Ski tracks not meant for snowmobiles
Across-country ski outing in bright sunshine was the perfect way to spend New Year’s Day. The trails at Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre were perfectly groomed until we came across snowmobile tracks in the middle of the trail. It was a perfect time for the three initials used to describe a sense of Wonderment, Terror or Frustration.
When the Ski Sheriff, Constant Companion Carmen and skiing/hiking/kayaking buddy Betty reached Black Prince Cabin, long-time groomer Don Wylie explained four snowmobilers riding two machines expressed (or feigned) surprise when confronted at a lookout. The four from Fort McMurray claimed they didn't know it was a cross-country ski area — in spite of groomed and track-set trails, and coming across cross-country skiers.
Wylie told them he would now have to re-groom the trails they used - at the cost of $180 an hour. Perhaps he should have asked them to pay the bill since they obviously had more horsepower than brains.
The Sheriff joked they must have been blind not to see what was so obvious, but then, Sovereign was crowded with fast skiers who are apparently mute or at the very least, not properly trained by their parents to be courteous.
Since we were enjoying a leisurely ski on Carl Wylie Trail (named after Don's father) and Silver Queen Trail, we were frequently passed by faster skiers who never said a word as they tried to get around us, no matter if we were in the track or the middle of the trail.
How about a friendly “Good morning” or “Hello” or even better “On your left?” Many seem ignorant of cross-country etiquette: if you are in the track, a faster skier can call out “track” and you are supposed to get out of the track and allow them to pass.
The Sheriff found Rebecca’s justtrails.com website with the following recommendation for rule No. 1: “Faster skiers and skiers on the downhill have the right of way. If that's you, it’s good to politely call out “track,” “hup,” or my favourite, “on your left,” or “on your right” to warn those ahead that you're coming.
One of the cool things about skiing is that beginners and Olympians often share the same trails. With that comes different skill levels and speeds, and the need for increased communication."
On another page, she lists four rules: Be nice to other skiers; Be nice to the trails; Go the right way on designated one-way trails; and Stop in safe places.
“For the most part, cross-country skiers are awesome … but every once in a while, we encounter a skier who isn’t aware of etiquette on the cross-country tracks, or just doesn’t care,” she says.
The Sheriff likes to think that Okanagan skiers care. They might just learn to care if you are wildly swinging your poles as they pass. Just kidding.
*** There was lots of news coming out of Big White Ski Resort over the Christmas-New Year's holidays.
Big White recently hosted a national learn-to-ski/snowboard program through the Canadian Ski Council called Never Ever Days. It is a specially-designed ski and snowboard course created for adults who have never slid on snow before. There were 92 participants compared to 82 last season.
What makes Never Ever Days unique is the cost — just $25 for the day which includes a beginner Black Prince Cabin is a natural destination for cross-country skiers and snowshoers at Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre. Like the age-old expression: “All roads lead to Rome,” many trails at the North Okanagan ski area lead to what looks like a cabin in the middle of a snowy wilderness where you can warm up frozen fingers and toes, and have a snack or lunch. lift pass, full gear rental, four hours of group lessons, and a buffet lunch in the Happy Valley Day Lodge, noted Michael J. Ballingall, Big White's senior vicepresident.
This year, the Big White Ski and Board School sent 18 of its best CASI ski and snowboard instructors, which kept group-lesson sizes to six or less students, allowing for intensive one-on-one teaching attention. Due to its growing popularity, the Never Ever Days program will be offered by Big White again on Feb. 3-4.
For more information, go to: bigwhite.com/ski-schoolrentals/camps-special-programs/never-ever-days
*** The first Coast Capital Savings Cruz the Blues event of the season had a record 1,500-plus participants. With more than 20 centimetres of snow falling during the weekend event, conditions were perfect for guests to tackle Big White’s blue runs.
Cruz the Blues is an on-mountain scavenger hunt challenging participants of all ages to ski or snowboard all 44 blue runs over a two-day period to unlock the secret message on their Cruz the Blues Passport. There are five more Cruz the Blues events — the most popular activity in the annual Big White calendar — on weekends in January, February and March. *** And the winner is: David Hartley.
Encompass Benefits & HR Solutions, a benefits and human resource consulting firm based in Kelowna, wanted to offer “an amazing gift for one incredible youth.” This package included: a youth pass with equipment, group lesson and a bus pass for the season. The contest ran November through to the middle of December with nominations judged based on personal character and community commitment.
Hartley’s nominator, Stephanie, wrote two pages about him, describing his selfless character and recognition of community need. Stephanie is an adviser at the Interior Savings Credit Union branch in Glenmore so company officials arranged for David, his mother, Noreen, and other friends and family to meet them there to present the prize. *** In other news, Big White Ski Resort has gifted members in the Big White Fire Department work experience program (WEP) with complimentary season passes. The WEP is now in its 16th year.
“We believe these complimentary passes add to their enjoyment and overall experience at Big White Ski Resort, and will continue to be a great tool for recruitment and retention for this vital program,” said Michael J. Ballingall, Big White’s senior vice-president.
Every year, the Big White Fire Department receives applications from across the province, Canada and internationally for its WEP program.
