Though all the trails aren’t open yet, the ski conditions are nice on Mount Washington! You can find the nordic weather and trail report on Mount Washington’s website. Remember to wear your season’s pass or trail pass at all times when skiing.
If you are wondering about the road conditions, you can check the Drive BC website to see if there are reports for Highway 19 or Mount Washington Road/Strathcona Parkway.
Due to both overwhelming interest in Rabbits and a shortage of coaches, we are sorry to announce that Rabbits registration is being closed. At the moment, all groups are at full capacity. However if you, or someone you know, is interested in being on the wait list, please email Alix headharewilson@gmail.com . Please include the child’s name and age.
In the meantime, we hope to hear from more coaches, so we can make sure everyone who wants to ski has the chance to!
This weekend, Saturday, December 17 and Sunday, December 18, attend coaching refresher morning sessions on mount Washington. Find your ski legs, meet other coaches, and learn some new tricks with Coach Dave!
Meet at the new Vancouver Island Mountain Centre (VIMC) (across from the Raven Lodge at Mount Washington Nordic):
Email Doug to register dhrecreation@shaw.ca.
The AGM date has changed for the Vancouver Island Mountain Sport Society (VIMSS). Meet at the new VI Mountain Centre this Sunday, January 18 at 1pm.
SNSC members participating the Quebec team exchange were sad to see their new ski friends leave last Sunday. They look forward to seeing them again next month when our team travels to Mount Orford, Quebec!
You can read (en francais) more about the trip on Mt Orford’s blog.
Saturday December 31, we’re holding our first home race of the season. This is the BC Winter Games Trial & All-Club Race! For racers born in 1997 and 1998, this is the qualifying race for the BC Winter Games, which will take place in February. There are race categories for Atoms through Masters <70, so everyone is welcome to register and race.
You can click the links to see:
Eligible skiers can contact Marilyn our Zone 6 rep to learn more about the BC Winter Games. marilyna@shaw.ca
Beginning on January 7, we’ll begin a series of fun races every Saturday afternoon! We’ll meet in the Stadium–the flat area above the Raven Lodge parking lot–after lunch. All club members of all ages and abilities will be welcome to join in the fun!
Check the Gear page for items to buy, sell, or trade. Use the comments function at the bottom of the page to post items.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity! Volunteer at the 2011 BCWG trial race. Email andyalisonbrown@yahoo.ca today before all the premium volunteer positions have been taken.
This year we are going to develop a series of fun races on Saturdays after lunch. If you are interested in being involved with planning of these events, please email andyalisonbrown@yahoo.ca The volunteer meeting will be Sunday, January 1st 10am at the Raven Lodge.
Wow! Thanks to all the Thrifty Foods shoppers using their Strathcona Nordics Smile Cards. As of this week, Thrifty Foods has donated a total of $614.10 from your purchases to the club racing suit program, which provides team racing suits for young racers to borrow for the racing season. Contact Berend to learn more bhenckel@telus.net
Calling all biathletes! There will be a trial race for spots on the BC Winter Games Zone 6 Biathlon Team. The trial race will take place at Mount Washington Nordic on Sunday, January 8. You can read the race notice on the VI Biathlon Club website. Contact Pat at vibiathlonclub@gmail.com for more information.
One month until the start of recreational programs! There is still time to register if you haven’t already. Remember that Strathcona Nordic Ski Club members get a discount at Ski Tak Hut in downtown Courtenay and at Raven Retail in the Raven Lodge!
Look for news on Masters, Coaching, the Quebec Exchange, Backcountry tours, Rabbits, and more below!
Some of the Mt Orford & SNSc racers pose for a photo under sunny skies in Pacific Rim Park on Wednesday.
Registration is open for BC Winter Games Zone 6 Trial and all Club Race on December 31. See the race notice here. Click this link to Zone 4 to register.
What a beautiful opening weekend! I’m sure many of you took advantage of the sunny spring-like conditions to get your ski legs back–remember to keep track of those ski days for all Rabbits to go towards their Snow Goal award. Each time you ski outside of Rabbits program (skiing for an hour or more) that time counts toward this award.
