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Category: Nordic Newsletter

RNSC Newsletter: Fall 2016

November 5, 2016November 17, 2016rnsc-admin

Click to view a .pdf of our Fall 2016 Newsletter!

 

RNSC Report, February 2016, Volume 19, Issue 2

February 24, 2016March 31, 2016editor

Team Scream

Our Team Scream race is fast approaching! Here are the important details.Team Scream TROPICAL2016

  • February 27th
  • Tropical theme! Dress up! It will be fun!
  • Choose a partner and each skier does one lap around Mickey’s Loop.
  • It is free for members!
  • It will be much easier for our volunteer organizers if you sign up ahead of time, but there will be one last chance to sign up on race day between 9:30 and 10:30. Sign up at this link.
  • This event is for adults and children: the more people that participate, the more fun we will have!
  • More details are available here.

 

Potluck Dinner

Our wind-up Potluck Dinner will be on Sunday April 3rd, at 5pm at the Community Centre. The potluck is for all of the general membership.

There will be awards presented for young (all Ski Leaguers will receive an award) and old (Headlamp Heroes and Masters awards will be presented); a wide array of delicious food to be enjoyed; games for playing; and a slideshow for your enjoyment (please send any pictures from the season to [email protected]).
Complimentary tea, juice and water will be provided.
Please RSVP to [email protected] with:
– number in your party
– potluck contribution:

     Families:  Salad & Main or Main & Dessert
     Singles: Salad, Main, or Dessert
– whether you are interested in helping with setup and take down (before/after the event)

 

CBT Application

IMG_8621We are applying for CBT local initiatives grants. We are trying to secure funds for some much needed safety equipment for race hosting, as well as asset preservation materials for our day lodge and maintenance building. On Tuesday, March 15th, we will present this information, and attendees are able to vote on the projects. This voting counts towards the decision to fund our project. Therefore, we would love you to attend on March 15th and support the RNSC, as well as other great local clubs and initiatives.


 

AGM

Our Annual General Meeting will be held on Thursday, April 14th at 7pm at the day lodge. This is an important opportunity to speak with board members and learn about the direction the club is heading. We will also be electing next years board members. We have a few vacancies on our board that we need to fill. If you are interested in joining our board, or would like more information about being a board member, please contact us at [email protected]


 

Race Team

Screen Shot 2016-02-23 at 10.59.23 PMRevelstoke Nordic skiers have enjoyed a successful 2015-16 race season competing at Okanagan Cups, BC Cups, BC Midget Championships and NorAm events. After on-snow training camps throughout the month of November, the season opening events were consecutive NorAm race weekends in Canmore and Vernon. These events doubled as Youth Olympic Games qualifiers for athletes aged 15 – 17. Prior to the holiday season, athletes partook in the annual Holiday Camp in Revelstoke. A highlight of the camp was a nutrition and pre-race planning talk led by national Ski Mountaineering team member, Mel Bernier. A big thanks to Mel for her presentation and to Mountain Goodness Natural Foods for donating pre, during and post activity food and drink options for athletes to sample!
The new year began with an Okanagan Cup and BC Winter Games Qualifier on our home trails with 61 Revelstoke Nordic skiers suiting up at the start line. Simon Blackie, Erik Brosch, Kolibri Drobish and Miika Park all qualified for the BCWG taking place at the end of February. January also saw 29 Revelstoke Nordic skiers attend the BC Cup in Vernon; 17 youngsters helped Revelstoke Nordic achieve 4th out of 15 BC teams at the hilariously entertaining BC Midget Champs in Salmon Arm; and 12 skiers hit the start line for the Okanagan Cup in Kelowna; 31 skiers trekked to Kamloops for the BC Cup on the first weekend in February; and last weekend 6 Revelstoke athletes traveled the long road to Prince George for the three-day Western Canadian Championships. Racers are now looking forward to the remaining title events: BC Winter Games, February 25th – 28th in Penticton; BC Championships, March 3rd – 5th in Whistler and Ski Nationals, March 19th – 26th in Whitehorse, Yukon. Let’s not forget, those not attending BCWG will be dressed in their tropical best at the club’s Team Scream extravaganza!
Screen Shot 2016-02-23 at 11.01.18 PMA huge thanks to our coaches for their exceptional work this season. Robyn Thomas, Mandy Kellner, Kellen Viznaugh, Kip Drobish and Bruce Granstrom have donated countless hours to help Coach Matt ensure the continued success of our Track Attack and Junior Development athletes.
Finally, our race team is growing and weeknights are busier and busier at the club. In case members are curious, race team skiers practice from 4 – 7pm on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and 4 – 6pm on Wednesday evening. Tuesday evening from 4 – 5pm is also a Rabbits session, meaning there could be 50 skiers on-snow at one time! Saturday mornings are traditionally busy for the entirety of our Ski League programming and non-race weekend afternoons will have our eldest JD skiers on the trails from 12:30 until 3pm.
Top Revelstoke Nordic performances from the 2015-16 race season:
NorAm and Youth Olympic Games Trials*, December 5th, 6th and 8th in Canmore:
2nd – Beth Granstrom, 2000 Girls, 5km Classic Interval
3rd – Alana Brittin, 2000 Girls, 5km Classic Interval
3rd – Kolibri Drobish, 2002 Girls, 2.5km Classic Interval
3rd – Jaclyn Elliott, 2003 Girls, 2.5km Classic Interval and 4km Free Mass
3rd, Beth Granstrom, 2000 Girls, 6km Classic Interval
4th – Alana Brittin, YOG Games Trials (1998 – 2000 Girls), 1.2km Classic Sprint
5th – Elizabeth Elliott, YOG Games Trials (1998 – 2000 Girls), 1.2km Classic Sprint
NorAm and Youth Olympic Games Trials*, December 12th and 13th in Vernon
1st – Elizabeth Elliott, 2000 Girls, 1km Free Sprint
*Alana and Elizabeth (both 15) placed 7th and 8th, respectively, against 15 – 17 year olds nation-wide after both Youth Olympic Games Trials events
IMG_8405Okanagan Cup and BC Winter Games Trials, January 2nd in Revelstoke
1st – Fiona Woodman, 2008 Girls, 1.5km Classic Interval
1st – Megan Norrie, 2010 Girls, 1.5km Classic Interval
1st – Ruby Serrouya, 2006 Girls, 1.5km Classic Interval
1st – Natalie Morrone, 2007 Girls, 1.5km Classic Interval
1st – Kolibri Drobish, 2002 Girls, 3.75km Classic Interval
1st – Alana Brittin, 2000 Girls, 5km Classic Interval
2nd – Irah Cameron-Harding, <2010 Boys, 1.5km Classic Interval
2nd – Norah Painter, 2008 Girls, 1.5km Classic Interval
2nd – Livia McMechan, 2009 Girls, 1.5km Classic Interval
2nd – Micayla MacIntosh, <2010 Girls, 1.5km Classic Interval
2nd – Elliot Wilson, 2004 Girls, 2.5km Classic Interval
2nd – Simon Blackie, 2001 Boys, 5km Classic Interval
2nd – Elizabeth Elliott, 2000 Girls, 5km Classic Interval
2nd – Marnie Graf, 30-39 Women, 10km Classic Interval
3rd – Nicholas Gill, 2009 Boys, 1.5km Classic Interval
3rd – Hamish Woodman, <2010 Boys, 1.5km Classic Interval
3rd – Emilie Paquin, 2008 Girls, 1.5km Classic Interval
3rd – Sela McMechan, <2010 Girls, 1.5km Classic Interval
3rd – Maeve MacLeod, 2005 Girls, 2.5km Classic Interval
3rd – Jaclyn Elliott, 2003 Girls, 3.75km Classic Interval
3rd – Erik Brosch, 2001 Boys, 5km Classic Interval
3rd – Patrick McMechan, 30-39 Men, 10km Classic Interval
BC Cup, January 9th and 10th in Vernon
1st – Alana Brittin, 2000 Girls, 750m Classic Sprints
1st – Fiona Woodman, 2008 Girls, 800m Free Interval
1st – Hamish Woodman, <2010 Boys, 800m Free Interval
1st – Ruby Serrouya, 2006 Girls, 1.4km Free Interval
1st – Robyn Thomas, 30-39 Women, 7.5km Free Interval
2nd – Francesco Morrone, 2004 Boys, 2km Free Interval
3rd – Elizabeth Elliott, 2000 Girls, 750m Classic Sprints
3rd – Simon Blackie, 2001 Boys 5km Free Interval
3rd – Mandy Kellner, 40-49 Women, 7.5km Free Interval
BC Midget Championships, January 23rd and 24th in Salmon Arm
1st – Ruby Serrouya, 2006 Girls, 2km Classic Interval
1st – Ruby Serrouya, 2006 Girls, 300m Free Sprints
Screen Shot 2016-02-23 at 11.10.51 PMOkanagan Cup, January 31st in Kelowna
2nd – Ruby Serrouya, 2006 Girls, 2km Free Interval
2nd – Elizabeth Elliott, 2000 Girls, 6km Free Interval
3rd – Jaclyn Elliott, 2003 Girls, 3km Free Interval
3rd – Alana Brittin, 2000 Girls, 6km Free Interval
BC Cup, February 7th and 8th in Kamloops
1st – Ruby Serrouya, 2006 Girls, 1.5km Free Interval
1st – Robyn Thomas, 30-39 Women, 10km Free Interval
1st – Alana Brittin, 2000 Girls, 5km Classic Mass
1st – Robyn Thomas, 30-39 Women, 10km Classic Mass
2nd – Nyssa Thomas, 2005 Girls, 2.5km Free Interval
2nd – Beth Granstrom, 2000 Girls, 5km Free Interval
2nd – Maeve MacLeod, 2005 Girls, 2.5km Classic Interval
2nd – Elizabeth Elliott, 2000 Girls, 5km Classic Mass
3rd – Maeve MacLeod, 2005 Girls, 2.5km Free Interval
3rd – Emily MacLeod, 2003 Girls, 2.5km Free Interval
3rd – Elizabeth Elliott, 2000 Girls, 5km Free Interval
3rd – Ruby Serrouya, 2006 Girls, 1.5km Classic Mass
3rd – Isobel Wilson, 2007 Girls, 1.5km Classic Mass
3rd – Elliot Wilson, 2004 Boys, 2.5km Classic Mass
3rd – Kolibri Drobish, 2002 Girls, 3.5km Classic Mass
3rd – Beth Granstrom, 2000 Girls, 5km Classic Mass
3rd – Penny Page-Brittin, 40-49 Women, 10km Classic Mass
Screen Shot 2016-02-23 at 11.06.24 PMWestern Championships, February 19th – 21st in Prince George
1st – Elizabeth Elliott, 2000 Girls, 3.75km Free Interval
1st – Alana Brittin, 2000 Girls, 800m Classic Sprint and 7.5km Classic Mass
2nd – Elizabeth Elliott, 2000 Girls, 800m Classic Sprint
2nd – Beth Granstrom, 2000 Girls, 3.75km Free Interval
3rd – Alana Brittin, 2000 Girls, 3.75km Free Interval
3rd – Simon Blackie, 2001 Boys, 3.75km Free Interval Start and 10km Classic Mass

Elementary and High School Nordic Programs

We are continuing to provide opportunities for many of our local students to get on skinny sticks! By the start of March, fourth grade classes from Begbie View, Arrow Heights, Columbia Park and Ecole des Glaciers will have come up for four morning sessions. Additionally, we have considerably expanded our Revelstoke Secondary School Nordic programming, with all physical education classes attending two or three morning sessions, equaling 22 total visit from RSS classes. Thanks to volunteers Louisa Fleming and Janette Vickers, and parent helpers for their work assisting Coach Matt with the grade four programs. Great work to Daniel Blackie, Kelsey Knoll and Ian Ward for their work assisting Coach Matt as paid leads with our RSS classes.

Adult Programs

We have had a successful run of technique-based adult instruction this Nordic season. All programs have seen considerable interest, including: Adult Classic and Skate Beginners on Monday nights; Adult Intermediate and Advanced (Classic and Skate) on Tuesday evenings or Thursday afternoons, One Day Classic and Skate Clinics and Private or Group Lessons. In addition, there has been continued interest in our free Wednesday Night Open Training sessions (on none Headlamp Hero Wednesdays). February 24th and March 2nd are the final two Open Training sessions of the season. Please contact Coach Matt if there are any adult programs you would like to see included in the future.

Headlamp Heroes 

IMG_8472101 skiers have taken part in our first three Headlamp Heroes events sponsored by Skookum, the Village Idiot, the Modern Bakeshop and Cafe and Mica Heliskiing! We have our final race, a 4×2.5km Mixed Technique Relay event on Wednesday, March 9th. Four skiers per team with one member of the opposite sex is required. The first two legs will be classic technique and the final two legs will be free technique. A big thanks to Flowt for sponsoring this season finale. Finally, thanks to the myriad of volunteers who have helped with the events, in particular, Wade Viznaugh for his ongoing efforts to ensure pristine trail conditions and smooth running events.

VOLUNTEER HIGHLIGHT: COACHES

A CLUB IS NOTHING WITHOUT THE SPIRIT OF VOLUNTEERISM TO DRIVE IT IN A POSITIVE DIRECTION
Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club loves volunteer coaches! Our Bunnies, Jackrabbit, & Trailblazers programs are entirely led by volunteer coaches, and other programs like Ski S’kool, Track Attack, and Junior Development, while led by paid coaches need volunteer coach support too. If you love skiing and want to share your passion with others, this is the job for you! Don’t think you have enough experience? Start your coaching career as a Bunnies leader and progress from there. One of the many benefits of coaching is that it will greatly improve YOUR technique. This is a high impact job that allows you to directly contribute to the growth of cross­country skiing in our community, BC, and across Canada.
Coaching courses are scheduled every year in late October or early November and course fees are covered by RNSC. We encourage community members of all ages from Youth to Senior to become certified in National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). To learn more about the courses and to find out how you can be part of this program, please contact Matt Smider, [email protected] or Robyn Thomas, [email protected]
Thank you to all of our volunteer coaches who are serving our growing community of youth skiers!
2015/16 Coaches:
Daniel Blackie, Jasmin Brackenbury, Amelia Brown, Kristy Cameron, Gabriella Draboczi, Annmarie Gill, Kurt Grabinsky, Bruce Granstrom, Mandy Kellner, Bart Larson, Rory Luxmoore, Brendan MacIntosh, Pat McMechan, Koreen Morrone, Nikki Norrie, Simone Palmer, Dominic Paquin, Robyn Thomas, Janette Vickers, Kendra Von Bremen, Tanya Wolgram, Angus Woodman, Kellen  Viznaugh.
Following are those who have furthered their NCCP training in the past 2 years:
Introduction to Community Coaching (ICC): Daniel Blackie, Alana Brittin, Gabriella Draboczi, Elizabeth Elliot, Annmarie Gill, Beth Granstrom, Kate Granstrom, Kelsey Knoll, Pat McMechan, Brendan MacIntosh, Koreen Morrone, Dominic Paquin, Tanya Wolgram
Community Coaching (CC): Daniel Blackie, Gabriella Draboczi, Annmarie Gill, Brendan MacIntosh, Koreen Morrone, Robyn Thomas, Tanya Wolgram
Competition Coaching Intro (L2T): Dryland: Gabriella Draboczi, Mandy Kellner, Robyn Thomas
Competition Coaching Intro Advanced (T2T): Dryland & On­snow: Bruce Granstrom,Rory Luxmoore

Emergency Plan

Our Emergency plan can be viewed any time on line right here.

Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club – Rescue Plan

for Mount Macpherson Ski Trails

The Nordic trails are not patrolled

Ski at your own Risk

 

 

Emergency (Fire, Ambulance, Police, SAR)     911

Hospital     250-837-2131

Revelstoke Nordic Lodge     250-814-4264

Mt Macpherson Ski Area is located 7 kilometers south of the Trans Canada Highway on Highway 23 South (address is 2265 Hwy 23 South).

For emergencies needing transport off the ski trails call 911, describe the nature and location of the emergency and ask for Search and Rescue.

 

  • Unless trained individuals are available the injured person should not be moved until SAR attends.
  • First Aid packs with blankets and first aid kits are kept at the Ole Sandberg Cabin and in the Day Lodge Office. There is also a rescue pack located in a box at the bottom of Hydro Hill. If the victim cannot ski out on their own, use these packs to keep the victim warm until Search and Rescue can assist them.
  • Between 9 am and 3 pm contact the Nordic Lodge at 837-4264 to report the accident. The Lodge Attendant may be able to assist with rescue.
  •  The RNSC owns a snowmobile equipped with a toe bar and a rescue toboggan that are stored in the maintenance building.
  •  The snowmobile is only to be driven by individuals that are familiar with snowmobile operation.
  •  Only trained first aid attendants are to use the rescue toboggan to transport injured persons.
  •  After rescue services have been contacted, please contact the club manager at 250-814-4264 to report the accident.

Open for the holidays

December 18, 2015January 12, 2016editor

What better thing than skiing with friends and family to get some fresh air and work up an appetite before all the feasting.  Luckily, the Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club and Lodge will be open daily throughout the holidays!

Rentals are available daily from 9am-4pm, the lodge is open 9am-9pm, and trail lights are on until 9:30pm.  As always, trail fees or parking fees can be paid in the fee vault outside of office hours.

Happy holidays and hope to see you out!

