Registration opens for the Coast Outdoors Payak Virtual Challenge
The Coast Outdoors Payak is going virtual for 2021! What could be better than doing your favorite loppet, anywhere, and any time you want between March 6 and 21?
Well, winning some great draw prizes from our sponsors, of course!
We all know that cross country skiing is a great way to get outside and exercise during these uncertain times. But what about the sense of community and comradery that happens on race day?
The Payak organizers want to ensure that this year everyone can participate, and have that sense of community, no matter where they are located.
So, a virtual event. But then they thought, let’s expand that. What if someone wanted to do the event more than once and compare their times? Or see how many times they could ski a course in one distance?? Ski more than one of the courses? Ski the same course using both techniques?
Well, a bonus of being virtual is that you can do any or all of that!
You can ski the Payak anywhere, any day and any time from March 6 to 21! That’s three weekends and two full weeks!
Registration is open now until March 21.
How it works
The home location for the Payak is Whistler Olympic Park. There are permanent signs in place, some temporary signs will be added on the sides of the trails, and a start/finish marker in the stadium for those who want to really dial in their distance on their favourite GPS device and upload to Garmin Connect, Strava or any other fitness tracking service.
The beauty of a virtual event is that, if you want to take your pooch and do the distance just on the WOP dog trails, that’s okay too!
For those who cannot make it to WOP, you can ski the distance you registered for at the venue where you are located and still be eligible for draw prizes!
Starting March 6, 2021, participants can upload their own results via a GPX fie. If you just want to use your phone or regular watch to record time and distance, that works too. There will be an easy-to-use online system that you can access by a link on the Payak event page on Zone4 here.
There is one flat rate for all distances - $15 for adults, $10 for youth and paranordics, and children 12 and under are free! This fee allows you to participate as many times as you like. Every registration gets you a chance to win draw prizes.
As usual, no experience is necessary to participate - and the first 75 first-time Payak skiers will get a lovely souvenir toque!
The entry fee does not include the trail pass at Whistler Olympic Park or your chosen venue. But really, most of us have a season’s pass this year, right!?!
Awards Ceremonies
There will be two virtual awards ceremonies, where draw prizes from sponsors Coast Outdoors, Salomon, Fischer and Swix are announced. Because the event is open to skiers to complete anywhere, and ski conditions vary, the emphasis will be on participation and total distance, rather than time. Every entry earns the skier a chance at draw prizes. There are also a number of special prizes, stay tuned for details!
A final word on staying safe
Because it is a “virtual” event and organizers won’t have the ability to ensure safety on the course(s), all participants will be asked to comply with all safety rules, including social distancing, of the venue where they are skiing.
So, start training, keep safe, and we will “see” you in March!