PREECEVILLE — The Preeceville Nordic Ski Club has been around for a few years and was kick-started by founding member Lou Roste, who had a passion for cross-country skiing.
The club utilizes the well-groomed Preeceville Lions Family Trails, which the Preeceville and District Lions Club has built up.
The trails are used for walking in the summer, and in the winter, a set of cross-country tracks is groomed into the snow on the trail. Avid skiers and walkers enjoy using the trails year-round.
The Preeceville Nordic Ski Club, which started with only a few families, has now gained popularity. “The club has had so many more people take an interest in skiing,” said Megan Maier, a club organizer.
The Maier family has been avid skiers and enjoys cross-country skiing. They not only ski for fun but have also attended competitions around the province.
The Maier family participated in a Saskatoon race — Saskatoon Cup No. 1 on Dec. 14 — with everyone who took part bringing home medals. Hudson Maier in the U18 division won gold, Levi Maier in the U16 division won gold, and Charis Maier in the U12 category won bronze. Evely Maier in the U8 category won gold, and team member Jaxon Neilson placed seventh in the U14 category.
“We also competed in a ski race in Canmore on December 21 (Alberta Cup 1 and 2), with Hudson coming in seventh and also winning silver in the U18 category. Levi received two golds in his year-of-birth category for U16, and Charis got bronze and fourth for her U12 year-of-birth category. Jaxon Neilson placed sixth and fourth in his year-of-birth U14 category.
“We have our first youth ski program practice starting on Jan. 7 at the Preeceville Lions ski trails. Lots of new kids have registered, so we have a good group of kids. Our fourth annual Preeceville Nordic Loppet is tentatively scheduled for March 7,” said Maier.
“This year, the interest has exploded in cross-country skiing. People are starting to discover the beautiful trails hidden just on the outskirts surrounding the Town of Preeceville and enjoy the beautiful warm-up shelter made by Lions members. The Lions created the shelter in honour of Lou Roste,” said Maier.
“We are welcoming youth skiers (ages 4 to 18) to participate in our Preeceville Nordic ski Jackrabbit club training group.
“Contact Megan at 306-547-1349 or message this page if interested, or just show up,” said Maier.
“Skiing is a great way to get outdoors and exercise. It can be a solitary or group sport. It is a lifelong sport that anyone can do. The winter months are long, so we might as well embrace them and take enjoyment from the snow. The trees along the trails are great for blocking the elements, and it is a very fun experience,” said Maier.