RNSC Report, October 2015, Volume 19, Issue 1

October 26, 2015October 26, 2015editor

Membership Night

Our annual Membership night will be held on Monday, November 2nd, from 5pm to 8pm at the day lodge. Members night is your opportunity to purchase your 2015/16 membership with out the fees associated with online purchasing. All other memberships for the season will be available through www.zone4.ca.

Please come out and purchase your membership, chat with other members and learn a bit about the upcoming season. You will also have the opportunity to purchase a Coopers gift card; this is a major fund raiser for our Ski League.

We also reset our contact list as of Membership night; therefore, if you would like to continue to receive Nordic updates by email and newsletter, it is important to renew your membership on or before November 2nd.

We hope to see you there!

 

Thank you Natelle

On behalf of the entire RNSC, we would like to offer a sincere thank you to all of the hard work that Natelle put into our club last year. Natelle was our first Club Manager; she put in many long hour days and worked with the club in mind to sell day tickets, market and advertise the club, organize volunteers, help out with membership duties, clean the lodge and many, many more tasks. It has been wonderful to have her positive energy at the lodge, and her hard work to keep things running smoothly. Natelle, we wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors. Sincerely, all of us!

 

Welcome Kelsey – our new Club Manager

KelseyHello! My name is Kelsey, and I get to be the General Manager of the Nordic Club.  I am a new face to town, so I’ll tell you a bit about where I’ve been before now.

I grew up in Prince George, BC.  I grew up cross-country skiing at the trails there as a kid, then again as a teenager.  Since then, I’ve made sure to be near Nordic trails in some form.

I attended school at the University of British Columbia (UBC), finishing with a degree in Applied Biology, focusing on local food systems.  After I received my piece of paper, the opportunity to put my degree to use was thrown in my lap—I started a small-scale farm with three university friends on Vancouver Island, in Courtenay, BC.  For two seasons, we grew vegetables and chickens and beans, selling at the farmers’ market.  During the winter, I worked at the Mount Washington Nordic Centre (which was a hoot to say the least), and even learned to be a cross-country ski instructor.

Now I find myself in Revelstoke.  I moved here this spring to work as a wildland fire fighter with the Ministry of Forests. I am very excited about all the biking, running, and skiing adventures to be done in and around this lovely town, with the lovely people that live here.

I am looking forward to meeting you all, having skis and teas and laughs together.  Happy trails!

 

Ski League

We are looking forward to another great season of youth programs!  We had a great turnout at Mass Registration of keen parents registering their kids for our Skill Development Program including Bunnies, Jackrabbits, Trailblazers, Track Attack, and Junior Development.

Sign up for Ski League at Members Night where Matt, Robyn, and Janette can answer your questions. All registrations other than Members Night are through Zone4.ca (find link at revelstokenordic.org).  Deadline for registration is Nov. 30, 2015.

Thanks to all families who helped us with fundraising over the summer.  We also had great representation at the Emergency Services Food Drive.  Uniform orders for racers (or anyone interested in wearing an awesome Revelstoke jersey or jacket) will be taken by Tracey Larson before the end of October.

The Ski League athletes are looking for fundraising support from all Club Members for the 2015-16 season.  Coopers Gift Cards supporting the Nordic Ski League will be available for purchase at Members Night. Natalie MacLeod and Vanessa Morrow are our Coopers Card Coordinators.  Members will be able to purchase the gift cards from the Club Manager during office hours at the Lodge throughout the season.  Speak with Natalie at Member’s Night if you have questions.

 **Mark your calendars for another great Pancake Breakfast to get our season started Dec. 5th!**

K-9 Skiing

Snowshoer'Another winter approaches and the RNSC offers another great opportunity to ski with your dog. The trail configuration and rules remain the same as last year. Please purchase your membership at www.Zone4.ca or at membership night November 2nd at RNSC Macpherson lodge. Be sure to include your dog’s name and description and read the dog loop agreement. Any questions can be directed to Paula Hill at [email protected].

As always your fellow dogger, Paula Hill

 

Welcome Duane – our Operations Manager

DuaneI came from a south Saskatchewan farm where x-c skiing was unheard of. At about 10 years old, after being inspired by a film about Jackrabbit Johannsen, I fashioned my first pair of skis from a dismantled toboggan with a pair of old work boots hinged onto it. I learned quickly the beauty of traveling through natural areas in the winter time. Getting a great outdoor workout in windy Saskatchewan in the wintertime was a fabulous bonus. I’ve been loving Nordic skiing ever since!
Coming to BC as tree-planters, my partner Josee and I were lucky enough to work on a crew that traveled all over BC. We fell in love with Revelstoke and decided it is the best place in BC  to live.  We still believe that after having lived in Revelstoke for 25 years now.
Having lived in a few other great x-c skiing towns like Thunderbay, Saskatoon and Canmore, I recognize what a great facility Revelstoke has in the RNSC. I hope to use my skills to help take great care of the facilities, equipment and trails to enhance the skiing experience for all.
Have a great snowy season! – Duane

 

Race Team

Our Race Team, comprised of our Track Attack and Junior Development skiers, has been dryland training throughout the summer and fall. Co-lead by Coach Matt and his longtime ski pal, Coach Matti (Little), the summer program had two weekly sessions for interested TA and three for the JD. Once September rolls around, the TA and JD crews have three and four weekly team workouts respectively. Undoubtedly, these hard working skiers have been spotted around town: roller skiing up Mt. Revelstoke, wheelin’ around the Greenbelt or down Airport Way, running the trails at Macpherson or in Rogers Pass, swimming in Williamson, or doing pull ups, dips, ball throws and box jumps at thDrylande Mount Begbie playground. All of these workouts would not be possible without our dedicated support crew of volunteer Race Team coaches: Robyn Thomas, Bruce Granstrom, Mandy Kellner and Kellen Viznaugh. Furthermore, we cannot forget to thank parent volunteers who perform a variety of other tasks during the offseason: from coordinating Coopers Cards and sourcing team gear, to fundraiser food prep and endless bottle sorting. Several local business and organizations deserve to be mentioned for supporting our Race Team. Our local shops, Skookum and Flowt, continue to provide support for our skiers and our Nordic club. A big thank you goes out to the Knights of Pythias and the Revelstoke Credit Union for their financial support of athletes who attended last year’s Ski Nationals in Thunder Bay. Additionally, our local TD Branch has provided financial support for the benefit of our Ski League programming. Finally, a new partnership with Helios Rehabilitation and Performance is helping to provide athletes with the necessary expertise to stay healthy and competitive.

DrylandLast spring, Revelstoke Nordic had three athletes named to the BC Development Squad and three athletes named to the BC Talent Squad. Development Squad athletes, Alana Brittin, Beth Granstrom and Elizabeth Elliott have had the opportunity to attend three training camps this season: two dryland camps in Whistler in August and Revelstoke in September, and an on-snow camp at the Haig Glacier in the middle of July! Similarly, our Talent Squad skiers, Kate Granstrom, Simon Blackie and Erik Brosch (and reserve Talent Squad skier Rebecca Brosch) attended a dryland camp in 100 Mile House at the beginning of September. All seven skiers and another reserve Talent Squad skier, Miika Park, will be attending the BC Development and Talent Squad On-Snow Camp in Whistler in mid-November. In addition to the team camps, Revelstoke Nordic was represented at the Regional Dryland Camp in Vernon this September and we will have a large contingent at the Regional On-Snow Camp in Vernon in late November. Between regular weekly training and a busy camp schedule, these athletes have been diligent and disciplined in their preparation for the fast approaching 2015-16 season. Our first events are less than six weeks away and are followed quickly by our local Okanagan Cup on January 2nd. This event holds great importance to many of our 2002 and 2001 skiers who will be vying to qualify for this year’s BC Winter Games in Penticton.

 

Coaches Training

Revelstoke Nordic is proud to offer free training to new and existing coaches through the NCCP workshops. In September, five coaches partook in the Introductory Community Coaching held at the Macpherson Nordic Lodge. On October 23rd – 25th, the Learning to Train (Dryland) course will be held in Revelstoke, followed by the On-Snow portion on December 14th – 16th. Finally, the Community Coaching workshop will be held in Revelstoke on December 4th – 6th. For more information or to get involved with coaching at Revelstoke Nordic, please contact Coach Matt ([email protected]).

 

Ski S’kool and Revelstoke Secondary School

Once again, we will be hosting all of Revelstoke’s Grade 4s as part of our Ski S’kool programming. Additionally, we will be expanding our Revelstoke Secondary School program to provide eight Physical Education classes with three Nordic sessions each. If you are interested in instructing with our Ski Skool or RSS programs and have weekday daytime availability during the ski season, please contact [email protected].

 

Sport Day Nordic copyRBC Sports Day in Canada

As part of the RBC Sport Day in Canada the Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club is hosting a snowshoe tour November 15th beginning at Noon (weather dependent).
If snow is not covering the trails we will lead a hike on the snowshoe loop. The Seven Bridges loop is 4.5 kilometers and travels through woods and cut blocks along streams and the Nordic ski trails.
Please bring snowshoes and water. Hiking poles may be helpful. A few pairs of snowshoes will be available.
The RNSC lodge will be open. This is a free event for anyone that wants to participate, even if you aren’t a member.

