Welcome snow in late January has noticeably boosted the spirit of members of the Good Spirit Cross Country Ski Club.
Darryl Stevenson, club president, said early snow coverage back in November was not enough to properly set the trails, since the grass remained exposed in some areas. But skiing continued in spite of the variable conditions.
Stevenson said the end of 2017 brought with it some difficult circumstances.
“During the Christmas holidays parts of the ski trails were damaged by snowmobilers and could not be reset immediately due to the extremely cold weather. In addition, the area received freezing rain which caused the trails to become solid ice. Attempts were made to reset the trails once weather warmed up but the track setting equipment was unable to break through the ice.”
This left the trails unsuitable for skiing until a snowfall of 15 to 20 centimetres across the region in late January. Stevenson said club members reset the trails immediately following the much-needed snow, providing excellent skiing conditions.
“Plans are underway to reset the trails weekly as a result of deterioration and damage being caused by increased moose and deer traffic.”
Stevenson said present conditions on the trails are much improved over last year, mainly due to the increased snow cover. He hopes the recent snow continues to bring out more skiers.
“The poor weather conditions last year and earlier this year put a strain on club memberships, being noticeably down from the previous years. This affects Sask Ski grants awarded to the club as amounts are based directly on the number of memberships registered through Sask Ski.”
Stevenson said he’s pleased to see a number of new faces on the ski trails so far this winter. He said many Good Spirit members take advantage of the benefits of registering with the Yorkton Cross Country Ski Club.
“The Yorkton club offers ski rentals, skate skiing and ski waxing information. The Good Spirit trails provide a combination of relatively flat trails on one part and on a majority of the trails you find moderate undulating hills surrounded by trees. Skiers with pets are encouraged to enjoy the trails.
“Our club welcomes snowshoers, providing an area alongside the ski trails for this activity.”
Stevenson and the Good Spirit Club members work closely with Good Spirit Provincial Park staff, sharing facilities, equipment and workers, including help from Brian Dudar, park manager, and his staff.
Preparations are well underway for the Good Spirit Club’s Family Day Saturday and the eighth annual Lamplighter Loppet on February 17. With the present excellent snow conditions, Stevenson said expectation are for an enjoyable event, with many skiers in attendance from the Canora region and across the province.
“The Lamplighter Loppet is a fun night ski event and is the only such night Loppet that is held in all of Saskatchewan. It is an untimed event which provides distances of eight to 15 km of skiing with a headlamp. The minimal entry fee includes a hot meal, refreshments, games, prizes and a Lamplighter T-shirt.”
An entry form for the Lamplighter Loppet is available at the club’s website at: goodspiritski.blogspot.ca
Stevenson said further events may be planned following the Loppet, as permitted by weather and snow conditions.
He said anyone looking for further information on cross-country skiing in the region may visit the club’s website or email him at [email protected].