The early-bird registration deadline has passed and the majority of Rabbits are signed up for the season, but you still have time to register. Please remember to visit the Rabbit Volunteer Sign-up form, click the Rabbit button up on the left, or click here Your participation is a much needed and a much appreciated part of the Rabbits program–without you, we just can’t do it!
This week, we’ve had 17 young SNSC members hosting a team of 17 young nordic racers from Mt Orford, Quebec. The group are having a wonderful time site-seeing and skiing on Vancouver Island. If you see the Mt Orford kids and their coaches on the mountain on Saturday, dites leur “Bonjour!”
New and returning coaches, refresh your skills, meet other coaches, and learn some new tricks next weekend (December 17 and 18) with two on-snow sessions with Coach Dave!
Meet at the new Vancouver Island Mountain Centre (VIMC) (across from the Raven Lodge at Mount Washington Nordic). Here’s the schedule for both days:
If you are interesting in backcountry skiing this winter, Andrew Pape-Salmon is offering two guided day-tours free to SNSC and Alpine Club of Canada members. Note the date change on the first trip:
Contact Andrew if you are interested in joining in one or both of these trips andrewps@shaw.ca
Masters recreational skiers can look forward to receiving an email letter a week before the first class. The letter will outline the season for you.
Thank you to everyone using the Smile Cards at Thrifty Foods! In this short time, your purchases have brought $333.50 to the new racing suit program. If you are a Thrifty Foods shopper (anywhere on the Island) and you don’t yet have a Strathcona Nordics Smile Card, contact Berend bhenckel@telus.net to get a card and/or to learn more about the program.
The Vancouver Island Mountain Sport Society (VIMSS) invites you to become a member! VIMSS was founded to provide financial support to emerging athletes on Vancouver Island in recognition of the extra financial burden that it takes to remain competitive and travel to races the provincial and national level. You can find a membership form and learn more about VIMSS on their website.
VIMSS members can attend the up-coming AGM at the new Mountain Centre on Thursday Dec 22nd at 6pm. Contact info@vimss.com for more information.
Today is the last day for earlybird pricing for program registration! To register before midnight for earlybird fees, click this link to Zone 4 or use the Register button on the left.
Opening day! Mount Washington Resort opens this Friday, December 2! As of Friday, you can view the Nordic Snow Report for updated weather and trail conditions.
December 31 race We will hosting the BC Winter Games Trial and Club Race on December 31! This is a qualifying race for BC Zone 6 skiers born in 1997 and 1998 to participate in the 2012 BC Winter Games this February! All skiers are also welcome to race in this event. You can view the race notice on the Races page or by clicking this link.
Race registration will open on Zone 4 soon! Check race registration on Zone4.ca soon or look for a link to appear on the Races page.
VIMSS The Vancouver Island Mountain Sport Society (VIMSS) could use your help. They are looking for volunteers to help with the final clean up at the new Mountain Centre. This is your opportunity to have peak inside the new Centre next to the Raven Lodge parking lot and to help them get it ready for the public at the same time:
On behalf of VIMSS – Thanks for your help!
Skiing on the Island VIMSS is holding a fundraiser that could be mutually beneficial this Christmas. Local artist Brian Scott has put together a book called Skiing on the Island, which captures the history and evolution of skiing on Vancouver Island by combining his beautiful paintings with poignant personal stories.
The book makes a lovely gift and at $25 is a real bargain. The profits are going to the Vancouver Island Mountain Centre. The centre is a non-profit venture between VIMSS and the Tribune Bay Outdoor Education Society.
Contact Pat Douglas, Director VIMSS, at 250-338-6247 or bpdouglas@shaw.ca to arrange your $25 payment and delivery.
Rabbit News
With an extra week of skiing before the Rabbit season begins (thank you Ullr!), Rabbits can start working on their Snow Goals early! Keep track of the number of days skiied (the session must be at least an hour long) to report to coaches near the end of the Rabbit season. There is no need to keep track of the dates, just the number of days. Remember that terrain is one of the best teachers for beginning skiers, and just having kids spend time on skis will help them develop good skills (like balance and falling and rising!). Have fun out there!
