New Cross-Country Ski Trail Network to be developed at Westcove Municipal Recreation Area

The County of St. Paul and the Lakeland Cross-Country Ski Club (LCCSC) are pleased to announce an initial three-year joint venture agreement to develop a Nordic ski trail network at the Westcove Municipal Recreation Area starting this 2021-2022 season.

“The County of St. Paul is excited to work with Lakeland Cross-Country Ski Club to develop the site as a Nordic ski destination for the use and enjoyment of all area residents,” says Tim Mahdiuk, Director of Community Services. “During the summer Westcove is a popular campground located in a pristine natural environment. With this new recreation opportunity, it can be used year-round.”

Pierre Lamoureux, President of the Lakeland Cross-Country Ski Club says, “We are confident that this new cross-country ski area will be a popular draw for our members and for Nordic skiers across the region. We are very pleased the County has agreed to work with us to develop a ski trail network for the area.”

The County of St. Paul and Lakeland Cross-Country Ski Club will work together to develop new ski trails within the park. The day use gazebo, firewood, and outhouses will be available at the site for skiers. Overnight camping will not be available.

The LCCSC is also reaching out to adjacent leaseholders and landowners for authorization to expand the ski trail network outside the park.

The park gate will remain open during the ski season for cross-country skiing and ice fishing. The snow berm across the park road indicates that unauthorized snowmobiles and ATVs will not be allowed anywhere in the Westcove Municipal Recreation Area.

The only authorized use of snowmobiles in the park will be for ski trail grooming and track setting by Lakeland Cross-Country Ski Club. The public can use snowmobiles and ATVs to access the lake for ice fishing from the boat launch parking area.

Hard-working Lakeland Cross-Country Ski Club volunteers will groom and maintain five to ten kilometers of classic (parallel) tracks and a five-kilometer skate ski lane on the park road to the camping area.

Snowmobiles and ATVs will need to stay outside the park and away from ski trails to prevent damage to the ski trails and lanes. Unauthorized snowmobiles and ATVs are not permitted within the park. Dogs are not permitted within the park as they also cause damage to ski tracks.

Follow the Lakeland Cross-Country Ski Club website and Facebook for information on the Westcove Municipal Recreation Area trails and when they will be open.

Lakeland Cross-Country Ski Club is a non-profit society since 2008 operated entirely by volunteers. Based in St. Paul, Alberta, the Ski Club represents and promotes cross- country skiing in the greater St. Paul area and partners with Nordic ski clubs in the Lakeland area.

Westcove Municipal Recreation Area is located at Vincent Lake (campground location is 59221 Range Road 100). From St. Paul travel north on Hwy 881 then west on Twp Rd 590. Then north on Range Road 100. Watch for the blue Municipal Campground sign.

A map of the campground is available on the County website under Campgrounds/Westcove.