Bonnyville Nordic Ski Club to take to the trails

As we shift into the colder winter air, local kids are getting ready to hop back on the skis for the cross-country season.

On Thursday, the Bonnyville Nordic Ski Club begins another year of lessons for all ages from 4 to 17-years-old.

“Our goal is to teach people how to ski,” said coach Les Parsons. 

“It’s about fun, friends, family. That’s what it’s all about. And it’s an opportunity that a lot of communities don’t have,” he said. 

Bunnyrabbit, Jackrabbit and Track Attack programs are for skiers ages 4-12. Parsons says these are fun, weekly programs offered on Saturdays from December to March for children and youth to discover the joy of skiing.

“Children will focus on playing ski games designed to teach technique. Track Attacks will focus on improving ski technique through ski touring adventures on forest trails with hills,” said Parsons.

Meanwhile, the teen age group offers a range of lessons for those who have never been on skis, those looking to build upon their ski strides and building confidence, and those who’ve skied for years.

The Jackrabbit ski program.

The classes happen at the Muriel Lake trails.

This is the Bonnyville Nordic Ski Club’s first season offering the Ski Equipment Rental Program.

“It is a very huge success considering the world-wide shortage of nordic equipment last year and currently,” said Parsons who thanked the M.D. of Bonnyville for approving their grant to take away barriers for those being introduced into the sport.

“To ease into the Rental Program, rentals will be limited to registrants of lessons and kids programs. In the near future, we hope to open rental availability to anyone, regardless of membership or registration in skill development lessons or programs.”

There are volunteer leads for the groups of 4-9, 9-12, and 12-17-year-old categories, but more are needed, said Parsons.

For more information and details about lessons and rentals, contact bonnyvillenordic@gmail.com or join their Facebook page, “Bonnyville Nordic Ski Club.”