North Bay Nordic Ski Club sees membership rise in wake of COVID-19 pandemic
The cross-country ski season is in full swing in North Bay.
The city's Nordic Ski Club has been open for a few weeks and membership has been on the rise since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Before the pandemic hit, around 700 skiers were registered to take to the trails. Now there are over 900 people who will be out throughout the season.
"Last year we saw close to 1,000 people," said club president Andrew Rees. "Where we do see a lot more interest is in day uses. People want to come out for the day and want to try it out."
Last season, the club could not operate the trail for day use or rent out equipment due to health concerns.
"I'm excited. I haven't been skiing since last year because of COVID. It was a long time," explained Klarissa Srigaley.
Srigaley is one of 30 young racers that make up the North Bay Nordic Junior Racing Team that we're practicing Sunday afternoon. The team is anticipating and hoping for competitions later this season.
"We practice on the things we're not as good on and we can get better and better each time," said skier Felix Dubytz.
It will all depend on the pandemic situation if the team can compete. Under normal circumstances, the team would represent the club in Ontario and Quebec competitions.
"We had a race in early December in the north of Temiskaming shores. It went well," said skier Chris Butterworth. "I'd like to work on my technique I think."
The club opened for the season a bit later than it hoped for due to the late arrival of winter.
"We had a false start and a couple of melts but we've been skiing around mid-December and conditions have really improved in the last week or two," said Rees.
Under current health and safety regulations, the club can still run most of its programs like its well-known ‘Jackrabbit Program' for young skiers just starting.
"It doesn't matter what their skill level is, they get placed in different groups so they can instruction every week on Sundays," explained Rees.
Rees said he's optimistic the season will be one of the best in recent years for the club if the cold, winter weather lingers and they can avoid being shut down by the pandemic.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.