 

Masters Skiing

Whether you’re a closet competitor or a weekday plodder, there may be an opportunity for you to get involved in our Adult programs.

  • Beginner Technique Sessions on Monday evenings (7-8:30). Classic: January 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th. Skate: February 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd.
  • Intermediate and Advanced Technique Sessions either Tuesday evenings (7:30-9) or Thursday afternoons (12:30-2). 10 weeks alternating between classic and skate beginning week of January 5th. Choose between five or 10 sessions.
  • Open Training on Wednesday evenings (7-8:30) beginning December 2nd.

For those who cannot commit to full session dates, you may be interested in the One Day Ski Clinic on Sunday, January 17th. Private, semi-private and group lessons can also be arranged. Finally, individualized training plans are available for those interested in focusing their training efforts. Contact [email protected] for more information or visit “Programs” on the website for dates, times and pricing.

 

DSC_2950Headlamp Heroes

Our successful toonie race series is returning and everyone is welcome to participate! These events are not just for the hardcore racer-types; they are always filled with shovel loads of laughter and snow banks of understanding…  All events are held on Wednesdays beginning at 7pm (registration from 6-6:30). Dates are as follows (format TBD): December 16th, January 13th, February 10th, March 9th.

 

Bottle Depot Donations

We are pleased to announce an easy way to help make our club even more awesome! You can now easily donate the proceeds from your bottle returns to the  Revelstoke Nordic Club – Ski League right at the bottle depot!

It’s easy:

  1. Bring your bottles to the bottle depot and sort as usual.
  2. Let the wonderful people at the counter know that you wish the proceeds from your returns to be applied to Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club account – #19.

That’s it!  Money will be used to fund our Youth Programs (including equipment for the ski league to special events for skiers members of all ages). Please spread the word about this easy and worthwhile fundraiser to your family and friends.

 

Brushing Party

On Sunday, October 18th, we held a work party to tackle the brush (woody shrubs) growing up on our ski trails.  Fifteen volunteers came out to wield brush saws, chainsaws and a pole saw.  We managed to get a lot accomplished, brushing Mickey’s Loop, part of Main Loop, Log Roller and Hydro Way.  We also had a team tackle low hanging tree limbs that would get in the way of the groomer and the lights along Mickey’s Loop.

Additionally, this year we’ve had a huge help from the BC Wildfire crews who have brushed a good chunk of the north trails for us.

A big thanks to all those who came out.  Hope to see you again next year! Now, we just wait for snow…

RNSC Report, December 2014, Volume 18, Issue 2

December 10, 2014December 10, 2014editor

President’s Report

Our club is still operating without a President. With our growing membership, we really need to have the leadership and direction that a President can provide. Please consider supporting the club and joining our board of directors.


 

Memberships as gifts

Christmas is coming! A nordic membership makes a great Christmas gift. Get your friends to join you on the trails. You can purchase a membership for a friend or family member at www.zone4.ca.


 

CLUB MANAGER’S MESSAGE

IMG_2117Hello Members,

December is off to a great start with excellent conditions on the trails and many skiers out enjoying the lights in the evenings. I’m happy to have been chosen for this new position and am looking forward to meeting you all. A bit about myself: I moved to Revelstoke from Vancouver in 2013 after spending several winter seasons here.  I bring experience working in non-profit administration and a love for skiing to this position.

I grew up in Nova Scotia, skiing on the trails around my house.  As an adult, I’ve had the opportunity to explore many great Nordic ski areas across the country, having lived and worked in Gros Morne National Park, Gatineau and Canmore. After all my travels, I can honestly say I think the trails and facility here are fantastic and I’m glad to be part of such an active Club.  I hope to see you out on the trails!

Natelle Fitzgerald, Club Manager, 250.837.8858


 

MEMBERSHIP CARDS

Membership cards are ready.  Stop by the ticket office to pick yours up.


 

NIGHT SKIING

Night skiing has started.  Six kilometers of groomed trails are being lit from dusk until 9:30 pm every evening.  Lit trails include:  The Mickey Olson Loop, Evelyn’s Choice, Dynamite Trail, Terrain Park, Main Stadium and part of the Main Loop.  The Lodge will remain open to accommodate evening skiers, with a closing time of 9:00 pm.


 

Lantern Ski 2015Kerosene_lantern

The lantern ski is bigger and better than ever in 2015. Join us on January 1st, 2015 from 5pm to 8pm to ski our lit trails around Mickey’s loop, or our lantern route around Main loop. We will be serving snacks and hot drinks at the main lodge. There will be drinks and a few snacks at Ole Sandberg hut as well.

  • Bring your own mug for hot chocolate
  • If possible, young families with children should come between 5 and 6:30, and adults between 6:30 and 8. However, you are welcome whenever you can make it.
  • This is a free event for members. Non-members pay the day rate.
  • We need volunteers to help out. Tasks include cleaning and filling lanterns, serving food, helping with parking and greeting and collecting day use fees. If you can help with any of these tasks, please contact Brendan at [email protected] or 250-837-4044

 

Dogs on Ski Trails

 We recently received this message from CCBC regarding Dogs on trails.

“Clubs that allow dogs on their premises are advised to inform dog owners that they are responsible for their dog’s behaviour.

The owner of a dog is responsible for maintaining control over his/her pet and to be in abidance of any bylaws etc. that govern having a pet in public.  If a skier is interfered with by a dog and suffers bodily injury, and they sue the dog owner and the club for damages, the club will be fully protected under the CCC/CCBC liability insurance policy.  However the owner of the dog has no protection and is personally responsible for his/her dog’s actions just as they would be in other similar settings.”


 

cross country skis revelstokeSKI RENTALS

The Club recently purchased, along with the school board, 50 pairs of skis, boots and poles, for both classic and skate, from Sovereign Lakes.  This equipment is now available for rent at the Lodge, from 9:00 am until 3:30 pm, seven days per week.  The equipment is being shared with the schools, so please call in advance to make sure we can accommodate you with the proper size and equipment. Right now we accept cash only for payment.  A credit card number will be required as a deposit. Renters must pay for the equipment at the ticket office and sign a waiver form.

The rates for rentals are as follows:

  • $20/day for skis, boots and poles.
  • $15.00/day for skis and poles only.
  • $10.00/day for boots only.
  • $5.00/day for poles only.

 

018Ski League

We had a great start to Ski League on Saturday, December 6th!  We have reached 86 registrations for Revelstoke Nordic Ski League from Bunnies through Junior Development.  MacPherson Lodge was a swarm of activity this past Saturday with 37 Jackrabbits, 10 coaches, parents, siblings, volunteers, and Track Attack & JD athletes, all attending our annual pancake breakfast and first day of lessons.  Thanks to our amazing kitchen crew who served up 11 batches of pancakes!


 

VOLUNTEERING

We’re looking for volunteers to help staff the ticket office. With the lodge now open for night skiing, we could use help in the evenings, as well as certain times during the days.  Available times include:

  • Evenings (all week): 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
  • Evenings (all week):  6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
  • Tuesdays and Wednesdays: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
  • Tuesdays and Wednesdays: 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm

If you’re interested in volunteering for the ticket office, please contact Natelle at [email protected] or call 250.837.8858.  We’d love your help!


 

Race TeamNear Short Hop December 2014

The snow has arrived and our skiers have eagerly accepted the transition from dryland to on-snow workouts. The skiers are thoroughly enjoying the superb environment provided by the newly lit trail system!

Our 17 Track Attack and 11 Junior Development skiers are led by Coach Matt, alongside a dedicated cast of co-coaches including Rory Luxmoore, Bruce Granstrom, Clare Peacock and Adele Lay. In November, six JD skiers and Coach Matt attended the BC Talent Squad On-Snow Camp at Callaghan Valley. Later in the month, 11 TA & JD skiers and Coach Matt enjoyed the opening weekend at Silver Star for the Regional On-Snow Camp. The camps provide an excellent opportunity for skiers to interact with their peers from other clubs and receive feedback from a wide range of experienced coaches.

Our eldest skiers kicked off their season at the Sovereign Lake Open this past weekend. Racing in large categories spanning across multiple age groups, skiers focused on maintaining technique and following their race plans. Offseason training has paid off as almost all skiers placed top five in their birth years, including several first placings – well done JD crew!

We are now looking forward to attending the NORAM event in Rossland, our Holiday Camp at the club and the Okanagan Cup in Salmon Arm before the end of December. Ski season is in full swing and we’re ready for action! A big thank you to all of our volunteers who have assisted with fundraising efforts throughout the offseason and Alta Gas for their continued support of the Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club.