With a large dump of snow over the past week and more in the forecast, Mount Washington announced they are opening early on Friday Dec 2nd! Here the scoop:
At this point, we will have Jutland, Raven’s, West Meadows, Legacy, Grind, Upper and Lower open. The World Cup, Sprint, and the Park trails will need more snow. Check the snow report Thursday Dec 1st for the most up to date information. We will be track packing during next week and not setting track until we get a firm base started. Just a reminder that all season passes holder will need their passes. You can get them 7 days a week up at the Season Passes office. Best to get them before Dec 2nd if you plan on skiing on the first weekend. The line up can be pretty long on open weekend. See you on the mountain!
You can find Mount Washington Resort’s nordic snow report on their website.
Don’t delay! There are only six days left to cash in on earlybird registration prices. You can register using this link to the Zone 4 registration page or click the Register button on the left. Click here to view the Preparing for the Season page.
We have an excellent workshop coming up this Sunday, November 27 where you can learn some new skills for free. Join us in downtown Courtenay for an electronic timing workshop! We’ll be setting up and using equipment and simulating races. This is a great opportunity to learn some new skills that you can use in our club races this season. The workshop promises to be both informative and fun!
Hope to see you there!
Rick Morson of CIBC Wood Gundy passes a cheque for $2,784 to Karla Wikjord from the Strathcona Nordics & CIBC Wood Gundy XC Program for Elementary Schools. Martin Hartig’s grade 6/7 class at Ecole Puntledge Park have been enthusiastic participants in the program. The program takes thousands of local elementary students cross-country skiing each winter. The program is sponsored by CIBC Wood Gundy and Mount Washington Resort.
Aboriginal Coaching Workshop — Pacific Sport and Coaches BC are presenting a professional training tool for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal coaches for coaching Aboriginal athletes. The workshop will be in Campbell River at the Quinsam Health Centre on December 10 from 9am to 6pm. Contact Catharine to register and learn more. cedwards@pacificsport.com
CC–On December 9 and 10 we are holding our Community Coaching (CC) workshop, which has ICC as a prerequisite. You can contact Doug to register and learn more. dhrecreation@shaw.ca If you have an extra room, please consider hosting the visiting CCBC coach on the evening of December 9. You can contact Doug to make arrangements. dhrecreation@shaw.ca
Refresher–Be sure to mark December 17 and 18 on your calendar! Coach Dave is holding coaching refresher workshops on Mount Washington. If you are a new or returning coach, be sure to attend this workshop to refresh your ski skills and learn some new tricks! Contact Doug to register and learn more. dhrecreation@shaw.ca
If you haven’t done so already, take stock of your ski equipment and visit the Gear page. We have items listed for sale and as requests for purchase.
Hollyburn Cross Country Ski Club are hosting the Coastal Cup 1 at Whistler Olympic Park on December 4. You can view the race notice here.
Our first home race of the season is scheduled for December 31 at Mount Washington Nordic. It’s ourBC Winter Games qualifying race. However, everyone is welcome to race! The race notice and registration will be available next week.
Snowflakes have been falling on Mount Washington, but it looks like we need more snow before we can get out there for a good ski. It’s time for the snow dance!
Here’s a slide show of photos from some of our 2011 activities.
Don’t delay! There are less than two weeks remaining for earlybird registration prices. You can click the Register button on the sidebar.
Here’s an opportunity to host a visiting CCBC coach for December 9. This coach will be in the Comox Valley to host the CC workshop. Contact Doug (dhrecreation@shaw.ca) to host the CCBC coach for the December 9 evening or to learn more about coaching workshops below.
We still have a few spots open for the:
New and returning coaches, mark December 17 & 18 on your calendars for the free Coaching Refresher workshops on Mount Washington. Coach Dave will help you find your ski legs and learn some new coaching tricks!
Sue Bloxsome and Marilyn Atkinson of Courtenay Physiotherapy Clinic recently practiced exercises to address muscle balance and flexibilty with the Junior Racing team.
