Welcome to our Club E-Newsletter!
The ski days are getting longer!
Oops! We leapt forward an edition ...
Sorry that we missed sending the February edition of this e-newsletter... as a volunteer organization sometime things don't always happen on time. Same with our Facebook responses - we try to respond same day but it often depends on what our volunteers are up to in their own time. All of our key information is on our website. Thanks for your patience and understanding.
Calling all fun seekers to our Annual Loppet (= ski & snow shoe race) Sat, March 7th
Here's your chance to participate in an event that's as much about the social, as it is the race! Meet fellow snow enthusiasts right here on your doorstep in GP! For skiers - 3km, 5km, 10km,17km & 35km events. For snowshoers - 3km & 5km events. Best of all entry fees are very reasonable and include food + swag! Full details here !
Snowshoe vs Ski Trails 101
While we are encouraged to see so many people out snowshoeing at Wapiti Nordic, the surge in popularity has highlighted the need to clarify a few things: 1) Snow shoeing is ONLY permitted on the marked single track multi use trails (the ones with a number on yellow diamonds); 2) Snow shoeing is NOT permitted at any time on the groomed skate (corduroy) & classic tracks - it might look nice and wide to walk side by side with your friends but these are considered SKI trails; 3) Dogs are only permitted on the NORTH multi use trails (accessible via the service road off Hwy 40; 4) Yes, you need a membership or day pass to access our multi use trails - they require maintenance too. If in doubt please stop by our lodge on weekends between 12-4pm and speak with our friendly staff. Or email us anytime. Thank you!
Check us out on video!
We all know that Wapiti Nordic is a hidden gem - but now the secret is out! Our gorgeous, snow kissed trails were used in this promotional video commissioned jointly by SnowSeekers, Travel Alberta, GP Regional Tourism and Nitehawk for one of their #SkiNorthAB campaigns. And featured some fabulous local talent / club members! Read the full feature story . How lucky are we?!?
Too soon?? Mountain bike programs now open!
We don't want to tempt an early Spring but we've also got to keep our mountain bikers happy too! Youth and Ladies programs are now open for registration along with our annual mountain bike race (May 18th) and Summer Duathlon (June 21st). Full details here!
Day Passes on new E-Store!
Picking up a day pass for yourself or a guest is now easier than ever via our new e-store options on our website. The viability of our ski club depends on making sure that all trail users hold a valid membership or pass, year round.
Race Team News
The race team has been VERY busy these past few weeks racing in Prince George, at the Alberta Winter Games, in Canmore and more races in Camrose. There was a lot of standing around on podiums again, each weekend and the team is racing strong. Aiden Armstrong remains undefeated in the province and his brother William is following along, ranking consistently in the top three! Each athlete continues to improve, but the most rewarding are the accolades from other ski clubs, about how amazing, supportive and energetic those “Wapiti’s” are! I couldn’t be more proud to coach such a great team of athletes. Keep an eye out for these racers and much more to come in March!!
Save the date: Spring AGM
Get involved! We value our Member's input and would love to see a strong turnout at our annual AGM. Mark Saturday, April 25th from 11:00am - 12 noon on your calendar. The lodge will be open before and after so that you can apply storage wax (sob!) to your skis.
Volunteers: Track your hours
2020 is the first year that we will be actively tracking our volunteer hours (in every area) so that we can leverage this information when applying for municipal, provincial and federal grants. If you volunteer in any capacity, please download the tracking spreadsheet, or fill out a slip from the noticeboard in the lodge. First quarter ends March 31st - please email your sheets here.
New! Environmental Stewardship Sub Committee
We are seeking volunteers for an important new sub committee to oversee environmental initiatives at WNSC. Examples include replacing our night lights with LED ones, eliminating styrofoam cups, reviewing the energy efficiency of our buildings, and any other great ideas that may come forward. Email us if interested in participating in this committee or if you have an environmental initiative that you would like to see implemented.
Chicks on Sticks
Is still going strong and will continue throughout March as conditions permit. Registered Chicks will receive an email if the session is going to be cancelled and / or it will be posted on our Facebook page. Mondays & Thursday @ 7:15pm. Full details on the Chicks program here.
Adult Lessons & Instructors
Adult lessons were a great hit this year! Did you miss out? We still might be able to schedule you for a private lesson. Visit our webpage for details and the yellow button to inquire about private lesson options.
Tanks on Planks
The Tanks are having a solid season and are always happy to meet new faces. Join "Tanks" Leader Darryl on Wednesday nights from 7:00 - 9:00pm starting at the main lodge. Classic or skate technique welcome. Drop in when you can - no fee outside of Membership. See you there!
NEW - Tuesday afternoon Meet Up & Rentals!
Retired? Stay at home parent? Shift worker? We are now offering
ski and snowshoe rentals from 11 am - 1 pm at the lodge on Tuesdays. Guided ski or snowshoe treks will leave about 1:15pm, and rentals can be returned by 3:00pm. We also have some smaller skis available for the under 5 group.  We have some beginner skiers and some more advanced skiers interested in the afternoon skis so please come out and join the appropriate group. The temperature cut off for this program will be -21c. No charge for WNSC members! And a great way to meet like minded outdoor enthusiasts! Stay tuned to our Facebook page or Upcoming Events page on website.
Buy & Sell Web Page
Want to offload some gear or pick up some previously owned equipment? Check out our Buy & Sell page periodically for updated items or to post your items for sale.
If you see something - jump on it fast! Just like Costco it may not be there when you go back!!
Missed an e-Newsletter?
We now have an e-newsletter archive section on our website if you ever missed an edition or need to check back on something. Plus we have tidied up the Minutes & Agenda page to make it more user friendly. We would love to hear if you have any other suggestions for our website or e-newsletter.
Monthly Member Survey
In January 2020 we asked "Should WNSC work towards being more environmentally conscious" - 73% of respondents said "Yes"; 15% said "No" and 12% said "Not Sure". This month we're wondering ..." What activities do you use WNSC for during the Spring /Summer / Fall months?" - share you feedback here >
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