By Ezra Black
Last week, Sparwood’s Sunset Ridge Ski Society (SRSS) held cross country ski lessons for about two-dozen six to nine year olds in the Jackrabbit program.
“It was super fun,” said SRSS director Shelly Hume. “Kids played games we had drills and they even played soccer with skis on.”
Last year the cross country ski society purchased about 25 pairs of skis, boots and poles for children. It rented the equipment to aspiring skiers for $50 plus a $200 damage deposit for the entire season.
“We’ve rented out a good portion of those skis,” said Hume.
The SSRS is held its annual general meeting on Jan. 29 at the Chamber of Commerce in Sparwood.
“We’re always looking for people who want to see what’s happening with cross county skiing in our community,” she said. “If you want to know more about the club or what our future plans are please attend.”
This season, the SRSS added an additional 2.5 kilometres of skiable trail on land the society leased from the District of Sparwood. Hume said the society now has a total of about 14 kilometres of skiable trail.
“The new entry level trails have been a great addition to the trail system allowing new or beginner skiers to get out and enjoy trails close to home,” she said. “The old trails that we have are more intermediate as there are quite a few hills.”
The SRSS will be receiving a grant from the Columbia Basin Trust, the District of Sparwood and the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA) to hold a Family Fun Snow Day on Family Day.
The event will be held on Feb. 12 from 1 to 4 p.m.
Although events will be free, donations will be accepted to go towards the purchase of a new groomer, said Hume.
Free cross country skis for adults and children will be provided as well as hot dogs and hot chocolate.
There has also been some interest shown for the club to purchase adult cross country skis and rent them out for a period of time so adults can try cross country skiing on the trails and make a decision as to whether they want to purchase them. If you are interested please contact SRSS at info@skisparwood.com.