The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
It's only September, but already the Flin Flon Ski Club is getting ready for its upcoming season. Vice-president Dave Price, who has been involved with the club since the late '70s, says before skiing can take place, there are a couple of important tasks to take care of. "We have 27 kilometres for trails and over the spring and summer trees and shrubs and things grow along that trail," he says. "So we have to get all that stuff away before the snow flies, otherwise the trail will disappear." Not only will the trail disappear for the season, but over time, Mother Nature will take her course and take over the trail completely. Price, along with other members of to the ski club, will be out clearing the path this Sunday, September 16. Anyone interested in helping out is asked to be at the Chalet, near Centoba Park at 1 p.m. Remember to bring rubber boots, work gloves and bug repellant. "This takes some time and, as it is a long trail, it generally takes us about six or seven weeks to clear," says Price. "Everyone is welcome to come out and brush the trails to prepare for the ski season," he adds. Price hopes to see the trails skiable in December. The ski club has, over the years, become a cross-country ski club, which Price says is because of downsized snow falls. "Back in the '70s we used to get more snow and we were able to ski downhill, but now there just isn't enough to cover the rocks," he says. "The hills are rough and rocky and you need lots of snow," he says. And he adds, "once you go down a couple times, it exposes the rocks." As far as cross-country skiing is concerned, Price says you need about a foot-and-a-half of snow to get things started. "Of course the more snow the better," he adds. To get the trails started, a snow machine pulls equipment to make the indents in the snow, which Price says "makes for a smooth ride." Those interested in joining the Flin Flon Ski Club may contact Dave Price at 688-8563 or Duane Davis at 688-4871.