 

Adult Programs

We have a variety of options for adults looking for Nordic instruction! Please contact [email protected] for more information or to register for any of our Adult Programs. Private, semi-private or group lessons are also available.

Adult Beginner: Looking to get into classic or skate skiing? Here’s a four-session option to get you on the trails. $60/4 sessions.

  • Classic – Monday nights in January (5th, 12th, 19th, 26th) from 7 – 8:30pm
  • Skate – Monday nights in February (2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd) from 7 – 8:30pm

Adult Intermediate/Advanced: Technique-based sessions alternating between classic and skate. Participants may choose between Tuesday evenings from 7:30 – 9pm or Thursday afternoons from 12:30 – 2pm. Runs for 10 weeks beginning with classic technique on Tuesday January 6th. $75/5 sessions; $125/10 sessions.

One Day Clinic: On Sunday, January 11th there will be a One Day Clinic. Technique instruction on classic skiing will take place in the morning (10am – noon) and skate instruction will be offered in the afternoon (1 – 3pm). Skiers may choose to enter one or both of the clinics. $20/2 hour session.

Open Training: Intensity-based sessions for individuals looking for a group workout environment. Wednesday evenings from 7:30 – 9pm on non-Headlamp Hero nights (note: no sessions on December 24th and 31st). No charge; just limbs and lungs!


 

Headlamp HeroesNN4

Our Headlamp Heroes Race Series is back again this year to bring speed and laughter into our Wednesday evenings! Regardless of whether headlamps are necessary, the name of the game is staying the same!

  • Interval Start Classic – December 10th
  • Skate Sprints – January 7th
  • Mass Start Skate – February  4th
  • Mixed Technique Relay – March  4th

$2 entry fee and draw prizes to be won! Registration from 6 – 6:30pm; Racing starts at 7pm.


 

Cooper’s Cards Fundraiser

You may have already heard about the Cooper’s Cards fundraiser our club initiated last year. We are participating in this fundraiser again. It requires minimal time on the part of club and ski league members, and no extra cost. The club earns between 6% and 8% on every dollar of Cooper’s cards/vouchers sold. Purchasing Cooper’s cards will help keep our fees low and pay for coaching certification, equipment, and special events, to name a few. Cards come in $100 denominations. You can pay with cash or cheque (payable to Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club).

Club members will be able to purchase cards from our new Lodge manager, Natelle Fitzgerald Thursday-Monday 9am-3:30pm. Please email her to arrange an exchange at [email protected] or call her at (250) 837-8858.

We are asking Ski League families to purchase $1000 minimum by the end of the season. Families can obtain cards from Vanessa Morrow. Please email to arrange card/cash exchanges (Saturdays at lessons are most convenient). [email protected]

We are asking Track Attack and Junior Development families to purchase $2000 minimum. Please email Natalie MacLeod to arrange. [email protected]

Thank you for your support!


 

Nordic Yoga

 Online registration & payment now available

 January 8th-March 30th, 2015. Mondays 7:15pm. 13 weeks for $123.50 (saves $4.50 per class)
How Yoga can benefit your skiing: The obvious reasons are, flexibility, strength, also developing of mental and physical stamina. The practice of yoga can help prevent injury by teaching you techniques that help you become more embodied giving you a greater understanding of how to move your body in a way that supports your overall well being. Skiing is a sport that builds lots of lower body strength and the practice of yoga helps with building upper body strength while also stretching out your lower body to aid in increased mobility. It also helps build equilibrium in the body. We tend to have areas in our body that compensate for weaker areas, and with the practice of yoga you can learn to become more balanced in your body which benefits not only skiing, but also the emotional imbalances we are met with at different times of our lives and different times of the year.
We will be opening up 20 spots for pre-registration. Pre registration is necessary, before January 2nd. We require a minimum of 18 people run the program. There will be no dropins. If the 20 spots are not filled, then the class will be opened up to drop ins or cancelled depending upon the desire of participants.
Namaste
Balu Yoga & Wellness
414 1st Street West
Phone-(250)837-3975
[email protected]


Emergency Plan

Please take a moment to review and understand our Emergency plan. You can view it any time on the website, or posted in the day lodge.

Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club – Rescue Plan

for Mount Macpherson Ski Trails

The Nordic trails are not patrolled

Ski at your own Risk

Emergency (Fire, Ambulance, Police, SAR)     911

Hospital     250-837-2131

Revelstoke Nordic Lodge     250-814-4264

Mt Macpherson Ski Area is located 7 kilometers south of the Trans Canada Highway on Highway 23 South (address is 2265 Hwy 23 South).

For emergencies needing transport off the ski trails call 911, describe the nature and location of the emergency and ask for Search and Rescue.

 

  • Unless trained individuals are available the injured person should not be moved until SAR attends.
  • First Aid packs with blankets and first aid kits are kept at the Ole Sandberg Cabin and in the Day Lodge Office. If the victim cannot ski out on their own, use these packs to keep the victim warm until Search and Rescue can assist them.
  •  The RNSC owns a snowmobile equipped with a toe bar and a rescue toboggan that are stored in the maintenance building.
  •  The snowmobile is only to be driven by individuals that are familiar with snowmobile operation.
  •  Only trained first aid attendants are to use the rescue toboggan to transport injured persons.
  •  After rescue services have been contacted contact one of the following to report the accident:

 

Keith McNabb (RNSC Secretary)         (250) 837-5910

Dave Kaegi (RNSC Past President)         (250) 837-8574

Natelle Fitzgerald (Club Manager)                (250) 837-8858

Matt Smider (Club Coach)         (250) 683-9012

Updated February 2014

RNSC Report, October 2014, Volume 18, Issue 1

October 20, 2014October 23, 2014editor

PRESIDENTS REPORT

The Club still does not have a President. This is an important position that needs to be filled. The President provides the leadership for the club and the Executive. It is well supported by the new Club Manager. If you are interested please contact any member of the Executive. We need you!


LightsTRAIL LIGHTS ARE HERE!

By the time the snow flies, the RNSC will have 6 kilometers of new trail lighting for night skiing. Thanks to the generous donation of the Columbia Basin Trust ($75,000), CSRD Area B Economic Opportunity Fund ($75,000), and the City of Revelstoke’s Tourism Infrastructure Fund ($70,000) Nordic skiers will be able to “ski under the lights” this winter. The trail lights have been installed on the following trails: Sprint loop, Terrain Park, Main Loop up to Mickey Olson Trail turn off, Mickey Olson Trail, Evelyns Choice, Titan and Dynamite Trails. The lights are activated by a solar solenoid as it begins to get dark in the evening, and turn off by a pre-set timer (either 9:30 or 10:00 PM). Now you will have no excuse not to get out on your skies for some great exercise.


 Membership NightSummer Training

Members Night will be Monday, November 3rd from 5 to 8pm at the day lodge. Membership Night is the only night Zone4 online registration fees will be waived.  Members must be present to electronically sign the waiver. We will be accepting cash or cheque only. Memberships may also be purchased on zone4 at any time. Processing fees are $2 fee for the 1st person and $1 for each additional person plus 3% for paying by Credit Card. Again, these fees will be waived at members night.

There will also be a small gear swap. If you have gear to sell, contact coach Matt Smider at [email protected] for more information.

You will also have the opportunity to support our ski league program by purchasing Coopers Cards. Natalie MacLeod is our new Coopers Card coordinator.  Members will be able to purchase the gift cards from the Club Manager during office hours at the lodge throughout the season.’ Please come out and purchase your membership, chat with other members and learn a bit about the upcoming season

CLUB MEMBERSHIP FEES

ADULT: $120 | YOUTH: $40 | FAMILY: $265

There is also an $18 per member CCBC fee that is not included in the club membership prices. This money goes straight to CCBC and covers insurance for the season. The membership fee includes a season’s pass to Mt Macpherson trails, entry to special events and newsletters. Note that all youths participating in the ski league programs need to be members of the club.


Dog loop

Once again we can look forward to spending time Nordic skiing with our dogs in a mountain setting. The RNSC dog loop will be the same configuration as last season. The loop is approximately five kilometers and contains two connector trails to vary your enjoyment. The trailhead is located immediately to the right as you enter the parking lot.

This season the club will be replacing temporary signs with more permanent metal signs to identify designated “dog” and ” no dog” trails. A few other dog loop signs will now be mounted on the permanent posts. Less time will now be required to set up the loop each season and the groomers will not have to climb out of the groomer to move and replace the signs. A couple of temporary signs will still be needed and if you see one buried in the new fallen snow please reposition it.

Registering to ski with your dog on the loop is easy. Go to zone4.ca or sign up during membership night (November 3rd 5-8 PM) . Just read and sign the dog loop agreement and provide your dog’s name and description, and then complete the membership form. Your card will be available at the club lodge. No separate card will be given for your dog. There is no additional fee for your dog.

Thank you for your efforts to make this loop poo-free and enjoyable for all club members.

