Kangaroo Hoppet

Recent snow falls and low forecast temperatures for the remainder of the week will provide perfect skiing competitors for all participants in the 42km, 21km and 7km events at Falls Creek/Australia. 

Following a meeting of the race Jury during the week it has been decided that the 42km event, the first Worldloppet gold race, will be two laps of a 21km loop. Snow conditions on the day are predicted to be firm and it is anticipated that the trail will hold up well for all skiers. This format will take skiers up to the Bogong High Plains twice during the event, which is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful landscapes in Australia.

Race Director, Ben Derrick, said that it is shaping up to be another great event at Falls Creek,

“The organising committee are on track and the weather looks like we will have some great skiing for the event. It has been quite a difficult year with some of the weather that we have had, but as always, the Hoppet looks like pulling of something quite miraculous. We are anticipating a very close race with our elite skiers and expect that all skiers will enjoy their experience in all of the events”.

Competition at the front of the field is shaping to be a very close contest between international and Australian skiers. Matt Gelso (USA) and Varuh Teppan (EST) pose the best international chance in the men’s 42 km and will be vying for their first Worldloppet titles. However Ben Sim, Phil Bellingham and the other strong Australian skiers will be looking to keep the titles in Australia. Mary Rose and Deerda Irwin will combine with Brooke Darlington (CAN) will try to hold out the experienced Australian skiers Esther Bottomley and Aimee Watson with young up-and-coming star Kat Paul a strong contender as well.

Special entrant in the 42km is Rio Olympic silver medallist, Karten Fosterling (quad sculls) who is making a return to the event after a few years absence.

Skiers from 23 countries will be represented on the start line.