Yorkton cross country ski club going strong with youth programs

WATCH: Sierra D’Souza Butts explains how Yorkton’s cross country ski club is looking to get more people out on the trails.

The Yorkton Cross Country Ski Club continues to grow while it attracts active members in the community.

“Many of us, like myself, grew up cross country skiing at Deer Park here. They’ve been actively grooming trails here for about 50 years,” volunteer Ray Bailey told CTV News.

Located at Deer Park Golf Course, the eight-kilometre ski trail is groomed and maintained by volunteers throughout the winter season.

Throughout its years of existence, Bailey said the club has grown over the years and continues to provide lessons to people of all ages.

“We have almost 100 members and growing. The club has a lot of activity going on,” Bailey said.

“On Sunday’s the rental shop is open, we run children’s lessons, and then we have an adult drop-in lesson at 3:30 p.m. People can rent skies and take lessons. The trails are always open any day of the week.”

Rental equipment is available every Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

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With various youth programs happening now until the end of the skiing season, the club’s youth program coordinator, JoAnne Maloff, said they have been a huge success so far.

“We’re definitely seeing an increase. Our first season was eight years ago, we started with six skiers and we’re well over 30 this year,” Maloff voiced.

“We were at the height during Covid. I’ve seen this year we’re at an increase again from kids going back to the other sports.”

Maloff also spoke on the different weekly programs the group offers.

“We have a youth program from three years old up until 18 years old. Currently we have “bunny lessons” which is for 3-5 years old and parents participate with their children where they learn through games and playing,” she explained.

“Then we have “jack rabbit lessons” for ages one to four. Then “Track Tech” for kids who are interested in racing. We also have some of our older skiers who are helping out and supporting us as coaches.”

On March 1st, the club will be hosting a public event, inviting everyone to bring their skiing equipment to the trails.

“We’re bringing back the Sun Dog Challenge. It’s a fun ski event where people will come from all over to gear trails here, then have a social afterwards,” explained Bailey.

“I always encourage people to take up cross country skiing because it’s a life-long sport. You can do it when you’re young, people do it well into their 70s or 80s, even 90s in some cases. Not many sports families can participate in.”

Throughout the club’s eight years of running youth programs, Maloff said she has witnessed how beneficial it can be for families.

“Not only are kids developing life-long friends and developing skills. After each lesson the kids come and have hot chocolate and cookies and they have a chance to just visit,” she expressed.

“We encourage the parents and guardians to join us in lessons or join their children. It really becomes a community event every time we go out.”