LABRADOR WEST, N.L.
It’s only mid-October, but snow is already showing up in Labrador West.
A few snowfalls quickly melted, but around Oct. 12, things looked more promising. It didn’t take more than a few centimetres and some of the younger and the very avid skiers hit the trails.
Menihek Nordic Ski Club president Gerry Rideout says with the early arrival of snow, people are getting excited about another season of great skiing.
Rideout told The Aurora “We have another great season of activities at Menihek, and applications for membership are already coming in.”
Right now applications for memberships are being sold online. The site is www.zone4.ca
As well, the popular program for younger skiers known as the Jackrabbit program is being offered this year. For younger skiers it’s a way to learn skills, and have a lot of fun as well.
The full details for members is on the website, there are rates for families, seniors and youth as well as others.
Some of the junior skiers have been training with their coaches. They already have been through some dry land training, but since the 12th have been out on the real thing.
Menihek is a hub of all kinds of activity, so Rideout says to watch out for events like ski races, training, and of course family events like fun races and barbecues.
In November the provincial ski team is expected to visit Labrador West. As well there will be a ski camp with Glenn Bond. He is a renowned skier, many times western champ, B.C. champ, top five in Canada Cup and recently coach at the Olympic level.
Bond will bring his passion and expertise to Menihek, and share it with people who attend the camp.
While the provincial team is here, there will be an opportunity for races for provincial and local ski team members.
Rideout says as well as these events there will be other things like the ever-popular Loppett and a surprise or two.
People are invited to drop by and see the club and find out more about the facilities.
New to skiing or never tried it before? Rideout says it’s easy. People can drop by, get a day pass and rental skis, even some instruction can be provided.
“Afterwards, there’s always a warm fire at the lodge,” he reminds everyone.