As new snow appears on the mountain, the Rabbit registrations are coming in. Be sure to register by November 30 to take advantage of the reduced program rates! Don’t forget to sign up for a Rabbit Volunteer position after registering. There are many positions that need filling – you’re sure to find one that fits your schedule and area of interest! The form can be reached by clicking on the Rabbit volunteer button on the sidebar. We are especially in need of coaches for Sunday’s program!
In addition to purchasing new items, there are many ways to outfit yourself and/or your family for skiing this season:
Hollyburn Cross Country Ski Club are hosting the first Coastal Cup of the season at Whistler Olympic Park on December 4. You can view the race notice here.
Our first home race of the season is scheduled for December 31 at Mount Washington Nordic. It’s our BC Winter Games qualifying race. However, everyone is welcome to race! Look for this race notice soon.
If you still need some inspiration for the snow dance, on the Gallery page, you can find XC Zone’s cool video Snowpocalpse Now that they shot on Mt Washington last season.
Earlybird registration fees are on until November 30. Click the Register button on the sidebar.
We still have a few spots open for the Community Coaching (CC) workshop (with ICC prerequesite) on December 9-10. The Introduction to Community Coaching (ICC) workshop is coming up next weekend, November 18 and 19. These workshops are free to SNSC members who will coach.
Both new and returning coaches can mark December 17 & 18 on their calendars for the free Coaching Refresher workshops on Mount Washington.
We are also looking for a room for the visiting CCBC coach for December 9. Contact Doug (dhrecreation@shaw.ca) to learn more about coaching workshops or to host the CCBC coach for the December 9 evening.
We are holding a timing workshop on Saturday, November 27. This is your opportunity to become proficient operating the various gadgets used to time athletes in races. This workshop promises to be good fun! Contact Alison (andyalisonbrown@yahoo.ca) to register or to learn more.
Come out and learn some ski-specific dryland exercises that will help your skiing this winter! These sessions are especially for participants in the Strathcona Nordics Recreational Masters programs , and for any keen beginner, intermediate or more-advanced Masters Strathcona Nordics Club members. The exercises will focus on coordination, balance, core strength, and ski technique for both skate and classic skiing.
For further information contact Marilyn Atkinson marilyna@shaw.ca
The club netted a total of $1002.06 at the Swap. Well done everyone!
If you have cross-country ski gear items that you want to buy or that you want to sell, you can use theGear page on the website to post these items.
Ski Tak Hut in Courtenay also has quite a few used gear items for sale downstairs.
Only seven weeks until our first home race of the season! December 31, we are holding our BC Winter Games qualifying race at Mt Washington Nordic. In addition to BC Games eligible skiers (those born in 1997 and 1998)–everyone is welcome to race! Race organizers are currently drawing up the race notice and registration.
All Vancouver Island skiers born in 1997 and in 1998 are encouraged to ski in this qualifying classic race, which would allow them a chance to participate in a very fun ski event in February, the BC Winter Games! Contact Marilyn for more information marilyna@shaw.ca
We enjoyed an excellent swap and AGM at the Comox Rec Centre last Saturday! The Devos delivered a table of treats that rivalled the best bakery in town, the Junior Race Team helped many skiers prepare for the snow (which is piling up on Mt Washington!), Coach Dave gave a stellar wax clinic, everyone enjoyed the delicious chili lunch, and many people found great deals on quality used equipment. Many thanks to all of the wonderful volunteers who transported ski racks and mats, set up, tagged gear, brought floats for the sellers, cooked huge pots of yummy chili, baked, waxed, helped people carry gear, cleaned up, and more! Special thanks to Sue Bloxsome for keeping us all organized. We are calculating the results of the swap and sales, and we’ll have numbers for you next week.
