INNISFAIL – The recent snowfall has been a welcome sight for local skiers.
The Innisfail Nordic Ski Club has already hit the trails this year.
“We have started our season. The golf course is track set as well as the Napoleon (Lake) trails,” said Colleen Willigar of the Innisfail Nordic Ski Club.
Track setting on the town's two trails, at the Innisfail Golf Club and at Napoleon Lake, was completed around the beginning of December she noted, adding this year the trails are open to both skiers and snowshoers.
“We’ve had a few people tell us the tracks are great,” said Willigar. “People have been out using them skiing and snowshoeing.”
The club has been a part of the Innisfail winter sport scene since 2013, and recently decided to change its name to the Innisfail Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Club, said Willigar, adding the name change reflects several snowshoers that have joined the club and are using the trails.
“We would like the snowshoers also to pay for a membership because they’re using the (trails) as well,” she said. “Our club’s only source of income is through registration. Our goal would be to get more people to sign up, register with the club and pay their fees.”
The season runs from November to March, depending on the weather, she added, noting they usually see about 30 members in the club every year, with hopes of expanding that this season.
Club fees are $30 for individuals and $60 per family (of any size).
Coreen Nelson and her family are avid cross-country skiers and were out enjoying the trails on Saturday.
“We’re really excited to be outside in the warm weather today,” said Nelson. “It’s gorgeous here. We’re lucky to have these trails and this area.”
Willigar said cross-country skiing is a good way for people to enjoy the winter and hopes to see more people give the sport a try this year.
“Last season went really well. We had lots of snow,” said Willigar. “This season we’re just looking forward to more and more club members enjoying the trails.”
Registration forms are available Monday to Friday at the Sunshine Blends Market in the Eastgate Mall.
For more information visit the Innisfail Nordic Ski Club page on Facebook.