A special thank you to our club members who volunteered their time to brush the Nordic trails. This allows grooming earlier and later in the season and increases our ski season.

Feel free to contact me throughout the season.

Paula Hill, [email protected]


Seven Bridges Snowshoe TrailNew snowshoe marker

For the second year, an approximately four kilometer snowshoe trail will be available at Macpherson. RNSC has marked and mapped a loop trail that begins and ends near the lodge. You can start at the Stimulus Mountain bike trailhead located at the far right corner of the parking lot across from the lodge or walk past the lodge down Mickey’s. The Seven Bridges snowshoe trailhead will be on your right. This section is also part of the Stimulus Mountain bike trail.

Permanent signs now mark the trail heads and intersections and yellow diamonds on trees mark the trail. Recent brushing has been done in the section above Evelyn’s. In areas without trees ( for example cut blocks) bamboo wands and orange flagging tape will be used.

Season and day pass holders are not required to pay an additional fee. Others are asked to pay a parking lot fee at the lodge.

Please follow the trail and avoid walking on groomed ski trails. All snowshoe trails are dog friendly at Macpherson.

Special thanks to Keith Mcnab for all his efforts on the snowshoe trail.

Paula Hill


Summer Race trainingTeck BC Cup #2 – January 24-25 –  Volunteers Needed!

The Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club (RNSC) is hosting the Tech BC Cup #2 on January 24th and 25th.

This is a two day race for athletes of all ages. The Saturday is a classic interval start race and the Sunday a mass start freestyle event. This is a big race for our club. We are anticipating approximately 400 racers! To ensure a successful race we will need many volunteers for timing, first aid, course marshaling, concession and parking. Volunteer needs will be between 7:00am and 2:00pm depending on the job. No experience needed! If you would like to volunteer to help make this race a success please contact Penny at 250-837-3497 or [email protected].


Buy and SellSale

The nordic website now has a buy and sell feature.

If you would like to sell a Nordic item, this is the place.

Please send an email to [email protected] or [email protected] with the details of your item.

Please include

  • A picture of the item
  • A brief description including age, condition, colour and complete model name
  • The asking price
  • Your preferred contact information (this will be posted)

Skill Development Programs

Throughout the summer, our Race Team athletes (TA and JD skiers) were offered two weekly sessions coordinated by Coach Matt and guest coach Matti Little. In addition, Clare Peacock, Brittany Evans, Megan Evans, Bruce Granstrom and Rory Luxmoore were instrumental in providing coaching support throughout the summer months. Once September rolled around, we ramped up to three and four weekly sessions for TA and JD, respectively. Dryland training consists of a variety of activities: ski striding (with poles), roller skiing, running, biking, hiking, swimming, IMG_4535strength circuits and an abundance of games to throw into the mix. Thus far, we have had skiers attend a Talent Squad in 100 Mile House and a Regional Dryland Camp in Vernon. Our skiers are now looking forward to the Talent Squad and the Regional On-Snow Camps, both at Sovereign Lake/Silver Star in November. By the first weekend of December, we’ll be attending our first races of the 2014-15 ski season! Clare, Rory and Bruce are continuing their superb coaching support throughout the fall, plus we have added the help of guest coaches Hanna Thomson and Nikki Norrie during our roller skiing sessions. In addition to our stellar coaches, we should thank all the volunteers for the various efforts; from coordinating Coopers Cards and ordering clothing to making food for fundraisers and counting bottles.

Our Bunnies and Rabbits are looking forward to another year on snow. We are pleased to announce that the Rabbits coaches will be holding an additional Tuesday session for those looking to get out on snow more often! Anyone interested in helping to coach our Bunnies and Rabbits programs should contact [email protected].


 Coaches Training

As coaches, it is important that we take time to develop our skills to meet the changing needs of our athletes. At the start of October, eight new coaches took the Community Coaching Introduction (ICC) course. The follow-up Community Coaching (CC) workshop will also be offered locally on December 12th – 14th. Bruce and Rory are pursuing their next level of certification, Competitive Coaching Introduction (Training to Train). Coach Matt has completed his Learning Facilitator training for the ICC and CC courses and is also pursuing his next level of certification, Competitive Coaching Development (Learning to Compete). The RNSC is committed to supporting coaches interested in furthering their training. Please do not hesitate to contact [email protected] if you would like to get involved. We are always looking for new coaches!


Ski Skool

Our Ski Skool program will be up and running again in an expanded format. In addition to the Grade 4 program, we will also be bringing high school-aged skiers to the Nordic trails – look out! If you are interested in instructing our Ski Skool programs and have weekday daytime availability during the ski season, please contact [email protected].


Masters Skiing

This is a call to all adults who are interested in improving their technique, fitness or both. For those interested in Masters racing, this is a great season to get involved. In addition to the BC Cup we are hosting in January, the Canadian Masters Championships will be held in Kamloops from February 9th – 15th, 2015. Regardless of your Nordic aspirations, here’s how you can get involved (please see “Programs” for pricing details):

1)   Beginner Technique Sessions on Monday evenings (7-8:30). Classic: January 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th. Skate: February 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd.

2)   Intermediate and Advanced Technique Sessions either Tuesday evenings or Thursday evenings. 10 weeks alternating between classic and skate beginning week of January 5th.

3)   Open Training on Wednesday evenings beginning December 3rd.

For those who cannot commit to full session dates, you may be interested in the One Day Ski Clinic on Sunday, January 11th. Private, semi-private and group lessons can also be arranged. Finally, individualized training plans are available for those interested in focusing their training efforts. Contact [email protected] for more information.


Headlamp Heroes

IMG_4596Our successful toonie race series is back for a second season and the name is staying the same (regardless of whether or not headlamps will be necessary)! These are fun, laid-back events designed to give individuals an opportunity to compete in a casual environment and win some sweet swag!

All events are held on Wednesdays beginning at 7pm (registration from 6-6:30). Here’s the schedule:

December 10th – Classic Individual Start

January 7th – Skate Sprints

February 4th – Skate Mass Start

March 4th – Mixed Technique Relay


 

Please note: the membership list resets after the Membership night. Therefore, if you have not purchased your 2014/15 Nordic Membership on or before members night, you will not receive any more RNSC correspondences.

Start your snow dance!

 

 

RNSC Report, March 2014, Volume 17, Issue 3

March 24, 2014November 4, 2014editor

Thank you Dave Kaegi

Dave has been a dedicated RNSC President serving with fairness and a look to the future. He encouraged new direction while respecting club tradition. Thank you, Dave for your guidance and willingness to embrace a new group of trail users. Your energy is inspirational.

President’s Report

NN1As I write this article, it is the end of the third week of March and it is still snowing. Wow! What a winter of excellent cross country skiing this has been. A huge hats off to all of the groomers; you tried to stay on top what at times felt like the never ending cycle of snow storms.
This is my last report as President. I came onto the Nordic Club Executive six years ago with a goal to help get the club’s physical infrastructure upgraded. I believe, for the most part, we have accomplished that goal with the construction of the Day Lodge/Custodian Residence, Maintenance Building, Pole Barn, new Stadium Loop and Terrain Park, replacement of trail bridges, new ski trails and re-routing of existing trails, new grooming and race event equipment, hiring of a club coach and successful hosting of high level race events. The final project will be the installation of trail lighting (see article below) this coming summer. It has been a busy and productive six years.
It is now time for someone else to take the stewardship lead of the club. The major growth phase has happened. We now need a President and Executive who can successfully steer and manage the club over the coming years focusing on maintaining and hopefully increasing membership and club services.

As I have mentioned numerous times in the past, the success of our club is built upon the incredible volunteer commitment of club members in all aspects of our operations. The number of volunteer hours put in by countless club members to cover responsibilities ranging from coaching our young and up and coming skiers, staffing the Ticket Office to collect the ever important Day Use Fees, grooming our trails, and assisting with club races and events is a testament to the strength of our club. As we move forward, it has become apparent to the Club Executive, that we are at the point where the Club now warrants the services of a paid Club Manager to oversee and take some of the work burden off of club members (see article below). The Club will still need members to volunteer their time to assist with club operations (coaching of the children’s programs, trail grooming, special events), but some of the more administrative functions will be now be the responsibility of the Club Manager.
Finally, please plan on attending the annual Pot Luck dinner at the Community Centre on April 6th (5-8PM) and the AGM at the Nordic Lodge on April 7th (7-9PM).

Dave Kaegi, President

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In this edition: AGM, Potluck, Nordic Norm, Hiring a club Manager, Fee Increase, Club Manager position and more!

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The final official grooming of the season will be on Sunday, April 6th. Grooming after that date will be wholly dependent on snow! You can check the snowphone or the online trail conditions section of the website for details.

