BONNYVILLE – For some outdoor Lakeland enthusiasts the arrival of the long-awaited snow means one thing – the return of the cross-country ski season.
On Nov. 20, the Bonnyville Nordic Ski Club leaders held their first cross-country ski lessons at the Jessie Lake Splash Park area.
The club coordinator Joad Clement, and Karen St. Amant, who also volunteers her time as track setter and creating trails around Jessie Lake, were on hand to break in some paths and teach interested participants how to glide on skis.
Also, kicking off the season recently was the Lakeland Nordiq Cross Country Ski team who held their first practice at Muriel Lake MD Park.
The regional and competitive team, not to be confused with the St. Paul Lakeland Cross Country Ski Club, was established last year.
The team’s coach, Les Parsons, is building and developing a regional team with the intention of drawing in competitive athletes from areas such as Cold Lake, Vermilion, Lac La Biche, St. Paul and Bonnyville.
Currently, the team is mainly comprised of members from Bonnyville and St. Paul, but all skiers are welcome, says Parsons.
“Nicholas Agnemark, along with his teammates Kurt Poulin and Nathan Swedgan-Angus, also from St. Paul, are three of the fastest junior boys on our Lakeland Nordiq team,” boasts Parsons.
For those just dipping their toe into the winter sport, the Bonnyville Nordic Ski Club is welcoming Lakeland residents to participate in ski lessons that help kids aged four and up to adults and teens with learning or improving proper skiing techniques.
The first two lessons scheduled to be held in Bonnyville have been set for Thursday, Dec. 2 and Saturday, Dec. 4. However, the deadline to register is Dec. 1.
No skis, no problem
The Bonnyville ski club is also offering a rental program for those who don’t have their own equipment but want to give the winter sport a try.
“Rentals will be limited to registrants of lessons and kids' programs,” Parsons explains. “In the near future, we hope to open rental availability to anyone, regardless of membership or registration in skill development lessons and programs.”
To find more information about the Bonnyville Nordic Club’s lessons and rentals, email [email protected]
