“We had great snow to start the year,” Guenther stated. “The conditions are way better than last year, and the (Turtle Mountain Provincial) Parks staff has done a great job on the trails again, keeping them in shape.”
Guenther said the club was able to start up their programming before Christmas. This includes their partnership with Boissevain School, in which students from different age groups come out to the Turtle Mountains to learn a little about cross-country skiing. As Guenther explained, the club pays for the bus, and there is equipment for the young people to use. There are a few teachers involved, and he said there is between 15-20 kids who come out after school on Thursdays.
“It is open to all ages, and we get a range from grades one through 10. There are some kids in the program that have been involved for a few years, and they are getting pretty fast.”
The young people are split into groups by ability, and there are different trails they can use. They have to be careful with the temperature, and they have had to cancel once or twice because it was a little too cold. As Guenther said, they need to be safe and they want the kids to come back. They are fortunate the mountain has a good tree cover and there are trails with warming huts. They are also restricted by daylight, which will soon be expanding. The hope is to continue for a couple of months yet.
They have also rolled the program into their weekend family skiing, so everyone is welcome to participate in that as well.
The club has been helped by a provincial body, which has helped some members receive coaching certification. This assists with the school and other programming. Over the years, a couple of coaches and skiers have travelled a bit for different competitions, as far as Thunder Bay and Wisconsin. The Nationals this year are in Canmore, Alberta, and they will have to see who qualifies for that.
The conditions mean the return of the Feisty Rooster. The ski loppett and fat bike race has been a big part of the Turtle Mountain Nordic winter for years. In 2024, they held out on it as long as they could, but the lack of snow made it impossible. This time around, conditions look good. It is set for February 22.
“Last year, the conditions were terrible, all across the province,” Guenther said. “It was weak everywhere. This year is much better and has been good all winter.”
Guenther said they would be meeting soon to finalize the event. Traditionally, there are different skiing events and fat bike racing. He added most participants ski, but it is nice to have the bikers involved as well. Held at the Lake Adam site, they usually have around 70 participants and are hoping to reach that level again this year. It is the big event and fundraiser for the club, and they will be looking for sponsors and volunteers soon. They will need people for a variety of tasks, including trail marshals.
In 2024, as Feisty Rooster was cancelled, they instead held a run at the Turtle’s Back in the summer. The event went well, and Guenther said it might return, although they will concentrate on their ski/fat bike event for now.
Although participants for regular skiing are mainly from Boissevain, there are folks who travel from the neighbouring communities and as far away as Pierson to enjoy the sport. Guenther said they are fortunate to have such good trails and staff that keep them in proper shape.
To this end, Turtle Mountain Nordic has helped the Park staff by fundraising for equipment. A groomer and roller were added due to their assistance. As Guenther said, if they can get equipment and the staff can keep the trails nice, it is good for everyone.
He remembers the club starting out several years ago. There were a few people who were skiing and they decided to pull together to both help keep Turtle Mountain Provincial Park in good shape, and promote the sport. Both have worked well. It is really about giving options and keeping everyone active.
“I think being outside all season is a great thing for us,” Guenther explained. “It is great physically and mentally. It helps us appreciate the beauty we have so close.”
With hopes they can continue into March this year, he added the sport is one that can stay with you for a long time.
“Skiing is a lifelong thing you can do. When you learn to walk, you can learn to ski.”
by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff