Barneløpet children's race is TODAY, Feb. 8, at Maasto Hiihto

Sons of Norway members announce the Barneløpet children's ski race during the Heikinpäivä Parade on Jan. 31, 2015, in Hancock. (Photo by Keweenaw Now).

HANCOCK --The Barneløpet ("Children’s Race" in Norwegian) -- a classic-style cross-country ski event sponsored jointly by the Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club (KNSC), City of Hancock, and the Sons of Norway’s Ulseth Lodge -- will be held at 2 p.m. TODAY, Sunday, Feb. 8 at Maasto Hiihto Trails. Registration is at 1 p.m.at the the Four Seasons Chalet at the trailhead in Hancock (County Fair Grounds).

Kids take off at the start of the 2014 Barneløpet. (File photo © and courtesy The Trail Mutt Reports)

Registration is open for ages 3 through 17 years old. The Barneløpet start is at the Hancock Four Seasons Chalet trailhead on the Maasto Hiihto cross-country trail system with groomed and marked courses of 1, 2, 4, and 6 km, each for children of differing ages/abilities. Start times: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. in age groups. Parents can ski with their children if they wish, to make it a family outing.

This is a noncompetitive event. Ski for time or take your time!

Youth skiers who complete their chosen course receive a large, colorful enameled Participation Medallion and can enjoy the hot chocolate and cookie treats provided at the Chalet for everyone after they finish. A suggested donation of $3 per child or $5 per family, to help defray the costs of the event, is welcome.

To download a registration form, click here.