KAMSACK - Powder to the people! The former Kamsack Ski Club, now known as the Duck Mountain Nordic Club, marks 45 years as a volunteer club, offering a prime winter recreation option in southeastern Saskatchewan.
Kevin Sutton, spokesperson for the club says thanks to Bruno Lamire, who was instrumental in working with SaskParks to create much of the 54 km of intimate cross-country trails in the park. This is in addition to six shelters.
“Bruno also started the XC loppet (Scandinavian for a gathering) which is held the last Saturday in February; Feb 22nd this year.”
The club is affiliated with provincial and national associations, under the guidance of an executive, Kevin Sutton President, Cheryl Brooke sec/treasurer, Ken McNeil trail maintenance and Les Schmidt member at large. In addition to the executive, there are a group of dedicated volunteers who help in early season cleanup of deadfall and trial preparation.
“The loppet is the second largest event in Saskatchewan. Last year we had 150 skiers at +3C and the year before we had the same number at -28C!? This signature event would not occur without a large number of volunteers manning the shelters, registration, meals, etc. We also extend a thank you to the many businesses that support the loppet as an event that encourages family activity,” adds Sutton
Membership consists mostly of people outside the immediate park area. There are buses that travel from Regina and Winnipeg to ski the Duck Mountain Nordic Club trail system.
“During COVID, we saw our highest membership of 139. That dropped significantly last year as much of the province had little to no snow. Membership numbers is primarily what our grant money is calculated upon. The grant funding we receive goes towards maintaining the shelters (new doors/siding), signage, trail equipment, etc. Therefore, if you are a user of the trails in any capacity, we encourage you to support our club by becoming a member,” said Sutton.
The cross-country ski at Duck Mountain Provincial Park trail system begins at the golf course shelter where a skier can do a 2.5km easy cruise of the Golf Course or add on a bit more challenging 6.5 km on the Fire Tower loop. The backcountry trails are more challenging from a fitness and skill perspective. There are five shelters on the trail system to rest/warmup or even overnight.
Sutton affirms that the time requirement is significant to groom/maintain the trails.
“The last several years the club started to work in a supportive role with the park. However, last year SaskParks made some operational changes mandating that in order to continue to be involved in grooming the trails we would have to purchase our own grooming snowmobile.”
Sutton says they decided to continue as a club and seek out a used Skidoo Skandic (workhorse). The cross-country ski club also purchased a “roller” which is integral to early-season preparation and post-heavy snowfall.
“The club wants to provide the best-groomed trails possible to ensure a positive skiing experience regardless of skill or fitness. We have the knowledge in grooming with Ken McNeil, who has groomed for World Cup races as well as the Olympics. In addition, we have members with a wealth of experience skiing in a variety of ski locations,” acknowledges Sutton.
Volunteers have put in 160-man hours to date this season removing deadfall and there is more to do the group says they are lucky to have received a good snowfall to start preparing the trails for the season.
Unfortunately, Sutton says, the Park has had an untimely breakdown of several machines. Nevertheless, the Sask. Nordic Club got out and rolled/packed and set the Golf Course and Fire Tower trails for both skate and classic skiing.
Sutton provides the following links for further information:
Membership via zone4.ca
Latest trail information via nordicpulse.com
DMNC web page duckmountainnordicclub.ca
Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TheKamsackSkiClub/
