Cross country skiers got a later start than normal this season, beginning last November, but the elevation of the Morice Mountain Nordic Ski Club trails being 300 metres above the town made a big difference in the quality of the snow, says Greg Yeomans who speaks for the club.
“We try to bank snow when we know we have a warm spell coming,” Yeomans said. “We leave some snow ungroomed so we can mix as soon as it cools down.”
The club’s buying a Ginzu groomer, a smaller device which because of its size can be towed behind a snowmobile.
“It will allow us to use less snow or help us touch up trails to allow the big groomer to do more elsewhere,” Yeomans explained.
New trails now in use are being enjoyed by skiers.
“We now have 6 kilometres of dog trails with the addition of Swamp Dog. Plus additions of the Cruise and Oh Chute have been a hit,” Yeomans said.
He noted that membership has been increasing now for five years in a row and could hit an all time record this year.
“We have an amazing recreational area so close to town and it is so nice to see the community getting good use out of it,” Yeomans continued.
The Morice Mountain Nordic Ski Club manages trails in the Morice Mountain recreation site eight kilometes south of Houston on Buck Flats Road under a management agreement with the BC Recreation Branch.
The club was incorporated as a society in 1987.