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NN2Coach’s Report

2013-14 proved to be quite a successful season for the Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club. With all major competitions and programming behind us, we’re now enjoying the remaining days of Macpherson’s fine spring skiing! Since our last Newsletter update, Revelstoke skiers have competed in a BC Cup, Okanagan Cup, BC Midget Championships, BC Winter Games, BC Championships, plus our Team Scream and the Huckleberry and Sovereign Lake loppets. Equally noteworthy was our thoroughly enjoyable Mini Olympics, bringing together skiers from all our levels and capping off our Ski League program. Throughout the season, there have been countless impressive individual accomplishments. However, what is most remarkable is number of skiers getting hooked on our great sport!

Here are highlight results from the second half of the season:

Results1

Results2

BC Winter Games, February 20th – 23rd in Mission/Callaghan

All four eligible Revelstoke athletes qualified to represent the Okanagan region. As co-coach for the region, I had the pleasure to join the team at this superb event. For many athletes, this was their first multi-sport event and having the timing coincide with the Sochi Olympics highlighted the significance of the competition. Congrats on the stunning results girls!

Results3

BC Championships, February 28th – March 2nd in Kelowna

Results4

2013-14 BC Cup Series Aggregate Awards

Results6

NN3Congrats to ALL skiers on their performances this season – hard work and dedication has paid off! Once the snow has disappeared, skiers will take a few months to enjoy springtime and other pursuits. Athletes are able to return to our training program whenever they desire; some will begin dryland training in July and others will hold off until fall training commences.

It cannot be overlooked how vital our volunteer support network is to the success of our program. To begin, I would like to thank our Bunnies, Rabbits, Trailblazers and Track Attack coaching crew, inclusive of (but not limited to): Kendra von Bremmen, Chad Smith, Hailey Christie-Hoyle, Mandy Kellner, Sylvia Wood, Emily Suchy, Jasmine Brackenbury, Robyn Thomas, Koreen Morrone, Lisa Larson, Bart Larson, Daniel Blackie, Ian Brown, Janette Vickers, Rory Luxmoore, Bruce Granstrom, Katie Nash and Tayla Koerber. Special guest coaches and presenters included Brittany Evans, David Palmer, Nikki Norrie and Fraser Springings. Our waxing team at races is led by Penny Page-Brittin and supported by our fast-learning wax technicians: Brad Park, Lucie Bergeron, Rory Luxmoore and Jason Stupnikoff. Bruce Granstrom has become our pre-race warm-up coordinator and Debbie Koerber continues to photo document our races, with Mike Thomas and Koreen Morrone snapping shots in Debbie’s absence. Finally, there is an extensive list of unnamed parents who have held various thankless roles throughout the season and we appreciate your selfless support of the Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club.
NN8A new addition this season, the Headlamp Heroes Wednesday Night Race Series closed out the season in serious fashion (literally, with costumes). Our final two events were a Mass Start Free technique event on February 5th and a mixed relay event (gender and technique) on March 5th. These final events were sponsored by Free Spirit Sports and Flowt Skis and Bikes, respectively. In addition to our local sponsors, there are two individuals who put forth considerable time to make the events a success. Thank you to Wade Viznaugh for your commitment to providing excellent trail conditions on race day (and always) and to Ian Ward for your consistent and timely work on a myriad of tasks, from accepting registrations, to timing splits and tabulating results. With an average attendance of 36 skiers per event, a big thank you goes out to all who have embraced the inaugural race series and we look forward to welcoming newcomers to our friendly starting line next season!
Our Intermediate and Advanced Adult classes were well received again this season, albeit with a smaller turnout. Nevertheless, class atmosphere was un-paralleled: positive, easy-going and seemingly constructive! Several skiers also took advantage of our Wednesday Open Training workouts. Recently, it was announced that the 2015 Canadian Masters Nordic Championships are to being held Kamloops from February 8th-15th. Hopefully this nearby title event will stir up some interest in creating a more active Masters training group next season. Furthermore, look for an expansion of One-Day Clinic offerings for 2014-15!
Our Ski S’kool completed on a high note with Begbie View and Arrow Heights thoroughly enjoying their experiences. Several keen skiers have since taken the opportunity to enjoy cross-country skiing outside of the Ski S’kool programming. Our Ski S’kool programs would not be possible without the generous support of our volunteer coaches. Thank you to Louisa Fleming, Michael Moen, Sarah Boyle, Tayla Koerber, Heidi Hopkins, Sean Gallagher, Koreen Morrone, Mandy Kellner and the numerous parent chaperones.
Coaching courses are being scheduled already for the 2014-15 season. If interested, please contact [email protected] as we will endeavor to hold a local course offering this coming fall. Please do not hesitate to contact with any other questions, comments, suggestions etc. regarding our program. Finally, our End of Season Potluck is being held on Sunday, April 6th at the Community Center. Please RSVP to the above email with number in party and dish (appetizer, main, dessert). Pictures for our slideshow may be included in the RSVP.Thank you Revelstoke Nordic for another fabulous Nordic ski season! Enjoy the golden days of the 2013-14 campaign and we’ll catch you back on the thin sticks before too long!
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NN4Trail Lighting

Next season, you can put away your headlamps for night skiing. We will have 5 kilometres of lit trails for night skiing! The club has been successful in acquiring $225,000 of funding to install trail lighting on the following trials: Stadium and Terrain Park, Main Loop up to Mickey Olson Trail, Mickey Olson Trail, and Dynamite Trail. In addition, flood lights will illuminate Evelyn’s Choice trail from the Mickey Olson Trail.

None of this could have happened were it not for the generous financial contribution of The City of Revelstoke’s Tourism Infrastructure Fund ($75,000 – pending council approval), Columbia Basin Trust ($75,000) and the Columbia Shuswap Regional District – Economic Opportunity Fund ($75,000 – pending council approval). A huge Thank You to our funders.

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Ski Development League

NN5Another year of ski league is winding down. I say winding down because it never really ends – our head coach Matt keeps the kids in Track Attack, Junior Development and others who are interested going most of the year!

This year, we once again had over 80 children in the program, which speaks to the quality of the program and a super strong parent group.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAI would like to send my heart felt thanks to everyone who makes ski league possible. If it were not for people volunteering their time we could not put out the quality program to so many of our future club and ski league leaders. Thank you to everyone who volunteers their time to coach, groom trails, make hot chocolate, support race events, clean, tend to the office and lend a helping hand when needed (and the list could just keep going)……This club rocks!!

Every year we need new volunteers as people move on to other things, so if you would like to get more involved in this awesome experience and volunteer as a coach, please let me or any other club executive know.  Ian Brown

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Dog Loop Update

NN6Greetings! Once again I am so appreciative of the RNSC dog loop. The superb skiing and responsible usage during 2013-2014 season made it a pleasure to visit Macpherson.

This season one hundred and eighty RNSC members registered to ski with approximately 100 dogs. Included were seventeen families, thirty four couples and forty three single members. Skiers of all ages and abilities took advantage of our wonderful loop. The dogs ranged from Brutus to Baby, from Cyz, a Cane Corso to Ruby a mini labradoodle.
Thank you to the groomers and trail crew for your dedication. The new configuration of the loop has provided challenging, thrilling hills while decreasing potential collisions.
Plastic poo bags no longer dot the trails (or hang in the trees). The Spring thaw may expose some bags but the usage seems to have decreased. Thank you, Doggers.
Conflicts on the dog loop have also decreased. Please continue to contact me with specific issues.
See you on the trails, Paula Hill

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Nordic Norm

Dear Nordic Norm:  I happened to see you in the wax room applying klister with Coach Matt and I noticed you both using a heat gun to smooth out the application. You once told me to use an old iron, so why the change? Is this some new secret you’re not sharing with me?    Signed: Out in the Cold??

Dear Chill Out:  Indeed prior to this season I have always applied my klister with a warm, but not hot, old iron that I had around for this single purpose. I went to the heat gun after my visit to Thunder Bay this summer.

While in T Bay I was sitting around the cottage on Soo Prize Lake and saw some smoke emanating from the sauna over at Janni and Satu’s place across the lake. As people have come to know, Janni and his buddy Pentti are old masters skiers from Lappe Nordic and Satu is Janni’s spouse. I decided to paddle across the lake to catch up with my old ski buddy and hear about his latest nordic adventures. When I got there, whom else did I find but the one and only Pentti, tucking into some Karelian Piirakkaa (rice pastry) and washing them down with olutta (beer).

While engaged in the serious summer time talk about skis, poles, boots and of course wax, Janni lamented that he will be unable to afford new skis this winter, as Satu had to replace her dress she required for the Thunder Bay Finnish Folk Dance group she was part of. Janni explained that traditional dresses are handmade only in northern Finland and were very, very expensive. I was quite taken by how magnanimous Janni was, and I made a special point to compliment him on his generosity. I took Satu’s funny little grin as appreciative confirmation to the magnitude of Janni’s unselfishness.

