*Updated December 29*

Interrupted for reasons of which we are all aware, the Jackrabbit Classic cross-country skiing event is back, signalling the birth of a tradition. The event, which is being held for the third time, was originally scheduled to take place at Mont-Tremblant National Park, in the La Diable sector. It will finally take place at the Domaine Saint-Bernard, in Mont-Tremblant, on Sunday, January 22.

Created by the Red Birds Ski Club of Mont-Tremblant to honour the heritage of the famous skiing pioneer Herman “Jackrabbit” Johannsen, the Classique Jackrabbit Classic event’s goal is to encourage cross-country skiing and ski touring.

“The groomed cross-country ski trails of the Domaine Saint-Bernard are absolutely perfect for classic-style cross-country skiing and winter adventure,” say the event organizers.

The day-long cross-country skiing event offers courses of 60 km (8 a.m. start); 40 km (9 a.m. start); 30 km (9:30 a.m. start); and 20 km (10 a.m.). New routes have been established to encourage intermediate and experienced participants.

Reached by phone, Michael O’Gorman, great-grandson of Herman “Jackrabbit” Smith-Johannsen, will participate in the 60 km trial. He confides, with a chuckle, that he was placed on skis before he even knew how to walk.

“I didn’t know my great-grandfather well; I was only seven years old when he died,” Michael explains. “But I often have the impression that his spirit and heritage were transmitted to me and I try, as much as possible, to perpetuate them. I feel it particularly strongly every time I ski and I’m extremely proud and very honoured to participate in this third such event,” he confides. “It seems to me that the Classique Jackrabbit captures and promotes Jackrabbit’s message, which was to go play outside, to go skiing and explore. Particularly the 60 km event, a distance that he skied regularly,” says Michael, who has participated in several national, long-distance, cross-country skiing events.

Also reached by phone, Peter Austen, Jackrabbit’s grandson and the son of Peggy Johannsen (Austen), 1937 Canadian champion of cross-country skiing, can’t be present on January 22. He continues to ski, particularly in the Mont-Tremblant region, and considers that the Jackrabbit Classic keeps alive the traditions established by his grandfather.

“It’s a fantastic event. My grandfather cut many of the cross-country ski trails in the Laurentians, which allow a lot of people to discover this sport,” Peter Austen notes. “He loved talking to people, especially about Canada and what this country has to offer in terms of outdoor sports. I believe he skied all his life, with the possible exception of the final two years. I am really proud of my grandfather and very happy to see that all that he built and defended continues,” Peter concludes.

redbirdsskiclub.com

sepaq.com

inscriptionenligne.ca/classique-jack-rabbit-classic/en/individual-registration-jack-rabbit-classic

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