At the AGM, we heard director’s reports and elected a new Board of Directors (BOD) for 2011-2012. We would like to express much gratitude (for all of their hard work!) to outgoing directors Sue Bloxsome, Andrea Prager, and Georgina Price! Likewise, we would like to welcome our new board and thank the following club members for taking on director’s roles:
President – Len Apedaile Vice President – Alison Stocks Treasurer – Jae Yon Jones Secretary – Andrea Stapff Membership Director – Georgina Price Sponsorship and Fundraising Co-Directors – Larry and Shannon Reynolds Director of Communications – Barb Kelly Chair Skill Development, Director – Alix Wilson Chair Recreational skier development – vacant Chair Athlete Development, Director – Berend Henckel Chair Coach Development, Director – Doug Herchmer Chair Club Events – Vacant Chair Competitions and Officials development Programs – vacant
It’s not too late to join the BOD. If anyone has a few hours to spare a month and is interested in taking on a vacant position, contact info@StrathconaNordics.com.
Due to only three participants, the Level 1 Officials course is cancelled this weekend. However, there will be a timing workshop for club members at the end of the month. Stay tuned for details!
Here’s an opportunity to host a CCBC coach for a night. We need a billet for November 18 for the instructor on the ICC workshop November 18 and 19. Contact Doug if you have an extra room that evening. dhrecreation@shaw.ca
There are still a few spaces available for the Community Coaching (CC) workshop December 9-11 in Courtenay. Conatc Doug for more info dhrecreation@shaw.ca This weekend, we are holding the L2T Dryland course at the Comox Rec Centre in Comox.
On October 30th, under clear skies and cool conditions, over 15 Strathcona Nordics entered the Perseverance Trail Run in Cumberland including a good mix of Devos, Juniors, and Masters. The SNSC Devo team continued their traditional domination of the 3km Mens event with 11 year old Matthew Salmon earning a first place by totally demolishing the second place finisher Devo coach Berend Henckel by over 15 seconds. Third place in the 3km men went to Connor McGrady with other SNSC racers RL2T Drylandoss Lamon, Stephen Lamon, Hugo Henckel and Kai McGrady also finishing strongly. Junior racer Jessica Reynolds placed first in her category and Devos Annelies Henckel and Eva Salmon respectively placing first and second in their categories.
In the exciting and punishing 10km event, Junior racer Michael Ravensburgen finished with a time of 57:10 to take first place in the 19 and under category, while dad Peter finished with a time of 1:05. Dominick Nadeau was close behind Michael and finished with a stellar time of 59:12. Among other SNSC finishers in the 10km were Phil Schum, Devo coach Tim McGrady, and Sarah Henckel.
Congratulations also to Peter Ravensbergen, Tim McGrady and Sarah Henckel for tackling the leg burning, lung bursting 10K. event. We hope to see an even larger group of Strathcona Nordics at this event next year. Our legs are ready! Let is snow!
Registration is open! Visit our Zone 4 registration page using the “Register” button on the sidebar.
We still have a few smile cards available. If you shop at Thrifty Foods (anywhere on the island), you can help support the club at no extra cost to you. Contact Berend for more info bhenckel@telus.net
Last week, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) named five international officials as finalists for the “Exemplary Paralympic Games Official Award.” The SNSC’s president, Len Apedaile was named as one of the finalists for the award, “Len Apedaile (Canada): As the sport manager for the Vancouver 2010 Organizing Committee for Nordic Skiing, Apedaile acted in a critical role to maintain successful operations of the event both prior to and during the Games.” Congratulations Len!
It’s all happening this weekend at the Comox Rec Centre. Learn what’s going on in your ski club, find some quality used gear, get your skis snow-ready, attend a waxing clinic, buy some tasty baked goods, and more!
Here’s the schedule for the day:
9:00 – 11:30 –Drop off sale items 10am – 3pm — Ski waxing (For $8/pair let the JR team get your skis ready for the snow!) 11:00 – 11:30 — Waxing clinic with Coach Dave (free!) 11:30 – 12:00 — Chili lunch for a small fee 12:00 – 1:00pm — AGM (Everyone Welcome!) 1:00 – 3:00 — Swap/Sale 3:00 – 4:00 — Pick up unsold items
Note: The ski club will retain 15% of all equipment sales at the swap.
Also note: Those attending the AGM get in first to the swap.
Our resident ski expert, Coach Dave, will be at the swap to answer your gear questions. Al from Ski Tak Hut will also be there to answer questions and show a sampling of new nordic gear.
Don’t forget to bring some change because you’ll want to buy some delicious baking from the Devos who will be raising money for their exchange with the ski team from Quebec.
