BONNYVILLE - One of Bonnyville's newest clubs is getting ready for its first season. The Bonnyville Nordic Ski Club has officially been established, following a meeting that attracted about 60 people from Bonnvyille and Cold Lake.
On Oct. 24, the club's first event took place at the Muriel Lake M.D. Park, aimed at teaching some basics and getting cross country skiers familiar with the trails at the park before they actually put on their skis.
"We had over 40 people attend our Bonnyville Nordic Ski Club first outdoor event at Muriel Lake on Saturday," says Les Parsons, one of the organizers who spearheaded the club.
"People of all ages - newborns in backpacks to elderly - joined us, from Bonnyville, St. Paul, Cold Lake, and including three teenage gals from Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement near Lac La Biche, who represented our Zone 7 Region at the 2020 Alberta Winter Games," says Parsons, when speaking about those who attended on Saturday.
The event was free to those who attended.
First, a presentation took place, explaining the "clothing layering system." The presentation was meant to educate people about what clothing works best for cross country skiing.
Next, Parsons helped teach people the technique for nordic walking with ski poles. The skill is useful in that the technique with ski poles activates the same muscles needed for skiing once there is enough snow.
"The highlight of the day was nordic walking with new friends, while discovering and exploring the beautiful wilderness forest trail in Muriel Lake Park," says Parsons.
In an email sent out ahead of the event, Sarah Parsons explained the importance of visiting the trails ahead of the snow.
"We don’t want the hills and turns to take you by surprise when you’re on skis," said Sarah.
Representatives from the Lakeland Cross Country Ski Club, based out of St. Paul, were also on hand for the event.
Next up
Lakeland Cross Country Ski Club
The Lakeland Cross Country Ski Club will be hosting a similar nordic walking workshop this weekend. Those interested are invited to head out to the WengzynowSKI Ranch Ski Trails, located northeast of St. Paul, in the MD of Bonnyville.
The workshop will take place on Oct. 31 at 1 p.m. and wrap up around 3 p.m. The event is free to attend and is open to skier and walkers of all abilities.
Les and Sarah Parsons will be the facilitators. Ski poles will be made available.
