MOOSE LAKE – The Moose Lake Provincial Park now has groomed cross-country skiing trails thanks to the volunteer efforts of Luc Choquet.
Choquet said the trail winds through the spruce and pine of the Boreal forest and creates a beautiful and beginner friendly track for everyone to enjoy.
“These are the trails you’ll want to go on as a beginner,” said Choquet. “[Cross-country skiing is] low impact, but it's one of the best cardiovascular workouts.”
Choquet praised the Bonnyville Nordic Ski Club for its efforts in promoting and facilitating the sport, and feels he plays a small role in comparison to the work others do – but it is a role he is happy to fill.
“It’s great, I enjoy it. It’s about one and a half to two hours depending on the conditions, and I just go out for a little cruise on my sled,” said Choquet.
He explained the cross-country skiing trails within the MD of Bonnyville are maintained by the municipality, but because the park is a provincial park, the Bonnyville Nordic Ski Club has had to work with the province to organize the maintenance of cross-country skiing trails. In order to groom the trails, Choquet was required to take safety courses and must check in with park rangers before grooming the trails.
“It's a nice thing, because a lot of people have put in a lot of time to make this skiing possible. The people that run the club really put a lot of work in,” said Choquet.
Choquet reminds skiers that the trails are not very well marked yet, though they have plans to add signage. When using the trails, it is recommended you let someone know that you are out there.
Choquet reports the trails are also sometimes used by hikers, which can be a hindrance because walking damages the trails that are groomed specifically for cross-country skis. Though the trails could be enticing for hikers, Choquet confirmed that the Bonnyville Nordic Ski Club offers ski rentals, and anyone wishing to use the trails is encouraged to give the sport a try.
Choquet said he loves the winter season, and the activities the snow brings. He spoke fondly of the area and the outdoor opportunities it offers, with landscapes on the cusp between prairie and forest that you can glide across on a pair of skis.
