LAPPPE, Ont. – Cross-country skiing is in full swing at Lappe Nordic Ski Centre.
Skiers hit the trails in limited fashion last weekend, but with the most recent snowfall, the facility has managed to open eight kilometres of trails and will open at nights under the lights.
It was a long wait for winter weather to arrive, but it was worth it, said Lappe Nordic owner and operator Tuija Puiras.
“People were waiting and counting the snowflakes to be able to take (their skis) out again. It certainly is a strong ski community in Thunder Bay and the area and they were looking forward to being able to ski and now finally we can open at night,” she said.
“It was a little bit rough going last week, but now we’ve got enough that we can have the full season starting.”
The start of the ski season also means the start of programming put on by the Lappe Nordic Ski Club.
Rena Viehbeck, program manager for the club, said they’ve got a wide range of programs for all ages and abilities.
“Our main program is our jackrabbit program. Jackrabbits is a national Canadian ski program for kids, so anywhere from ages three to nine can start skiing with their friends. They start simply around the stadium and a lot of game-focused, fun-focused.”
The youngsters are taught the basics of skiing, what to wear, how to get up when they fall.
There are also racing programs for skiers aged 10 and older and recreation programs as well.
“We have what’s called adventurers for youth between ages 10 and 14 for kids who want to ski for fun and not race, maybe more games, more adventure,” said Viehbeck, a former female athlete of the year at Lakehead University.
“And then we have recreational technique for adults on Saturdays, which is working on technique and not necessarily fitness, for anywhere from intermediate skiers to even advanced.”
There are also fitness programs on Saturdays with coach Eric Bailey.
“And we have a new program, Learn to Ski for Adults. We realized that was a gap in our community. There are some opportunities here and at Kamview for adults to learn with a few lessons. But we wanted to offer an opportunity on Saturday afternoons for adults to learn to ski, either skate or classic skiing,” Viehbeck said.
“And then if they want they can join one of our programs or just enjoy the ski trails on their own.”
Viehbeck said it’s already looking like it will be a great ski year.
“Last year we were spoiled with a full six months of skiing, Oct. 25 right into April,” she said. “And this is looking pretty good too. Today is Nov. 16 and we can now ski almost all the trails and the lights will be on at night.”
Lappe will host an Ontario Cup in January.
