Ski trails are groomed and the 100 Mile Nordics Ski Society cross-country ski club is down to business with lessons and activities in full swing at its 99 Mile Trails headquarters.
Children in the Skill Development Program (SDP), formerly called Jackrabbits, got a jump on the season with dryland training that began at the end of November. With snow is on the ground now, they’re out on the trails learning technique and having fun.
Until recently, they had to use headlamps during their weekday evening lessons because fallen trees had taken out the night-time trail lighting system.
Club media spokesperson Lauren Bock says the children actually had fun skiing with the headlamps, so the lack of lighting didn’t cause much of a problem. It was a bigger headache for club member Neil Manhard who scaled at least 40 poles in the system, looking the problem.
The SDP runs on Tuesdays and Sundays, but Bock notes that soon, those who want to learn to race can also attend lessons on Thursdays.
Program instructors are Colleen Ellens, Barb Matfin, Ken McKenzie, Kristi Everson, Lydia deGroot, Bock, Sandy Law and several assistants.
There are a few things going on for adult members, with an informal ladies’ group planning a few moonlight skis, and adult lessons by instructor Gary Carlson are also in the works.
The day lodge has new operators this year. Cam and Colleen Robb from 70 Mile House have taken on the contract and the lodge is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.
Homemade soup and snacks are always available, along with hot and cold beverages. They also provide maps and information about the ski trails.
The Cariboo Gold Rush Marathon on Feb. 8 is the only big ski event being planned by the club this season. Previous years have seen the Nordics host BC Cups, but due to a shortage of volunteers and trained officials, it won’t be possible this season.
The volunteer list is desperately short on trail groomers and Bock says they will train anyone who wants to help out. The club uses snowmobiles and a large grooming machine to maintain the trails, which, she says, might be appealing to some people.
“Even if you don’t ski but like to drive those machines, the club wants to hear from you.”
Anyone interested in learning more about the trail-grooming opportunities can contact club president Nicola Maughn at 250-791-6331 or e-mail nemaughn@gmail.com.
Cross-country skiers who wish to ski the trails need a trail pass and they are available at the day lodge for $10 for a day pass and $50 for a punch card, which allows six visits. A season pass is $120 for a single and $240 for a family and club membership is included in those prices.
For up-to-date trail reports, check out the club Facebook page at www.facebook.com/100milenordics. Club and event information can be found on its website at www.100milenordics.com.
