NORTH BAY -- There's good news for skiers in the North Bay area.

The Nordic Ski Club is officially open again for the season.

"This is my fourth year skiing," said skier Caley Campbell.

"It's nice to have an outdoor activity and it's made me enjoy winter. Before skiing, I was never looking forward to the snowfall."

There may be lots of snow falling - but it's not stopping skiers from hitting the trails at the Nordic Ski Club.

"This is Ontario's best kept secret as far as cross-country skiing goes," said veteran skier Michel Chartrand.

"Late in our season people come from down south and rave about how beautiful our trails are."

A blast of good winter weather allowed the club to begin its ski season on Thursday marking its 45 year anniversary.

The club was incorporated back in 1975 and has since grown extensively.

"We weren't sure what to expect with COVID, but our membership is the highest it's ever been this year," said club president Mark Thomas.

"We're just about at 800 members."

Over the years, trails that were once accommodated as a single skied-in track are now up to six metres wide to allow both classic and skating techniques. The club also uses large snow-grooming equipment.

"We have applications in with the MRNF to sort of do trail connections in the next few years," said Thomas.

"So, we're looking forward to that."

Those hitting the trails say it’s the perfect winter pastime.

"You just know you're going to get a really good workout and you get to look at the most beautiful scenery while skiing and the heart starts pounding," said skier Rae-Ann Camirand.

The club is encouraging more people to get involved saying it’s the perfect sport to practice physical distancing.