Ski club hosts free Chile Sunday
The winter weather has driven some people into hibernation, but the Nordic Ski Club is making it easy for people to make use of the Nicola Valley’s many miles of ski-able terrain.
The club is offering a free Chili Sunday this weekend where Nicola Valley residents are encouraged to bring chili and partake in free skiing.
“For over 40 years, people have been cross-country skiing in the Kane Valley,” said Kate Anderson of the Nordic Ski Club. “It started out with some local hardcore nature lovers in the 1970s who skied some of the old logging skid trails in the area.”
The Kane Valley now features more than 50 kilometres of well-mapped ski trails, which is enough to keep almost any cross-country skier exploring backcountry terrain for days. Several shelters along the way provide skiers with a place to warm up.
The ski club faces a major setback, though. Ski rentals aren’t available for those who want to set out on an adventure.
“It’s a huge drag that many people can’t rent skis in Merritt,” Anderson said. “But you don’t have to have snazzy gear. It’s the wilderness, so you don’t need to get fancy.”
She said many people in the community have gear sitting in their basements.
Chili Sunday is an annual event, but this year is slated to recognize the efforts of the founding members.
Co-founder Kathryn Shewchuk said a lot has changed since the first trail was groomed in the 70s.
“We made our own tracks and found logging roads,” she said, noting there were only a few skiers at the time. “The trail system is now well-mapped. It’s gone from making our own tracks and hoping it didn’t snow the night before to what it is today.”
She said it evolved from a operation that had one grooming machine and a good mechanic into an club that secured lottery funding to buy a snow mobile and a tractor.
Chili Sunday operates from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. A dedication to the founding members will begin at 12 p.m. Group skiing lessons begin at 1 p.m.
Those who don’t ski are still encouraged to come out to celebrate.
The regular cost for skiing the Kane Valley is $7 per day or people can buy an annual pass for $40. A family season pass costs $80. Fees collected are dedicated to grooming the ski trails and maintaining the equipment. Other work is completed by volunteers.
People are encouraged to bring enough chili for their group, which will be added to a communal pot, located in Parking Lot 3, about 4 kilometres up Kane Valley Road. Look for the parking lot on the right side. People should bring their own dishes. Buns, cookies and hot drinks will be supplied by the Nordic Ski Club.
“It’s a fun way to get to know some people, share some food, ski some trails, take in a ski lesson, if desired, and celebrate this unique recreational attraction in the Valley,” Anderson said.
The Nordic Ski Club, which has operated the terrain since the 1970s, is a non-profit society. Kane Valley Road is about 18 kilometres southeast of Merritt and a 15-minute drive.
For more information or to buy a season pass that will be mailed, visit www.nicolanordic.ca.
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