For 2006 the Kelowna Loppet decided to try a new format for loppet skiing. We decided to hold a continuous pursuit format race where the contestants would ski a 15 km course using classic technique, change to their skating equipment and ski a different 15 km course using free technique. Since not everybody wants to ski both techniques we gave people the option of skiing the course as a relay where the first skier would ski 15 km classic and then tag their partner who would ski 15 km free technique. Shorter distances were skied by younger skiers, who only skied classic technique. The race started with a mass start so that placing was detemined by the order of crossing the finish line.

Carpet was laid out for pursuit race skiers to stand on while changing from classic to free technique equipment, but about 10 cm of snow fell just before the race started and the carpet was covered with snow.