As the effects of COVID-19 keep influencing life around the region, many residents are renewing their interests in outdoor activities, including cross country skiing. Numbers of skiers utilizing the trail have increased significantly at Good Spirit Lake Provincial park over the past two winters, according to Darryl Stevenson, Good Spirit Cross Country Ski Club president.
“Our club has in excess of 75 members this year, down from last year but last year was an exceptional year due to COVID restrictions,” said Stevenson. “We have members from Yorkton and Canora areas including resorts around Good Spirit Lake. Members are also from other parts of the province such as Melville, Foam Lake, Kamsack, Springside and even as far Regina.”
Even though pandemic regulations don’t affect the actual skiing, it is mandatory to wear a mask when inside the warmup shelter on the trail.
“There have been over 400 signatures in the visitors sign-in book at the warmup shelter this winter,” reported Stevenson. “However because many skiers choose not to enter the shelter, this is not a true representation of the number of actual skiers using the trails.”
Stevenson said the heavy amount of snow so far this season has made conditions challenging for grooming. Strong winds have caused snow drifts that have proved to be difficult to pack and level the trails.
“The Yorkton Sno Riders have assisted our club by grooming the trails with a larger groomer. This has allowed our equipment to easily set the trails once it has been levelled and packed by their groomer.”
With the abundant snow skiing started relatively early this winter, during the second week of November. The dropping temperatures have had a noticeable effect.
“Extreme cold weather conditions have definitely reduced the numbers of skiers this winter,” shared Stevenson. “The cold dropped participation numbers during the Christmas holidays, which is usually a busy time for people to enjoy a comfortable outing.”
Those who come out to the trail at Good Spirit Lake Provincial Park, in addition to enjoying some fresh air and exercise, are also likely to get up close with the area’s wildlife.
“Sightings of deer are very frequent, and the occasional moose have also been sighted along the ski. It has been noted that the deer are using the trails more now that the snow has become so deep in the bush. They are able to travel on top of the packed snow while looking for food.”
Steven said the Good Spirit Provincial Park staff did a great job keeping the grass cut and removing trees from the trails in preparation for the winter season.
“They moved the fallen trees to the shelter area for the club to cut and split in a work bee. This fall however, the work bee was postponed until spring due to weather conditions and an early snow fall. There was enough firewood still available from the previous year to last this season.
“During the winter, the club members assist park staff in keeping the shelter cleared from snow as well as any cleaning that is needed. Masks, sanitizers and wipes are supplied along with the usual paper towels and tissues.”
For those who choose to join up, the membership fee includes: injury insurance with Cross Country Canada, a portion goes to Cross Country Saskatchewan, and the remainder supports the Good Spirit Cross Country Ski Club.
The club executive members remain unchanged this year. In addition to Stevenson, Lana Sebastian-Stanek (Yorkton) is serving vice-president, Loralee Antonovitch (M & M Tiechko Beach) is the treasurer, Rob Wilson (Saltcoats) secretary, and Anne Stupak (Yorkton) looks after communications.
“Our club is pleased to announce that the 11th Annual Good Spirit XC Ski Club Lamplighter Loppet is happening on February 12,” said Stevenson. “The loppet will be held completely outside this year at the warmup shelter. Start time is after 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. with check-in at the warmup shelter. Skiers are welcome to ski in either from Good Spirit Park's entry gate or from the east boundary gate at Sandy Beach. All skiers require headlamps. Hot dogs for wiener roasting will be provided along with hot chocolate. At 7 p.m. a special event will occur that is sure to light up the sky.”
Stevenson encourages participants to check and follow the Cross Country Sask Event Protocol.
At this point, the weather forecast looks favourable for the loppet. Registrations are available online only at Zone4.ca.”
