We’re barely into fall here in The Valley but with the first hint of frost appearing on the ground last week we know that another winter is right around the corner and some folks like Erin Whyte couldn’t be happier about that.
Erin is the Club President of the Pembroke and Area Ski Club or PAXC as known to many and Erin and her Team are celebrating a recent $56,100 grant awarded to the Club by The Trillium Foundation.
The purchases funded through this grant aim to boost ski trail use, encourage greater participation, and promote healthy, active lifestyles. While cross country skiing is the mainstay of the activities featured by the club, Erin reminds us that there are other offerings as well:
Erin notes that the trails are used by more walkers than ever before where some would snow shoe or just take a leisurely stroll along the wooded paths as a way of getting clean fresh air during the long winter months. There are over 11kms of cross country ski trails available and well over 20km or mountain biking trails and the grant money received will go a long way towards paying for trail grooming and the up-keep of the trails throughout the season.
Membership, Whyte says, varies but there is a fairly consistent number year over year she says:
Whyte notes that cash might be tight for many and donations might be tricky for some so she stresses that they are always looking for folks who are willing to donate their time to help groom the property if they are so inclined.
The season opens for the PAXC as soon as the snow starts to fly and that of course can vary as it did last year and this year will be no different of course. The best way to get in touch for up to the minute information?
Whyte notes that she and her team are very grateful to The Trillium Foundation for providing the funds which are needed outside the regular grooming season so the timing couldn’t be better:
Erin sincerely thanks all of the invaluable volunteers that help make every season happen and she is looking forward to seeing some new faces coming on this season. See you on the trails!
(Written By: Richard Evans)