See you at the Swap & AGM at the Comox Rec Centre on 1855 Noel Avenue, Comox!
SNSC Devos at the Perserverance Creek Trail run last year!
There is still time to sign up for next week’s awesome courses!
Coaching–The L2T Dryland coaching course will be held at Comox Rec Centre 1855 Noel Avenue in Comox with times as follows:
Contact Doug for more info dhrecreation@shaw.ca
Officials Level 1–Become a certified Level 1 Race official! This course will be held all day Saturday, November 5 (totalling 10 hours) in Courtenay. Contact Alison for more information and to register andyalisonbrown@yahoo.ca
Come out to learn some ski-specific dryland exercises that will help your skiing this winter! These sessions are especially for participants in the Strathcona Nordics Recreatonal Masters programs (Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced) and for any keen Masters Strathcona Nordics Club members.
Join us for one or two special dryland sessions at 7:30pm at Valley View School gym in Courtenay on:
The exercises will focus on coordination, balance, core strength, and ski technique for both skate and classic skiing.
For further information, contact Marilyn Atkinson marilyna@shaw.ca
This weekend, you can begin getting ready for the ski season with the AGM and ski swap. It’s a great place to find skis in good shape for those growing Rabbits! Here are some tips for finding the right sized skis for your child:
There will be many experienced SNSC club members on hand at the swap who are happy to help out with fitting.
Join your fellow club members on the Perserverance Creek Trail Run in Cumberland this Sunday. Registration is open until 11:59pm on Friday, October 28. Visit their website for more information and to register.
We have many exciting opportunities coming up in the next few weeks: recreational masters skiers can get ready for the snow with Marilyn, anyone can become a Level 1 Race Official or take a new coaching course, join in an all-club run/hike, and more!
Only one week to go until our annual nordic gear swap and AGM on Saturday, October 29. It’s time to check through your gear and set aside items (that are in good condition) that you want to sell at the swap. It’s also a good time to make your list of items you hope to buy at the swap. Contact Sue to volunteer sbloxsome@gmail.com Here’s the schedule for the day:
*Note: The times are slightly different than advertised last week. Our organizers want us out of the Comox Rec Centre a little earlier.
Registration is open for membership and programs. Earlybird pricing continues until November 30. Members in racing programs must register by October 31. You can register on Zone 4 by clicking button on the sidebar.
Register for one or more fall coaching workshops below:
Become a certified Level 1 Race Official! This 10-hour course provides an overview of cross-country ski competition. Len Apedaile, SNSC president and international race official, will present the course and focus on the duties of minor officials for both Olympic style (interval start, pursuit start, mass start, relays and sprints) and Loppet style (mass participation) competitions.
This course will be held all day Saturday, November 5 (totalling 10 hours). Contact Alison to register andyalisonbrown@yahoo.ca
Attention all recreational masters skiers — beginner, intermediate, and advanced! We are having two special sessions on:
Come out to learn some ski-specific dryland exercises that will help your skiing this winter! These sessions are especially for participants in the Strathcona Nordics Recreatonal Masters programs , and for any keen Masters Strathcona Nordics Club members.
A huge warm welcome to our Sunday Rabbit co-ordinator Liz Girard! Liz will be the go-to person for all Sunday Rabbits and will work with the Head Hare to ensure the season runs as smoothly as possible.
Registration for all Rabbit programs is open, and early bird pricing remains in effect until the end of November. Don’t forget to sign up for a volunteer position after completing registration – it only takes a minute and all volunteers are vital to the program! We are always happy to have new coaches, and this year Sunday especially is in need. Remember that coaching courses are free with SNSC membership.
Attention racers, here’s the schedule for the next week:
On Sunday, October 23 join your fellow club members on a fall run/hike at Nymph Falls Park on Forbidden Plateau Road in Courtenay. Meet in the parking lot at 10am ready for 2 hours of activity. Join the faster running group or the slower hiking group. Remember to dress for the weather and bring your own hydration.
Contact Sue Bloxsome sbloxsome@gmail.com to volunteer at the swap!
