Welcome to our Club E-Newsletter!
Spring is just around the corner!
President's Message
So we survived the Big Chill and before you know it, spring will be here! Get out and enjoy warmer temperatures and longer evenings - hopefully our snow pack will hold up until Easter like last year! There's lots on at the Club as usual - read all about it and see you on the trails! - Grant B.
Cougar Sighting - Feb 26
A big thank you to the skiers who reported their encounter in a timely manner. Fortunately it was a positive outcome for both parties with each behaving appropriately. Further information available on our Trail page. Would you be interested in attending a BearSmart workshop (applicable to other predatory wildlife too) at WNSC this Spring? See this month's survey question.
Sveinungsgaard Loppet
Join us this Saturday, March 9th for the 41st edition of this traditional Loppet which will take you off the beaten path on an epic adventure! It includes classical or free technique - full details here. Not a skier? Come down for a guided snow shoe! Lunch provided for all participants - just do it!
Race Team Rocking It!
Despite nature trying to freeze us out this winter, portions of the race team attended Westerns in Kelowna and Drayton Valley for our Alberta Championships (11 yrs and younger were cancelled due to cold temps). Medals were won, and even WNRT alumni joined us! The race team will be off to Ft. St. John in March and attempt #3 at the Wapiti-Irkie. Happy trails!
February Events Recap
Thanks to everyone who participated in our events last month - the Family Day hot dog roast was a hit despite the cold, and the Duathlon on Holiday Monday was a blast with over 30 participants. Check out the Duathlon video and photos on our Facebook page. The Chicks Valentine's Moonlight ski had pulses racing - not sure if it was the cold, the full moon or something else in the air!
Bottle Drive at WNSC
Keep an eye on our Facebook page and Upcoming Events web page for details on a bottle drive for the WNSC race team. All donations greatly appreciated. Absolutely no judgement!!
Dogs - Doo Doo & Dont's!
We love dogs but please remember that walking is NOT permitted on the designated North dog trails until skiing has ceased for the season. And whether you're skiing with your four legged friend in the winter or hiking in the summer - please respect our trails and other users by ALWAYS picking up after your pet. Thank you!
Event & Group Use of Trails
As our Club continues to grow and evolve into a year round outdoor haven, we understand that WNSC is a great venue for non skiing activities. However, as stewards of the land, we do need to have appropriate policies and procedures in place. To date, we have developed an event / group use application form and are continuing to work on an official policy. More details here.
Rentals
Equipment rentals continue to be available from 12noon - 4pm on Saturday & Sundays at the Lodge until the end of our winter season (dates will be posted when it closes). Full details here. All rentals on a first come basis.
Kids Jackrabbits
Parents - keep an eye on your email for updates from our Jackrabbits program coordinator. When the season draws to a close, they will advise you on dates & times that the kids ski rentals can be returned. We hope that your little ones have enjoyed their nordic season this year!
Chicks on Sticks
Thanks to the hardy Chicks who have braved the elements to date! We will keep skiing into March and will switch to skate technique once the snow gets too soft. And for those with "Chicklettes", the Parents & Tots group will continue on Tuesday mornings through March.
Tanks on Planks
The Tanks are still upwardly mobile and making tracks on Wednesdays at 7:00pm. Get outdoors after work and join them for a drop in evening ski! Rentals are available for those that need them 7pm - 9pm. Find out more about this program here.
Snowshoes & Fat Bikes
Wapiti Nordic is proud to offer options for non skiers! Check out our new multiuse single track trails and specific information on our Snowshoe and Fat Bike webpages. And don't forget to download the TrailForks app! Information will be posted when these trails close for the season.
Mountain Biking News!
Summer membership & Gals n Gears and Youth mountain biking programs are now live on Zone 4. The annual Bike Swap will be pn Saturday, April 6th. The first mountain bike race will be on Monday, May 20th - save the date, details to follow. Keep informed through our dedicated webpage!
Buy & Sell page on website
Did you know that we have a Buy & Sell page on our new website? It's a great way to repurpose old gear or pick up some gently used equipment, especially if you are starting out. Simply submit a photo and some basic info - no fee to post. Check it out here!
Club Governance
A complete list of our monthly Board meeting Minutes are available in the Lodge (hard copy) or on the dedicated page on our website. lf you would like to contact our Board or volunteer at the Club in some capacity please email us.
Monthly Member Survey
Check out this month's question here > Would you be interested in attending a BearSmart workshop at WNSC? (includes demo on how to use bear spray). Results from the February 2019 question: How important is it to you to have an annual Loppet (race) at WNSC? > Unfortunately this survey must be considered void as multiple entries came from the same IP addresses which significantly skewed the results. In the interest of fairness, and in the spirit of this volunteer club, we ask that in future, please only respond with one answer per person / IP address. Thank you.
Wapiti Nordic Ski Club (WNSC) is a volunteer driven, membership based regional service club. We rely on the support and dedication of our volunteers at the Board, coaching and grassroots levels, along with municipal and corporate sponsors. WNSC welcomes persons of all abilities, fitness levels, ethnicity and backgrounds. We are stewards of the Crown land that our trails are located on, and operate under a recreation lease governed by Alberta Environment and Parks.
Wapiti Nordic Ski Club
62009 TWP RD 704, County of Grande Prairie