Two local cross-country ski clubs welcomed new and “new-again” skiers at events on January 11. Both events were well-attended.
Lakeland Cross-Country Ski Club offered cookies and hot chocolate as well as instruction and advice at St. Paul Golf Course. Rentals and ski waxing were available.
Bonnyville Nordic Ski Club also hosted an instructional event that day at Muriel Lake M.D. Park. Coach Les Parsons gave an instructional clinic for beginners before the skiers took to the trails. Equipment was available on loan.
The freeze-thaw cycle of early winter has presented some difficulties for grooming trails and setting tracks, but the snow was in good shape at both venues. Recent snowfalls will help to keep trails in good shape.
The Lakeland club maintains trails at St. Paul Golf Course and at Westcove north of St. Paul. The Bonnyville club’s trails are at the Muriel Lake M.D. Park and Cold Lake Provincial Park.
Other local trails are at Hamilton House Inn in Cherry Grove, and Cold Lake Golf and Winter Club at CFB Cold Lake.
Cross-country skiing is excellent aerobic exercise and a great way to enjoy the outdoors in winter. It can be as intense or as leisurely as you like, and is recognized as a “lifetime sport” that people can enjoy well into their senior years.






