Snow and cold temperatures aren’t fun for shovelling, but they do make for a skiers wonderland.
While many cringed at the arrival of winter weather in the city, the ski community rejoiced as their season is now officially open.
Marianne Stewart, marketing and communications manager for Thunder Bay Nordic Trails, said nordic skiers are more than ready to hit the trails.
“We were thrilled,” Stewart said at the Kamview Nordic Centre on their opening day Saturday afternoon.
“This is a great start. We have all of our trails open and we are basically in mid-winter conditions and this is the first week of December so we’re in really good shape this year.”
Story continues after video...
Kamview is the first of the three Thunder Bay Nordic Trails locations to open this year, as Stewart said Sleeping Giant Provincial Park and Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park are just receiving their finishing touches.
Kamview, which is located on 20th Side Road off Highway 61, has over 30 kilometres of trails available with a number of different loops for both classic and skate skiing. The facility also has a loop that is lit in the evening for night time skiing.
The opening day was a busy one, as many were not deterred by the frigid temperatures. The site’s Jackrabbits program had 20 youngsters out early in the morning, with adults dropping in as the day went on.
“The parking lot has been full, and it’s been non-stop,” Stewart said. “We’re at approximately 1,300 memberships right now.”
Keltie MacDonald has been a member at Kamview for most of the last two decades, and had a different reaction to most people once snow arrived last weekend.
“I wanted more,” MacDonald said, and added she had been anxiously awaiting the forecasted snowfalls.
“I’ve been waiting for the first day I could get out, and I’ve been lacking fresh air.“
MacDonald was one of many taking to the groomed powder on Saturday. She said she enjoys the social aspect of the sport and getting to be active with friends.
She credited the efficiency of the workout that skiing provides, saying that all she needs is an hour to get a great amount of exercise. MacDonald normally goes out three times a week for an average of an hour to an hour and a half, and said it’s an opportunity to get out in nature.
Kamview has a variety of beginner programs available. Information can be found at their chalet, or on on the Thunder Bay Nordic Trails website.
