Sufficient snow fall to this point in the winter has kept Good Spirit Cross Country Ski Club members busy enjoying the trails.
Darryl Stevenson, club president, said the club’s Annual General Meeting was held in mid October. Brian Dudar, manager of Good Spirit Lake Provincial Park, informed the meeting that the ski trails had already been cut by Park staff.
“The Club agreed to partner with the Provincial Park to upgrade trail signage, along with adding new map signs,” said Stevenson. “It should be noted that parts of the ski trails run along the Great Trail previously named Trans Canada Trail. The Park also upgraded that trail and signage as well.
“A new welcome sign was installed at the Park entrance, which includes a space for a picture. Pictures can be changed during the year. Ski pictures are shown in the winter which aids advertising for the club.”
A wood splitting bee was held in early November where 20 club members participated and then enjoyed a barbecue at the ski shelter.
“In early December, once the sloughs were adequately frozen, another work bee was organized to complete trail clearing in those areas,” said Stevenson.
Adequate snowfall was received earlier in the winter, which allowed club members to groom most of the trails in the first week of December.
“Skiing began several weeks earlier than last year’s ski season,” reported Stevenson. “Further snowfalls have allowed for all the trails to be groomed and open to skiers and snowshoers. To date the trails have been groomed four times and are in excellent shape, in contrast to last year’s trail conditions which had little snow, freezing rain and extremely cold temperatures at times.”
Stevenson said good snowfall levels and excellent conditions for cross-country skiing so far this winter have resulted in a noticeable increase in usage of the trails. The Club’s fees were lowered with an Early Bird incentive for the 2018/19 season in an effort to increase memberships early in the season.
“However, memberships are lower as compared to previous years, despite the fee incentive we provided,” he said. “Skiers are not required to have a membership, but are encouraged to obtain one with the club. This provides skiers insurance through Cross Country Canada and helps in obtaining grants from Sask Ski. Sask Ski grants are based on club memberships, so fewer memberships result in lower grant monies received.”
Obtaining a club membership comes with a number of useful benefits, according to Stevenson.
“Once a member, you are updated frequently on trail conditions and grooming by group emails. Club funds are used for purchasing and maintaining grooming equipment in partnership with the provincial park. Memberships can be obtained on line at Zone4.ca or by obtaining a registration form at the club’s website,” he explained.
He said skiers across the region have plenty to look forward to as the season continues. The annual Good Spirit Cross Country Ski Club Lamplighter Loppet is being planned for February 16.
“A great turnout is anticipated for this popular event,” said Stevenson. “Skiers from as far as Nipawin, Hudson Bay, and Humboldt have previously attended and many are already showing interest in returning.”
He said skiers have added incentive to participate in this year’s event.
“Sask Ski is promoting a challenge to avid skiers to attend as many loppets in the province as possible. This may help to increase event participation,” Stevenson explained.
“The Lamplighter Loppet is unique and can boast being the only night-time loppet held in Saskatchewan. This event is open to all ages and an increasing number of children have been attending each year. The Loppet begins at the Good Spirit Park recreation hall and includes a night ski of any distance while using a head lantern.
“Skiers are welcomed by light decorations along the trails and hot chocolate is provided by a bonfire at the warmup shelter.”
Stevenson said skiing is only one of the activities which will be happening at the Loppet.
“On return to the recreation hall a hot bowl of chili awaits followed by team games, prizes, and socializing,” said Stevenson. “A Lamplighter T-shirt and Loppet Completion Certificate is given to all who skied during the event.”
Those wishing to participate may register for this event online at Zone4.ca. or download the registration form at the Good Spirit Cross Country Ski Club website or email Anne Stupak, event coordinator at annestupak@gmail.com
Looking further into the future, Stevenson said the Pot of Gold Poker Derby is being planned for March but is very dependant on the weather.
“Details and a date will be announced closer to March should snow conditions allow. This event welcomes both snowshoers and cross-country skiers,” he said.
Stevenson said previous experience is not needed in order to enjoy cross-country skiing.
“Skiing is an excellent winter activity for all ages. For someone who is interested in trying this sport, I suggest borrowing or renting skis to start. There are several options for ski types and talking to a ski club member would be of great assistance,” he recommended.
“Once you decide that this is the sport for you, a decision can then be made to purchase your own equipment. The Good Spirit ski trails provide both flat and hilly sections which are suitable for beginning skiers. Also I have found that it is far more enjoyable skiing on groomed trails as opposed to skiing off trails.”
Stevenson said he has discovered that a person never knows what he or she might see while cross-country skiing in the Good Spirit region.
“Frequent sightings of deer and moose along the trails definitely adds to the uniqueness of the outdoor experience.”
