INNISFAIL - The Innisfail Nordic Ski Club officially opened its trails for the season over the Christmas holidays.
"December 24 was the first track setting on the golf course and around Napoleon Trail," said Colleen Willigar, secretary-treasurer for the club. "People are excited about the recent snowfall and lots of skiers have been out.
"There's great snow and great conditions now," she added. "We're excited for the rest of the winter."
The cross-country ski club is now in its fourth season and uses five kilometres of ski trails through the Innisfail Golf Club and two kilometres of ski trails around Napoleon Lake.
"We're really fortunate to be able to use Napoleon Trail as well as the golf course," she said. "Napoleon Trail differs from the golf course because of its treed and scenic route around the lake. If skiers are looking for something a little bit different, more into nature, they can try out the Napoleon Trail."
Membership for the club has been low due to the lack of snow, but picked up with the recent snowfall over the holidays, noted Willigar.
"We usually have about 35 members and I anticipate the same (for this season)."
Last year the club was looking to fundraise for a new snow machine to groom the trails said Willigar, pointing to an arrangement with the Innisfail Downhill Ski Club.
"The downhill ski club purchased a brand new (machine) and they are letting us use theirs," said Willigar, adding it has been a big help for the club. "They are renting it to us when we need it.
"It's been used a couple of times already this season," she added.
Willigar encourages all cross-country enthusiasts to support the Innisfail Nordic Ski Club and purchase a membership. Memberships are $30 per adult and $60 per family, said Willigar.
"It's good for the entire season and helps equipment rental, upkeep and fuel for the snow machine," she said. "Memberships are our only source of income."
Willigar's son Bryce is returning as the president of the club and will once again offer lessons if there is enough interest, she noted.
Willigar noted the number of people who snowshoe beside the trails and encourages snowshoers to help the club maintain the trails and area.
"We would like to encourage the snowshoers to also purchase a membership, to be on the golf course and to be on our area," said Willigar, noting trails are always open and groomed regularly.
For more information visit the club's Facebook page, Innisfail Nordic or contact Willigar at 403-348-9538 or [email protected]
Colleen Willigar
"There's great snow and great conditions now. We're excited for the rest of the winter."