Each application is graded and scored in a thorough screening process, and only the best applicants are accepted.
“Many aspiring young firefighters are looking at Big White's program to assist them in obtaining a career as a full-time firefighter,” said Jamie Svendsen, Big White fire chief. “Having the opportunity to ski is a great way for our members to reduce the stresses associated with the job and allows them to experience this beautiful resort we call home.”
*** The recent 10th annual Big Reds Wine Festival at Big White broke multiple attendance records.
The two-night event had more than 600 guests flow through the Village Centre Mall sampling 136 wines from 31 different Okanagan wineries and food from eight local restaurants, a record number of vendors.
“The popularity of Big Reds mirrors the growth of the wine industry in B.C. When we first started Big Reds, there was less than 150 wineries in B.C. and now, there is well over 300,” said Trevor Hanna, Big White’s vice-president of hospitality.
Sessions Taphouse & Grill also served samples of beer from Canada’s highest-elevation craft brewery, Elevation 57 Brewing Company.
Guests were asked to choose their favourite winery and restaurant. Globe Cafe and Tapas Bar won the People’s Choice Award for Top Restaurant and The View Winery won Top Winery.
*** Tuesday mornings are storytime at the Environmental Education Centre of the Okanagan, a free, weekly onehour drop-in program for children aged three to five and their caregivers during the winter.
Younger ones love the naturethemed stories and songs followed by an art or craft project. The program is an excellent way for preschoolers to interact with others while learning more about the natural world.
Storytime at the EECO is at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays starting next week and running through March 13.
It resumes April 3 and continues until June 26.
The EECO is located in Mission Creek Regional Park, Springfield and Durnin roads, in Kelowna. For more information, go to: regionaldistrict.com/parks or drop in/call the EECO at 250-469-6140.
*** Students of all ages are welcome to join EECO After School, a perfect activity for students of any age to have fun after classes are done for the day each Thursday afternoon starting next week through to March 15.
The one-hour program with free, hands-on learning activities that explore the “wild” in our parks begins at 3 p.m. in the EECO centre. Pre-register by dropping into the EECO, emailing eeco@cord.bc.ca or phoning 250469-6140.
*** Eco-Art at the EECO is a creative event for every member of the family. At 11 a.m. each Saturday, participants create a work of art using recycled and natural materials. It’s free and there’s no need to pre-register. Just drop into the EECO a few minutes early. All ages are welcome to take part.
For more information, go to: regionaldistrict.com/parksevents or drop in/call the EECO at 250-4696140.
*** The winter provides a new opportunity to discover parks in the Central Okanagan through a program called Wild Walks. Participants should dress for the conditions and bring antislip/traction devices.
A park interpreter will share some secrets and point out the natural features of various regional parks, turning “an ordinary walk in the park into something extraordinary.”
Each outing lasts approximately 90 minutes, is suitable for all ages including families with young children and ranges from an easy to moderate fitness level.
There’s no cost to take part, but you must pre-register for the following Wild Walks:
— Jan. 20 at 10 a.m. and Jan. 24 at 1 p.m., Kalamoir Regional Park in West Kelowna; set out from the Benedick Road cul-de-sac park access in the Casa Loma area of West Kelowna.
— Feb. 17 at 10 a.m. and Feb. 21 at 1 p.m., 1.8-kilometre trail in KLO Creek Regional Park which connects Scenic Canyon Regional Park with Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park in southeast Kelowna, starting from the parking area located off McCulloch Road (past Field Road and near the bridge over KLO Creek)
To reserve a spot, drop in to the Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan, email eeco@cord.bc.ca or phone 250-469-6140.
These free events are held in conjunction with the Community Recreational Initiatives Society (CRIS) to provide barrier free access to our regional parks.
To request the services of CRIS volunteers visit adaptiveadventures.ca.
For more information about this or other regional park programs, go to the regional district website: regionaldistrict.com/parks or contact the EECO at 250-469-6140.
*** In February, some of the world’s best athletes are heading to the Winter Olympics in South Korea.
Tying in with that, you can learn about amazing accomplishments in the animal kingdom at Wild Animal Olympics, the latest exhibit at the EECO centre in Mission Creek Regional Park.
Wild Animal Olympics highlights animal athletes, which are well-adapted to their environment for survival.
While some run fast, others swim long distances or soar to great heights.
Animals achieve their place on the podium by chasing their prey or finding safe nesting places to raise their young.
The EECO is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
*** The 2018 BC Interior Sportsman Show, the largest hunting/fishing/outdoors show in the B.C. Interior, will be held on April 6-8 at the CNC on Gordon Drive in Kelowna.
It promises the latest and greatest in equipment, information and activities for hunting, fishing and other outdoor adventures.
It includes guest speakers, door prizes, demonstrations and exhibitors.
Show hours are: 5-8 p.m. on April 6, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on April 7 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Children 12 and under will be admitted without charge.
More information such as the list of confirmed exhibitors is posted at: bcinteriorsportsmanshow.com.
J.P. Squire, aka the Ski Sheriff, is a retired Okanagan Weekend reporter and an avid outdoors enthusiast. Email: jp.squire@telus.net.