Bryan McBain, a club volunteer, previously spent some time walking the paths with a GPS unit to compile a digital reference that was superimposed onto a Google Map of the area, which was released last year in collaboration with the municipality.
While the map hasn’t changed, efforts have been underway to set tracks following accumulations of fresh snow, said McBain.
During the first week of January, the tracks at the rodeo grounds were opened.
“We use that for the Jack Rabbits program,” which started on Sunday, Jan. 5, he said.
“We’ve had a good early start. This time last year for the first few lessons, we were out at Burnstick Lake,” he said a few days later.
“And when the snow finally did come in February, it was bitterly cold.”
While the program is geared for youths aged about five to 16 — this year’s enrolment of 26 registrations is nearly identical to last season — adults and parents are encouraged to come out, he said.
“If someone isn’t a confident skier and wants to try it, they’re welcome,” he said, adding lessons are scheduled every Sunday at 2 p.m.
“Just show up. There’s nothing stopping parents from coming out to try. There’ll be someone there to give you a hand if you’re really uncertain.”
Several parents bring their own skis and proceed leisurely at their own pace while their kids spend time with coaches, he said.
McBain, who has about 40 years of experience on cross-country skis and teaches an intermediate group, said the more experienced youth are taken out to explore the trails on Snake Hill, which offers more varied terrain. The bowl area, for example, offers a great opportunity to teach downhill techniques like turning and speed control. However, some sections of trail are too steep, so for safety’s sake, not all of the paths on Snake Hill have tracks set, he added.
The club’s efforts also cater to more than cross-country skiers.
“I’ve been out a lot more times fat biking,” said McBain.
Specialized equipment allows volunteers to not only set tracks for cross-country, but also flatten a base for walkers and bikers, he said.
“On the west side of the (Red Deer) river, pretty much everything we ride mountain bikes on is groomed for fat bikes. Trail conditions right now are superb,” he said.
Walkers also enjoy the flattened surface, but are asked to avoid stepping on the cross-country ski tracks, he said.
Locals aren’t the only ones who love the trails, and McBain said he’s met people from out of town who come specifically to explore Sundre’s network of paths.
“They were very complimentary about the quality of our trails,” he said, adding that drawing people into Sundre also brings in some economic stimulation.
Barring any sudden warm spells brought on by a chinook, McBain anticipates a stellar season.
When asked what he enjoys about fat biking and cross-country skiing, he said, “It’s readily accessible and low cost. I’ve done downhill skiing in the past, but that involves a travel cost.”
Over the holidays, about a dozen club members met up for a Sunday fun day on Dec. 29, riding the trails and later roasting some smokies. Depending on interest, another similar event might be planned, and McBain encourages anyone who’s interested to follow the club’s activities online.
