By ALLAN MARSLAND, race director

REMEMBER way back in those pre–COVID times when the snow was deeper and the grass was greener and preparations were underway to celebrate the 30th Kangaroo Hoppet at Falls Creek.

Some really nice artwork was commissioned for a new poster and special logo for the event, and then the wheels fell off most things, including some that did not have wheels in the first place.

Not to be daunted the Hoppet organisers decided to hold a virtual event which was a roaring success with 1806 participants from 37 nations completing their 2020 Hoppet distance of choice somewhere on one of the seven continents.

And without the usual limited two options of classic or skate technique, participants were able to choose their physical activity of choice.

And what a range of decision were made.

Along with the expected cycling, running and roller skiing we saw activities as varied as swimming, canoeing, unicycling, and even skiing in ski tunnels and on glaciers for those lucky enough to live near one.

Then it was 2021 and the organising committee looked into their crystal ball and decided that while they would still need a virtual event for overseas skiers it should be all systems go for Australian skiers to have a real on–snow 30th Hoppet this time.

Full of optimism they rejigged the 2021 artwork and ordered race bibs, Joey Hoppet cloth patches, and age class award coffee mugs.

And we all know what happened in 2021 with lockdowns and state border closures don't we.

So once again it was virtual Hoppets all round.

While the cloth patches and coffee mugs were all dated, a bit of smart thinking by someone in the committee resulted in the date being left off the race bibs.

So, in the back of the Hoppet shed there is a stack of boxes with the Hoppet 30 bibs in them all ready for the third try at holding Hoppet 30.

Of course there is also a stash of 2021 dated coffee mugs and cloth patches just waiting for someone to make an offer.

So here we are...July 2022 and with the best start to a ski season that we can remember plans are again underway for Hoppet 30 to be held at Falls Creek this time on Saturday, August 27, 2022 with a new poster and t–shirt design from local artist Andy Shuttleworth.

And while there will be new 2022 dated coffee cups and cloth patches those Hoppet 30 bibs from the back store room will hopefully see the light of day.

But 'hang on a minute – just what is this Hoppet stuff all about?' some of our more perceptive gentle readers may well ask.

First held in 1991, the Kangaroo Hoppet is a 42km international cross country ski race held annually at Falls Creek on the fourth Saturday in August.

There are shorter 21km and 7km events for those who want to part of the action but feel that the main event is a bit beyond their skill and or fitness level.

In a normal year the event attracts over 1000 skiers with over 20 nations represented.

The Hoppet is part of the Worldloppet series of long distance ski events held in 20 countries over five continents, including the island nations of Iceland, New Zealand and Japan.

With around 1000 entries and 42km the Hoppet is one of the smaller and shorter events in the series.

Pride of place in terms of numbers and distance goes to the Vasaloppet in Sweden, with a main race of 90km with 15,000 starters, and another 40,000 skiers taking part in other events over an eight day period.

Entries for the Kangaroo Hoppet opened on June 1 and while the earlybird rate will apply until August 13, now is always the best time to enter and make that commitment to be part of the action on Saturday, August 27, "when the world comes to Falls Creek".

More details and the online forms are at www.hoppet.com.au