The Yorkton Cross Country Ski Club celebrated the beginning of a new phase for the club on Sunday afternoon at Deer Park Municipal Golf Course, with a ribbon-cutting by Mayor of Yorkton, James Wilson to make it official.
Merlin Toth and Anne Stupak of the Yorkton Cross Country Ski Club held a short ski refresher course for a group of 15 who came out to take advantage of what turned out to be perfect skiing conditions at the golf course.
"Today, I was really pleased. We are very fortunate to have really good trails and it was great to have the Mayor come out to help us celebrate."
Toth said the tracks at Deer Park have seen a lot of use so far this winter, and the trails there have been ski-friendly since the middle of last month, he said.
Sunday was an opportunity take advantage of good weather. Toth said he was pleased with the turnout.
"(There were) 15 who attended, from beginners, to people who ski every day, all levels," he said.
"This is kind of what I expected."
The Yorkton Cross Country Ski trails are located on the west side of the city at Deer Park.
"It's close to the city," says Toth. "It's only 15 minutes from anywhere!"
The trails begin on the west side of the clubhouse and take advantage of the natural beauty of the area. Four separate trails of various lengths are groomed on a weekly basis, or as needed.
"We have trails as good as anywhere for this type of terrain."
In preparation for Sunday afternoon, the YCCSC got some help with the loan of a state of the art ski trail grooming machine from nearby Good Spirit Cross Country Ski Club, adds Toth.
The Tidd Tech G2 that we used is owned jointly by Good Spirit Lake Provincial Park and the Good Spirit Club. The Tidd Tech G2 is a combination renovation, grooming and track-settting machine. (see related story also in this section).
Toth recommends skiers dress appropriately for the conditions and suggests dressing in layers.
"Wicking, breathable clothing is best at keeping you dry and warm," he says. And you can add or remove layers as needed to remain comfortable.
Toth said Tuesday nights present a unique challenge to anyone interested in trying night skiing.
The night skis start each Tuesday at 7 p.m., at the Deer Park trailhead.
The only additional item that's required for night skiing is a good head lantern to light the way, he said.
Suitable ones are available locally for as little as $30.00.
Wednesday afternoons are a good time to get out for a leisure ski, led by Susan Hurst.
Those start each Wednesday at 2 p.m.
For more information on programs and events offered by the YCCSC, please contact Toth by telephone at 782-0180 or by email at yorktonxcskiclub@live.ca
