China Ridge Trails Association had a busload of Nordic ski visitors from Vancouver on Sunday February 6. Nature rose to the occasion and provided our 44 guests with a very nice snowfall which lasted from early morning until late afternoon bringing the conditions up from the treacherous sheet ice of Saturday and much of last week, to ideal conditions on Sunday morning. The volunteer groomers were up very early packing the new snow, happy to cover up the ice and to track-set the trails. Much appreciated by locals and visitors alike.
The group from Vancouver had spent the night at the Princeton Sandman Inn having skied on Saturday at Manning Park Nordic Trails. As the bus passed by town hall, they were pleasantly surprised to see the electronic board at town hall welcoming them. They were delighted to find fresh snow in Princeton after having experienced very icy conditions in Manning. We were met with many smiles and frequent exclamations of “NICE SNOW!” as Michael and I encountered the smaller groups of skiers out on the Ridge Trail.
Four other adventurous downtown Vancouver visitors, whom we met lunching at the Rueban Jones shelter, had skied up to our remote wilderness cabin and spent the night Saturday. They had had to occasionally remove their skis in order to negotiate some of our steeper terrain in the fast icy conditions while laden with their big backpacks. They were also very happy to have much more favourable conditions on Sunday for their ski out to the Longhouse at our trailhead.
Special thanks go out to the drivers of Argo Road Maintenance for their superb job of keeping the road up to the ski trails so well ploughed and sanded.We all appreciate your special efforts to keep us safe on the road.
The Saturday lesson program has been well attended this year. Attendees include many kids from the pilot program of last year, some new kids, an adult or two and even one very small child who is quite comfortably able to participate aboard a very modern ski-equipped enclosure which is pulled by one or the other of his parents, (new additions to our community from Manitoba).
Snowshoers have established a good trail up at SnowPatch this season. Many happy dog enthusiasts (and their dogs) have been spotted along the K9, Kayne 9 and Dixon Runs all winter, including a Boston Terrier out for some winter exercise with his folks from the coast.
We have yet to see the elusive local moose (and her calf), but they have been spotted by some of our early-bird grooming staff. The tracks of which we have encountered but the big black beasts remain hidden from view by yours truly —for the moment.
Don’t forget our upcoming club event “the Lantern Ski” scheduled for the full moon this month on the 19 of February at the airport trails followed by the delicious potluck dinner at the Sellers’ residence. A group of skiers from Hope will be in town that weekend and will join in the fun at the Airport.
Hope to see you on the trails.