Loppet Committee

Loppet Committee 2023-2024

Position Name
Chief of Loppet Charles World
Chief of Safety Ted Luyckx
Chief of Course Dan Leskiw
Ass’t Chief of Course Eric van Walsum
Chief of Stadium/Logistics Randy Stebner
Ass’t Chief of Stadium Victoria Lee
Ass’t Chief of Food Stations Ross Johnson
Ass’t Chief of Food Stations Grant Chaney
Chief of Festival Tent  Vacant
Chief of Alumni Brian Lucas
Chief of Emergency Response Dave McCashin
Chief of Course Safety Quinn McCashin
Chief of Alumni Vacant
Chief of Signage Cathy Schreiner
Chief of Transportation Mike Stern
Chief of Registration Kirsten van der Meer
Chief of Long Start David Makowsky
Chief of Short Start Dave Cooper
Medical co-chief Jesse Lineham
Medical co-chief Sophie Lalonde-Bester
Chief of Volunteers Monica Wartenberg
Ass’t Chief of Volunteer Alex Zukowsky
Chief of Clothing Services Kimberly Currie
Chief of Timing/Finish Line Victoria Lee
Recording Secretary Carolene Kuschminder
Cooking Lake-Blackfoot PRA Operations Nic Cherepuschak
Chief of Barnebirkie Roberta Hyland
Chief of Barnebirkie Course Paul Zimmerman
Chief of Full Moon Birkie Peter Kershaw

 

Chief of Loppet This official is responsible for the technical preparation, administration, execution and supervision of the loppet by chairing the loppet committee and supervising/coordinating the efforts of the loppet committee members ensuring each of these people complete their respective tasks.
Chief of Safety This official serves as the Loppet Committee member of the Safety and Environmental Committee (SEC). The Chief of Safety, in concert with the SEC, reviews and maintains the Birkie Safety and Environmental Manual and described safety and training procedures described therein. 
Chief of Stadium Set Up/Take Down This official plans the necessary lay-out, set-up and take-down of stadium (finish line and food tent/trailers/clothing tents/transport area).  On race day, responsible for heating/equipment relocations, clothing tents, environmental crew supervision. Also responsible for all signage within the Stadium Area.
Clothing Coordinator This official is responsible for coordinating the clothing bag drop-off at the start lines and the clothing tent in the stadium where skiers pick up their bags after finishing their event.
Chief of Equipment and Logistics This official is responsible for coordinating equipment requirements for stadium, starts and food stations; ordering the equipment;  and supervising the logistics of delivery of hard goods for the Birkie ski events (excluding food).
Chief of Finish Line and Timing Finish Line: This official is responsible for planning the requirements for the finish area:  oversee Finish line zone, finish stewards, traffic flow through the finish line(s) and work with the stadium set-up crew, and various crews in the area (timing, medical, awards, announcing). Official should have Level II certification.Timing: This official is responsible for recruiting and training of manual timers; procuring necessary timing equipment (manual); working with our Timing company in responding to timing and results problems/concerns. Results from timing chief may be coordinated by Chief of Registration.
Chief of Medical Services and Safety This official plans for the first aid and medical treatment that may be needed by participants on course, at the start and finish lines, volunteers and the general public attending the loppet event; recruits the required number of medical volunteers and coordinates the assignments and postings for event day; and supervises the medical response plan on event day from the command post at the finish line.
Chief of Course This official is responsible for properly preparing and maintaining the course to ensure the safety of the participants.
Course Assistant This official is responsible for ensuring the satisfactory condition of the trail for the event.
Chief of Registration This official is responsible for: monitoring on-line registration of all skiers; preparing reports as needed by race officials; coordinating the preparation of race packages; coordinating the distribution of race packages; and preparing start lists for officials and media. Provide registration information at the Long Start and process late package pick up.
Chief of Transportation and Parking This official is responsible for planning and implementing the transportation logistics to get participants to and from the site to and from the course. Responsible for all transportation and parking signage relating to skiers and spectators for all Birkie events.
Chief of Long Starts This official is responsible for planning and implementing the physical set-up of the start area and the actual start of the long distance events at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village or backup start as required. Responsible for all signage relating to the Long Start area.
Chief of Short Starts This official coordinates the 13 km Mini-Birkie, 8 km Birkie Fun Ski and the 2/4 km Birkie Ole’s Tour events and starts; and may coordinate separate timing at a separate finish line if required. Responsible for set up of the Short Start area and related signage.
Chief of Festival Tent This official plans for the food and materials required for the finish line festival tent, then coordinates the distribution of refreshments in the festival tent on event day.  This official is also responsible for ordering of food supplies required for food station, therefore there is coordination required between the Chiefs of Festival Tent and Food Stations. Responsible for the disposal of organic, recycling and waste materials.
Chief of Food Stations This official plans for the food requirements of the start area and on-course stations; recruits volunteer groups as food station crews, and supervises/ coordinates the delivery of the food products to the station crews. Responsible for all food station signage.
Chief of Signage This official plans the signage requirements of all events and coordinates the distribution, setting up and dismantling of signs and banners where needed. Works with each Chief on signage requirements and obtains signs as necessary.
Chief of Emergency Response Responsible for recruitment and assignment of mobile Advanced Wilderness First Aid teams. Key role in placement of teams along course and in development of the Emergency Response Plan.
Chief of Course Safety Responsible for recruitment and assignment of ski patrollers, both skiers and at fixed positions for course monitoring and control. Key role in communications with Patrollers and Food/Aid Stations. Acts as Liaison Officer with 911 services and Alberta Parks. Works from the designated Command Centre.
Volunteer Coordinator This official, working with Office staff, maintains a list of current and potential volunteers; assists loppet and Board committee members with meeting their need for volunteers; and coordinates volunteer recognition.
Recording Secretary This official records and compiles minutes of loppet committee meetings, maintains loppet committee files and distributes loppet committee information as required.
Communications This official is in charge of all loppet communications before, after and during the festival.