Kupesewin events
Did you know? The Cree word kupesewin means "stop-over". The Don Allen Saskaloppet features a 2-day Kupesewin event with 3 categories. The Kupesewin events allow endurance skiers to recreate the experiences of early winter travelers with an overnight, wilderness camp-out. These are challenging events for skiers capable of travelling with a load and camping out in winter conditions. All Kupesewin skiers begin on Friday, skiing to camp at the Don Allen "Summit". Skiers complete their ski back to La Ronge on Saturday. Read below for full event rules.
Important info for Kupesewin skiers
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Day 1 (Friday) will be unassisted with no checkpoints set up along the way. You must carry water, food and be self-reliant. Day 2 (Saturday) will have 4 checkpoints along the route home.
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When you arrive at the Summit overnight camp, Kupesewin volunteers will be happy to assist you and will have a fire going & hot water available.
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You may change clothes and dry off in the Summit cabin, but it is expected that you spend most of your time outdoors (and sleep outside the cabin)!
event categories
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Kupesewin Lite: 50km total distance, volunteer--supported gear transport to camp
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Kupesewin Marathon: 75km total distance, volunteer-supported gear transport to camp
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Kupesewin Sasquatch: 75km total distance, self-supported (you must carry all your own gear!)
50Km Kupesewin lite
Ski 26km on Day 1 (Friday) before reaching the overnight camp at "the Summit" check point. Day 2 starts at 8:30am, returning home another 24 kilometres (via Hornet Bay Trail) for a total distance of 50km.
Click here for a map of the 50km Kupesewin route.
The Kupesewin Lite is volunteer-supported for transportation of camping gear: You are allowed two packs, weighing a combined total maximum of 15 kilograms, which are brought by our volunteers from the start line to the overnight camp at the Don Allen Summit.
75Km Kupesewin Marathon and sasquatch
Ski 36km on Day 1(Friday) before stopping overnight at the Summit checkpoint. Day 2 starts at 8:30am where you will ski another 39km back home for a total distance of 75km.
Click here for a map of the 75km Kupesewin route.
The Kupesewin Marathon is volunteer-supported for transportation of camping gear: You are allowed two packs, weighing a combined total maximum of 15 kilograms, which are brought by our volunteers from the start line to the overnight camp at the Don Allen Summit.
Kupesewin Sasquatch: Skiers in this event follow the same route as the Marathon skiers, but Sasquatch skiers must carry or tow all of their gear and supplies without assistance from volunteers.
Kupesewin Bib pickup and start time
Bib pick-up and pack check: Friday March 1 between 11:00am-11:45 at The Legion
Race start: Friday, March 1 at 12:30pm at the Legion on the lake
Rules and Qualifications
All Kupesewin skiers:
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Must be able to maintain a 6 km/hr average speed for the Kupesewin Lite or 8 km/hr average speed in the Marathon and Sasquatch. Skiers should only enter the Kupesewin after building a solid, long-distance training base.
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Must backpack or tow (on a fixed sleigh) a minimum 5.0 kg (11 lbs) of survival gear the entire event distance. Weight must include:
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extra gloves/mitts
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socks
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matches
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fire starter
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small knife
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cook pot (one-litre minimum size)
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water bottle
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500 grams of high energy food
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Must supply all personal gear, including food, tent (if used), sleeping bag, utensils, etc.
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Kupesewin Lite and Kupesewin Marathon skiers may have two packs, weighing a combined total maximum of 15 kg transported by volunteers to the overnight campsite.
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Sasquatch participants must carry or tow all of their survival and camping gear.
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Participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian for the entire event.