The Innisfail Nordic Ski Club is gearing up for another season.
"We're waiting for some snow,î said Colleen Willigar of the Innisfail Nordic Ski Club. "In our first two years we were between 35 to 40 members. We do anticipate that (number) again this year but everything is a little behind because of the lack of snow.î
Now in Its third season, the cross-country ski club is encouraging anyone who shares a passion for skiing and the outdoors to join the club and give it a try.
"We do have group skiing Saturdays and Sundays (throughout the season),î she said. "Whoever wants to ski with a group gets together Saturday and Sunday afternoons at 2 p.m. We meet at the trail at the golf course,î said Willigar.
In addition to the group outings, Willigar's son Bryce, president of the club, is a certified instructor and will be offering hill terrain and level terrain lessons this year as well.
The trails that the ski club uses include five kilometres of trails through the Innisfail Golf Course and two kilometres around Napolean Lake.
They currently have a volunteer who uses a tracksetter to groom the trails, but goals for the club this year include recruiting new members and raising money for needed equipment.
"We are trying to fundraise to purchase a snow machine to groom the trails that would belong to the club,î said Willigar. "That's our big hope for this year.î
Willigar said Nordic skiing is an enjoyable sport that anyone can do.
"The fitness is amazing. It is an opportunity to be outside and embrace winter,î explained Willigar. "There's beautiful scenery that you get to see through many different trails, whether you ski here in Innisfail or in the mountains.î
The last two years have been successful, she noted, adding she and club members are looking forward to another great season.
"I call it a forever sport. There's families and many seniors that have joined our club that have skied for many years and they quite enjoy it,î said Willigar. "You can ski as hard as you want or as easy as you want with it.î
For more information visit the Innisfail Nordic Ski Club's Facebook page, Innisfail Nordic, or contact Colleen Willigar at Innisfailnordic @gmail.com or call 403-348-9538.
Colleen Willigar
"I call it a forever sport. There's families and many seniors that have joined our club that have skied for many years and they quite enjoy it."
