You never know who you might run into out at Wapiti Nordic! Our trails are part of a wildlife corridor that runs along the Wapiti river valley, and now that the berries are out, it's timely to remember that we are visiting in THEIR back yard! It is impossible for us as a volunteer driven club to track or forewarn trail users of bear or other wildlife sightings. So always travel in groups, make noise and carry bear spray. More info and tips here

... who stepped up to the plate on July 4th and 5th evenings to ensure the Club continued to benefit from this lucrative fundraising opportunity! The casino proceeds we receive help offset general operating expenses and subsizide memberships and year round programming. A special thank you to Sharon Bourree who has coordinated this effort for many years and who has decided to step back from the role. Wapiti Nordic is greatly indebted to Sharon and her husband Grant for the infinite ways they have supported the Club over several decades. Cheers folks!

This popular Fall event just got even more mysterious with the addition of a 42km option and a novel entry requirements! Join us on Sunday, Sept 10th at Wapiti Nordic to explore our trails before the snow flies! Full details, start times and registration for the 3km, 5km, 10km, 21km and 42km events here Participants who register before Aug 28th will receive a T shirt. Walkers welcome though no separate categories. Don't delay!

Now that the Hwy 40 land transition has been completed, it was always our Trail Director's intention to circle back to actioning some tangible trail improvements. The Board also listened to input from attendees at the Spring General Meeting in April (thanks to those who were able to make it), and we are happy to announce that a new structure has been approved and will be monitored as it evolves over the next twelve months. Our volunteer Trail Director (Matt Wild) will oversee three new volunteer sub positions: Winter Trails Coordinator (Geo Rawlins),  Summer Trails Coordinator (Cam Harris) and Multi-Use Trails Coordinator (Franco Carlacci). Crawford will remain as Lead Groomer through the winter, conduct general trail maintenance the rest of the year and will be consulted throughout. The goals behind the change are: (1) increased volunteer engagement at WNSC; (2) improved organization of trail maintenance activities, (3) a clear understanding of members and volunteers on trail work approvals, (4) lighten the current load of the President and Trail Director positions, (5) improved summer and winter trail conditions for members at Wapiti Nordic. Requests for trail enhancements or larger trail maintenance efforts can be submitted via email to the Trail Director who will provide approval and delegate accordingly so that all trail work is performed safety and in alignment with the Trail Enhancement subcommittee and the Board's vision. Trail enhancement projects will be shared via our Facebook page and website so that Members are kept informed. And if you see something on the trails that requires attention you can report it via the button on our website home page. Stay tuned for more info on the evolution of this initiative in the coming months....

Dallal left big shoes to fill and we have had a number of people submit resumes for this opportunity. The 10 months contract (summers off!) Position Description and details on how to apply are available on our website if you know someone who would be a great fit! Deadline to apply is 11:00pm on July 23, 2023.

Wapiti Nordic is extremely appreciative of the grant funding that we have received over the first half of 2023! Some notables include:

• $7,535 Rotary Clubs of Grande Prairie - towards replacement of some rental room equipment
• $5,000 County of Grande Prairie - Operating Grant
• $5,000 City of Grande Prairie - Operating Grant
• $2,500 Pembina Pipeline Corporation - for range mats

Thank you to our wonderful regional partners! We couldn't do it without your assistance!

The Wapiti Nordic Race Team is looking for energetic and enthusiastic cross country skiers aged 8-18 years old who like to go FAST! If you are interested in joining the team, please contact Claire for more information. The team starts training August 29, 2023! Also, a huge thank you for WNSC members for your support of the race team and purchasing ski ties! This fundraiser is ongoing and ski ties are always available. Please find a race team member or email Claire and we will get your skis under wraps for you! Happy dryland training season everyone!

Our Club was showcased for both summer and winter recreational activities that enhance the quality of life for Grande Prairie residents! Check it out here - you might recognize some faces!

A special Thank You from Liam Tinworth and family to everyone who attended their pub night fundraiser on April 29th. They had a fantastic turnout for the event and through the biathlon Eco Aim Demonstration, Live and Silent Auction, were able to raise half of the funds required to support Liam's training for the next year. Liam is continually looking for sponsorship if there are any corporate sponsors out there? Training for him has resumed 100% and he just completed a week long Junior National Team camp in Whistler. Best wishes for a successful year Liam!

... Are available now in draft format on our website. Our volunteer Board is committed to getting these posted for our membership to view within 10 days of the meeting which usually falls on the third Wednesday of the month. Feel free to check out this web page anytime to stay informed. Note: there is no Board meeting planned for July 2023 but will resume in August as we start to ramp up for the snow season!

We now have an e-newsletter archive section on our website if you ever missed an edition or need to check back on something. We would love to hear if you have any other suggestions for our website or e-newsletter.