Submitted by Richard Burkholder
The Nechako Nordics have been very busy this summer in preparation for another great season of cross-country skiing this winter.
The group is asking residents to become members of the Nechako Valley Sporting Association (NVSA). Members of NVSA - Nechako Nordics Cross-Country ski section - have unlimited access to both the NVSA and Waterlily Lake Trail Systems.
Again, this year the Nechako Nordics will be offering ski-bunnies, jackrabbits, track attack, race group, biathlon and adult lessons. Ski S’Kool lessons will also be offered for all Vanderhoof school children in grades 2, 3 and 4.
With the increase in enrolment last winter, Nordics recognized that they needed to expand their existing parking facilities. The club received a grant from the Vanderhoof Community Foundation to help with this project. This expansion will be a blessing all winter but especially when the Nordics are hosting the Biathlon BC Cup #2 on Jan. 21-23, 2022, and Teck Northern Cup #6 on Feb. 19, 2022.
Volunteers are needed for these events, so let the Nordics know if you can help.
The Nechako Nordics opened their ski rental shed to the public for the first-time last winter. It was a phenomenal success.
Through grants from Artemis Gold, the Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund, Kal Tire, and the Integris Credit Union Community Foundation the club has ordered more ski (including skate ski boots and skate skis) and waxing equipment in preparation for this winter season. The ski rental shed will be open to the public for a select number of days during Christmas Holidays and starting in January on Sundays from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.
Please note that all renters 12-years and older must provide proof of vaccination.
A selective harvesting has been completed along the ski trails. This will allow more snow to fall on the trails and improve snow conditions this winter. Additional trail maps and signage will now make it easier for skiers to know where they are on the trail system.
For safety reason the club grooming equipment will be parked on the west side of the clubhouse. This is a temporary fix, as the group hope to have a purpose-built grooming shed built in the Spring of 2022.
Skiers will enjoy better night skiing this winter as well. Lighting has been improved for the ski equipment shed area and the Archery Range ski area.
As we are still in the midst of a pandemic, the Nechako Nordics will be following all the Northern Health COVID-19 regulations. Thus, all COVID protocols in place last year will still apply (such as limiting the use of the Clubhouse to emergency bathroom and warm-up only and mandatory mask-use in the Clubhouse until on the trails). In addition, as per the new Northern Health regulations all coaches and helpers will be fully vaccinated.
For more information, please contact Richard Burkholder at bur9000@telus.net
ALSO READ: Proof of vaccinations required at 2022 BC Winter Games in Vernon
Have a story tip? Reach out to the editor at aman.parhar@ominecaexpress.com