Winter is Closer Than You Think...

Mark Your Calendars!

It might be hard to believe while we are out biking, hiking, roller skiing, and enjoying summer, but winter planning is already well underway at Caledonia Nordic Ski Club.

This season is shaping up to be another exciting one, and we are thrilled to be hosting some amazing events:

• Two Rivers Loppet – January 10 (It's BACK!)
• Teck BC Cup – January 30-31
• Canadian Biathlon Nationals – March 15-21

These events are fun to be a part of. Whether you have volunteered for years or have never helped at an event before, there is a role for everyone.

If you think you might be interested in helping with one or more of these events, please mark the dates on your calendar now and send us an email. We will get your name on our volunteer list and reach out as we get closer to each event.

Every race we host, every trail we maintain, and every program we deliver is made possible by an amazing community of volunteers. We truly could not do it without you.



Looking for other Ways to Help?

We have noticed that the summer trails never stop growing.

Over the past few weeks, Aaron has been out with his favourite leaf blower (he LOVES that thing) and a pair of trusty clippers, clearing debris, trimming back vegetation, and doing battle with what might be Northern BC's official plant... devil's club. Peter has been following behind with the chainsaw, clearing fallen trees and keeping the trails open.

The problem is... nature never takes a day off.

If you come across a fallen tree while you are out riding or hiking, please let us know. The easiest way is to take a photo of the tree and include a screenshot of its location from Trailforks or Strava. If we know about it, we will get to it as quickly as we can.

If you are looking for a few volunteer hours or simply want to give back to the trails you enjoy, there are lots of ways to help.



• Take a walk with a pair of clippers and trim back vegetation.
• Grab one of our trail rakes (or bring your own) and clean up a favourite section of trail.
• Feeling ambitious? Fire up a brush saw and tackle sections of Adams, Roller Coaster, or Crosscut that could use a little extra attention.

Do not have the tools? No problem. We have equipment available and are happy to support anyone interested in helping out.

Our trail network is one of the things that makes our club special. Every clipped branch, every raked corner, and every tree removed makes the experience better for everyone who visits. Thank you to everyone who has already put in some time, and to those thinking about it... we would love to have you on the trail.

We have some Volunteers moving on!

One of the hardest parts of being part of a great club is saying goodbye to great people.

After many years of volunteering with the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club, Andrew Watkinson and Anne Scott are heading off to Nanaimo in search of new adventures (and we suspect new volunteer opportunities... because sitting still has never really been Andrew's thing).

If you have spent any amount of time around Otway, chances are you have benefited from Andrew's work. He has been part of the construction crew on countless projects, including recent projects like the picnic shelter, the programs/race building, the Gravel Pit shelter, and the new stairs. He has spent countless hours on the trails with a chainsaw clearing fallen trees, served as Chief of Stadium for major events, and dedicated several years as the Board's Facilities Director. And if you have ever walked through a race venue and admired how perfectly straight the V-boards were... you can probably thank Andrew for that too.

Anne has been just as important to our club community. She has volunteered at races and events for years and once served as Board Secretary when I first started at the club, quietly keeping things organized while always stepping in wherever help was needed.

Together, Andrew and Anne have given thousands of hours to this club. More importantly, they have helped create the welcoming, hardworking, community-minded culture that makes Caledonia Nordic Ski Club such a special place.

To help send them off, the 9AM Morning Walking Crew is hosting a Pot Luck Gathering on Sunday, July 5 in the lodge from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. If you have volunteered with Andrew or Anne over the years, shared a trail, built a project together, skied alongside them, or simply want to wish them well, we would love to see you there. Bring something to share and enjoy an afternoon of stories, laughter, and appreciation.

Andrew and Anne, thank you for everything you have done for our club. Your impact will be felt for many years to come. We wish you both nothing but happiness as you begin this next chapter.