Volunteer Officials' Information

Like all loppets, the Cookie Race relies on volunteers -- as many as 120 pitch in each year.  Many participants have expressed appreciation for our friendly, reliable volunteer officials.  We reward our volunteers with a get-together a few weeks after the race, and some nice draw prizes including weekend accommodation at a mountain location.  We always welcome a few more volunteers for tasks before, during, and after the race.  If you would like to join our crew, please email us at ksm@foothillsnordic.ca.

If you can't make it to the race, please call (403) 283-0512 up to 10pm on Friday February 26, 2010.  Leave a message.

Volunteer Check-In

On race morning, please check in at the tent adjacent to Pocaterra parking (there will be a sign).  We'll have any equipment you need, and will direct you if necessary.  Anyone bringing cookies may drop them in the main soup tent and put their name on a clipboard supplied there, for the draw.  All the volunteers' and cookie-bakers' names will be entered into a draw for several prizes including a weekend-for-two in the mountains.

Ski Trails Still Open To The Public

If members of the public approach you wanting to ski where the trail is used for the race course, you should warn them politely that the trails may be congested in certain areas, but tell them that none of the trails are closed. Advise the public to go to the Visitor Information Centre for advice about where to ski.

Quitting Racers

If any competitor drops out of the race, please request their bib and hand in the bib at the timing shack. If you can't get their bib, please make a note of the bib number and let Timing know, by radio if possible. We make every reasonable effort to account for every competitor at the end of the day.

Safety

Safety is a prime concern -- safety of volunteers, competitors, and the public. Please be sure to dress warmly, especially with boots, and bring adequate food and drink. Any volunteers shoveling snow on roads or directing traffic must wear the fluorescent vests provided. Be aware of the effects of cold and fatigue on yourself, your colleagues, and competitors. Especially in cold weather, monitor others as much as you can for frostbite or hypothermia. Blankets and warm beverages will be available at Boulton feeding station and at Pocaterra. At Elk Pass feeding station, the Park rangers usually station a rescue snowmobile and toboggan. The Ski Patrol and senior race officials have the authority to pull a competitor who appears unable to finish, off the course. There are cut-off times at Boulton feeding station to eliminate very slow racers who might have difficulty finishing. A van shuttle is available at Boulton to carry people back to Pocaterra. All race courses are swept by course closers. The Jackrabbit races have extra course controllers to prevent kids from getting off their course.

First Aid Etc.

We operate the race with the cooperation and supervision of PLPP (K-Country) rangers. Our Club has a formal agreement with them. They are especially concerned with safety matters, and have responsibility for any rescues or evacuations. The Ski Patrol assists with first aid on the course. PLPP stipulate that no commercial signage or activity be carried out in the Park, so our sponsors' banners are confined to specific places. Of course since we are in a Provincial Park we are especially careful to pick up all signage and litter at the end of the race.

Radio Locations

The Calgary Amateur Radio Club provides VHF radio assistance as follows:

• Elk Pass, Boulton, and Elkwood feeding stations,and Pocaterra finish area
• Accompanying Chief of Competition, Chief of Course, and Chief of Controllers

Course Flagging

15km course - yellow flags
24km course - red flags
42km course - blue flags
Jackrabbit course - flagged with pink and yellow-green flags. There is a very minor overlap with the longer courses.