchet Memorial Loppet on April 20.

The Father Mouchet Memorial Loppet is in honour of Father Jean-Marie Mouchet, a dedicated cross-country skier and coach. He started the Territorial Experimental Ski Training (TEST), and in 1993, he received the Order of Canada for services to the North.

Mouchet was born in 1917 in France and moved to the Yukon in 1950. He died at the age of 96.

Knute Johnsgaard, a Yukon Olympian in cross country skiing, and co-organizer Pavlina Sudrich were some of Mouchet's last athletes.

Johnsgaard recalled his time at a Teslin Lake summer test camp held by Mouchet.

"At the camp, we had a few TEST members come down from Old Crow," said Johnsgaard, who grew up in Mount Lorne. "He taught us that hard work and dedication pays off. I think it was really inspiring, and I learned a lot.

"That was my experience with Father Mouchet, and I went back to the camp every year."

Before the Loppet, Johnsgaard said he was slightly nervous that the conditions might not be ideal for skiing.

"It's a blast, it is always fun to be up there for Easter," said Johnsgaard. "I was a little skeptical because Easter was so late and with such warm weather in Whitehorse. But, when we flew over the Dempster Highway, it turned back into winter."

Johnsgaard flew up to Old Crow before the Loppet, and because of the hard work of the community prior to his arrival, he was able to spend some extra time on the trails with the kids.

"The Rangers did so much trail work to pack and prepare the trails for races," said Johnsgaard. "I had the kids out skiing before the race. They were all really psyched to race."

The Loppet, Johnsgaard said, is about giving kids a chance to fall in love with skiing.

"It really is a community event focused on the youth," said Johnsgaard. "They don't always have access to the same programming (as those in Whitehorse).

"In Whitehorse, we are spoiled to have so much going on, so an event like this is a big deal. I am happy to make it happen for them."

Johnsgaard said this year had similar participation to last year, which had 45 skiers. He said everyone gets really excited around the Loppet, but hopes community involvement will continue after the Loppet is over to keep the kids on skis.

"It does take leadership from individuals of the communities, someone with passion and drive to get kids on skis," said Johnsgaard. "I hope to get them excited enough to take those skis home because they like doing it."

Now in his sixth year, Johnsgaard said he continues to build relationships with the youth of Old Crow.

"They know me now and are familiar," said Johnsgaard. "They are pretty shy, and it can be hard to get through to them, but we developed a good relationship with the community."

Every year there are a few new kids on the trails.

"Every year there are kids on skis that weren't born when I started," said Johnsgaard. "It is really cool to see the progression and where things are going."

The Loppet features three distances and four categories: The 6 and Under two-kilometre, the four-kilometre, and the youth and adult eight-kilometre.

"More kids than ever did the eight-kilometre race and really challenged themselves," said Johnsgaard, who continued to talk about one skier in particular.

"Last year, one little guy tried the eight-kilometre race, and it took him three hours. This year, he was determined to make it all the way around, and he did. He was very proud of himself."

Johnsgaard himself hit the trail to compete in the eight-kilometre race and says he just enjoys being on the trails with the kids.

"I give them pointers here and there," he said, "but I am there to ski with them and have fun like trying to make it down hills without falling."

Johnsgaard said it can become competitive on the trails, but was quick to point out that it is always about having fun and getting them active.

The winner of the 6 and Under two-kilometre was Izaiah Frost. He was followed by Remi Lapoint and Jack VanFleet.

Drake Gully-Charlie won the four-kilometre leg. Emerald Charlie and Adam Kyikavichik came second and third.

The first to finish in the Youth eight-kilometre race was Desmond Kyikavichik. Jayce Charlie and Gavin Charlie rounded out the top three.

Aurora Sherian-Kuni was the top Adult. Trey Charlie and Sophie Flather followed close behind.

Ten-year-old Kayden Bruce was the winner of the special Martha Benjamin Award for his incredible tenacious attitude and most improved overall athlete.