Cross-country ski club faces challenges due to lack of snow

The weather is proving a challenge for the Regina Ski Club.

The Queen City is seeing less snow this winter, with a stretch of more than 70 days between snowfalls.

Club member Tamela Friesen said the cross-country ski group was optimistic when the snow fell early in November.

“The groomer volunteers were all excited and got out and started packing down the bases and setting the trail and it looks promising,” she said.

That wouldn’t last, as the weather soon switched to above zero temperatures then back to the frigid cold, followed by wind and rain.

“It has definitely made it challenging keeping trails open,” Friesen said.

Three of the six cross-country ski trails are currently open, with two of those only being put to use after the most recent snowfall.

Friesen said the groomers have gone around and gathered snow to place on the trails to keep them open.

“It’s been one part miracle-working and about nine parts of hard work, tenacity and ingenuity.”

Friesen said the group will cope by “chasing the snow,” heading to places such as Canmore and Duck Mountain.

“Pretty much every Saturday we’re headed somewhere where we can get a bit more snow.”

The Regina Ski Club has around 600 members this year, and features include cross-country and biathlon programs.