Ski Like Ole Lapapalooza 2024 Event Details
To start off his New Year in 2021, then eleven year old Ole Heie set out to see just how far he could ski in a day. Always scheming his next big thing, this crazy kind of challenge was normal for Ole. His family knew he’d be out there all day and night if he could so they told him “You have until the sun goes down.” Unbeknownst to his family, in the back of his mind, Ole had set himself an insane goal – to xc ski 100km! At ELEVEN!
The plan was to start at 9am – skiing a 10km loop, switching between classic and skate ski techniques. In true Heie fashion, Ole’s clock started a little late (not the fault of Ole)…9:14 am. Would you believe that at exactly 5pm, 7 hours 46 minutes later (6 hours 48 minutes moving time); Ole rolled into the stadium having met his goal? He actually surpassed it!! Rolling in at 102.17 km just as the sun was dipping down over the horizon. At just eleven years old, Ole skied an impressive 102.17 km posting funny instagram stories, eating gummies & his Great Baba’s perogies, while joyfully skiing the day away…
How far is 102.17 km?
That’s like skiing nearly two whole Birkies in one day!
That’s like skiing 2.5 FULL marathons in a day!
That’s the distance between Camrose City Hall and Edmonton City Hall, via the Heie Farm at Kingman.
That’s 1,021.7 lengths of a soccer field
It’s about 300 times as tall as the Eiffel tower
It’s about 1/400th of the circumference of the Earth!
Ole’s impressive feat quickly captured the attention & hearts of people across the country. In an interview shortly after, CBC asked Ole what kept him going, and his answer was hilariously concise: gummies. This was no surprise to those who knew and loved Ole! Besides gummies, Ole was fueled by Baba’s perogies, the support of his family, including his sister Ava (who skied 45/100 km with him), as well as friends from around the world as they caught on to what he was doing through his Insta stories. Gradually throughout the day, Ole received more and more messages of support through his Instagram, people coming to cheer him & his family on in person, and some even brought freshly baked cookies.
Ole’s infectious smile, pure joy & kindness lit up the world around him throughout his entire life. Cross country skiing, biathlon, running, swimming, mountain biking & road cycling, music and writing became important passions and talents that Ole chose to pursue, gaining endless skills and friendships along the way. He absolutely loved his school and trail communities. He was a hard worker with big hopes and dreams. He truly believed in inspiring & encouraging people of all ages and abilities. He believed everyone was capable of amazing things and everyone’s amazing looks different. One of his favorite sayings was “you do you and I’ll do me and in the end the world will be an amazing place”. Ole passed away suddenly on Saturday, July 10th, 2021 at the age of twelve, leaving his family, friends, teammates and training buddies around the world shocked & devastated.
A driven and dedicated athlete, Ole was known for crushing impressive goals. He was comfortable being himself and making a connection with any person, regardless of their age or ability. He had a natural way of creating energy that motivated those around him and a determination to wish others well. Although often one of the first to finish any race, Ole always excitedly cheered every last racer across the finish line and was often the first to offer kudos & encouraging words on Strava and Instagram to everyone from peers to teachers and coaches and parents to elite athletes and Olympians. Ole’s world was far larger than we ever imagined. He has unknowingly inspired so many people around the world to simply do their best – after all, why are you doing what you are doing? To Ole, sport wasn’t just about racing. Yes, Ole had a fierce competitive streak and he loved to race, but he used sport to become the best version of himself and to encourage others to set goals, celebrate gains, encourage each other and enjoy the moments…EVERY MOMENT.
Ole started a movement. His family continue to carry on his Legacy through events such as Ski Like Ole Lapapalooza, and projects that will benefit individuals and entire communities in ways that Ole would be proud to be a part of and allow Ole to continue inspiring people of every age and ability…people like YOU!
#SKI LIKE OLE | #SkiLikeOle
#livelikeole @livelikeole
www.livelikeole.ca
2024 EVENT DETAILS
On the last Sunday of the year (Dec 29, 2024), finish your year off with a bang and join us for the 4th Ski Like Ole Lap-a-palooza (in person and virtual). We encourage you – as Ole would – to enjoy the trails with your friends, family and teammates, challenge yourself to do something ridiculous, set a goal (no matter how small or insane it may seem), learn the motivating factor of gummies and feel what it’s like to accomplish something amazing.
All registered in person and virtual participants will receive an exclusive SKI LIKE OLE decal as well as a chance to win some amazing prizes.
Category for Clubs taking part!
- Special prize pack for clubs to host their own Ski Like Ole event (visit www.livelikeole.ca to order your prize pack)!
VIRTUAL event that makes it easier for you to choose the day that works best for you (or your club). Virtual dates Dec 21-Jan 2. *Note: to be eligible for the 102.17 km #skilikeole award, this MUST be completed and verified in one single day.
Ski Like Ole Lap-a-palooza!
December 29, 2024
Camrose Ski Club, Stoney Creek Centre or Virtually from anywhere in the world
**Gather your team, club, or a group of friends and #skilikeole
The goal is to ski as far as you can in 7 hours and 46 minutes
Official Start Time: 9:14 am, End Time: 5:00 pm (feel free to come and go)
Skiers in Camrose – each loop you will receive your draw tickets (1 ticket for each km skied).
Special award for anyone completing the 102km
Special awards for furthest skied
Sportsmanship award
Hourly draws and many more awesome prizes to be had!
Virtual prizes!
Details on how to submit your Virtual distance will be sent to all registered skiers prior to 5:00pm Jan 2
Year 1 we skied a whopping 3145km!
Year 2 we skied 3783km!
Year 3 we skied 4874.59km, ice skated 4.4km, biked 405.52km, hiked 88.35km, ran 176.49km, rode 1.65km on a mule & caught 1 fish for an ASTONISHING TOTAL of over 5548 KM on a NON SNOW year
Do you think we can top that?
For skiers that come to Camrose to celebrate Ole there will be:
A 10km, 5km, and 1km marked loops
Hot beverages, hot dogs, and camp fires
Access to the Stoney Creek Centre upstairs.