NN9I happened to run into Pentti the next morning diving into a plate of Finnish pancakes at the Hoito Restaurant on Bay Street. He had a big grin and told me to have a seat while he enlightened me as to why Satu got the dress and Janni didn’t get the skis.

You see, Janni one morning forgot his wax irons at Pentti’s place. It was a beautiful early spring ski day and he wanted to ski: now!! So he snuck into Satu’s sowing room and borrowed her travel iron to apply some red klister. He cleaned it off, or so he thought, and put it back exactly how he found it. Janni had a great ski, the wax was great and what Satu didn’t know wouldn’t hurt her.

The Finnish dance group traveled to Pori Finland that spring for a huge festival. While ironing the dress, it appears that some residual klister that had found its way under the folding handle, melted with the heat and deposited itself on the backside of the red crushed velvet dress. It was lucky Janni’s spring ski day wasn’t colder as it could have been blue or silver klister: red dress, red klister; no problem. Unfortunately klister on fabric is sort of like one of those swiffer dusters; as the day wore on debris accumulated on the klistered dress, extenuating the blotch. The tell tale give away however was as Satu relaxed over tea on her hostess’ couch, her body temperature heated the klister. When she got up to help in the kitchen, a throw pillow now stuck to the dress came along for the ride. Wow, red klister, red dress and one red and steaming Satu. Klister is kryptonite to crushed velvet, so she gets the new dress and Janni doesn’t get the skis.

Always learning from other people’s misfortune, I have decided the heat gun is the safer choice. I am hoping to get some new skis next year.

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Club Manager

Over the last six years the number of cross country skiers using the Nordic facilities managed by the RNSC has increased dramatically. The number of club members has almost doubled, and at the same time day users have quadrupled. Coinciding in this growth of Nordic facility usage is the increase in breadth and scope of programs and services offered by the club. The net effect of all this growth has resulted in a dramatic increase in the number of volunteer hours required to maintain the club programs and services. The Club Executive believes we have reached the point in the club’s growth and development to warrant the hiring of a seasonally employed Club Manager. The Club Manager would assume a number of key responsibilities currently being fulfilled by volunteers. These rolls and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Staffing of the Ticket OfficeOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
  • Membership duties (management of Zone 4, members night)
  • Coordination of Lodge rentals
  • Assisting with janitorial duties
  • Coordination of club volunteers (grooming, Ticket Office, work parties)
  • Club communications (website updates, responding to telephone and email inquiries, production of newsletters and email Nordic Updates)
  • Book keeping and records maintenance
  • Ordering of club supplies
  • Potential running of ski rental equipment
  • Marketing and Outreach

Currently, the majority of these roles are undertaken either by members of the Executive or club members at large. The hiring of a Club Manager would allow all of us to focus on why we primarily are members of the club; to cross country ski.

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Director’s positions

The Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club and its predecessor the Revelstoke Ski Club, has been in existence for over 100 years. For all of that time, hundreds of volunteers have offered up their time and energy to sit on the Club’s Executive. This continuous, ever changing make up of the Executive is the key to the Club’s success over all of these years. Each year, the Executive has vacant positions that need to be filled. This year the positions are:

Club President

  • Overall direction and responsibility for club activities
  • Chairs meetings, sets agendas
  • Ensures that Directors meet their responsibilities
  • Represents Club to government and other agencies
  • Works with treasurer and Secretary to file reports to government agencies, funders and Society
  • Coordinates fundraising and writes Grant applications
  • Personnel –ensures that all paid staff have a job description, recent criminal record check and annual performance evaluation.
  • Is an ex-officio member of all committees.
  • Has signing authority

Director of Facilities

  • Responsible for maintenance of Day Lodge, Maintenance Shop and all other buildings
  • Supervises any construction or repair projects to these buildings
  • Supervises the Custodian
  • Coordinates with the Ticket Office Coordinator
  • Responsible for reading the log book and dealing with the feedback
  • Coordinates lodge rentals

The Club Executive is elected at the AGM each year in April. A term on the Executive is for 2 years. If the Club is to continue thrive and grow into the future, it needs new individuals that bring new ideas and enthusiasm to the board. Please consider putting your name forward to become a member of the Executive. For further information, please contact any member of the Executive.

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Proposed 2014/15 Fee Schedule

The Executive of the Club believe that it is the appropriate time to propose a fee increase to the membership. The current fee structure for both annual membership passes and Day Use fees are on the low end of fees for all major Nordic areas in our region (Kootenays and Thompson/ Okanagan region). Even with the proposed fee increase, the RNSC will still have some of the lowest annual membership and Day Use fees. The Executive is proposing a fee increase to help offset some of the additional costs associated with the following initiatives:

  • Annual operating cost of the new trail lighting system
  • Annual cost for snow removal services in the parking lot throughout the winter. Currently parking lot plowing is done by the volunteer groomers. Volunteer groomer’s time is better spent grooming the Nordic trails rather than plowing the parking lot.
  • Hiring of a Club Manager to assume a number of current volunteer responsibilities

The proposed fees would be:

current price

new prices

Family membership

$216.00

$265.00

Individual membership

$97.00

$120.00

Child membership

$39.00

$40.00

Adult Day Pass

$9.00

$10.00

Family Day Pass

$21.00

$25.00

Child Day Pass

$5.00

$5.00

Snowshoeing/Parking

$5.00

$5.00

*Note the $10.00 per person CCBC fee for insurance is not included in the current or proposed fees.

The membership will be asked to vote on the proposed fee increase at the AGM. The motion will be to approve the proposed fee schedule. If the motion is voted down by the membership, the Executive will not proceed with the proposed initiatives as outlined above and the fees will remain the same as this year.

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Revelstoke Nordic AGM

The Annual General Meeting will be held on Monday, April 7th at 7pm at the day lodge. This is an important opportunity to speak with board members and learn about the direction the club is heading. We will also be electing next years board members, and voting on the proposed fee schedule.
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Annual Potluck

The potluck will be held on Sunday, April 6th from 5-8pm at the community centre. The potluck is for all of the general membership.
There will be awards presented for young (all Ski Leaguers will receive an award) and old (new — Headlamp Heroes and Masters awards will be presented); a wide array of delicious food to be enjoyed; games for the playing; and a slideshow for your enjoyment (please send me any pictures from the season).
Complimentary tea, coffee, juice and water will be provided.
Please RSVP to [email protected] with:
– number in your party
– potluck contribution (appetizer, main or dessert)
– whether you are interested in helping with setup and take down (before/after the event)
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Thanks for another wonderful Nordic season!

RNSC Report, January 2014, Volume 17, Issue 2

January 24, 2014January 24, 2014editor

President’s Report

photo(6)What a great ski season we are having so far this winter.  Early snow falls in November help set the base for some of the best Nordic skiing we have had in years.  Even through the recent storm cycles in January we still had groomed trails to ski on and a toasty warm lodge to return to for a cup of tea with our skiing friends.   Does life get any better?

As you will read in this newsletter, we have many new friends in our Nordic fraternity.  The Club has set an all time record for memberships at almost 550! Welcome to our new Club members.  We look forward to your involvement in the club and are open to your new ideas and energy to help the club continue to evolve and grow into the future.  As our past members know, everything we do (with the exception of our paid club coach and book keeper), is done by volunteers.  In fact, if we did not have members volunteering their time for everything from ticket office duties, coaching children’s programs, grooming trails, to helping out with special events, we would not have a club.  Thank you to all who have volunteered in the past, and welcome to those new members whom we hope will volunteer in the future.

Some exciting news for the future involves the Club’s efforts to get lights installed on the Mickey Olson, Dynamite, and Evelyn’s Trails.  This will provide Nordic skiers the opportunity to ski under the lights next season.  Stay tuned for updates over the coming months.

Continue to enjoy the great ski season and we look forward to seeing you on the trail or in the Nordic Lodge.

Dave Kaegi, Club President

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In this edition: Team Scream, Seven Bridges Snowshoe trail, Nordic Norm!, the trail grooming protocol, our Gift Card Program and so much more.

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Current club membership is at an all time high of 543 as of Jan 14th.  Memberships are available for purchase online at www.zone4.ca; search “Revelstoke” to bring up all our club registrations.  Please remember to stop in at the lodge office to pick up your membership card about a week after you have signed up.  Thank you!

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The yellow groomer
The yellow groomer

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF GROOMER AL MCINNES

Al McInnes is the Club’s longest serving volunteer.  Al has been a volunteer fixture for the RNSC for much of his 78 years.  He has seen the growth and evolution of the club from its days when nordic skiing was  on the 2 and 5 km trails in Mount Revelstoke National Park, to the clubs move over to the present trail network on Mount Macpherson.  Al and his wife Evelyn have volunteered thousands of hours to the club over the decades to ensure the rest of us can enjoy cross country skiing in Revelstoke.  At his ripe young age of 78, Al is still putting in long hours to set trails, fix the groomer and do all sorts of other odd jobs around the club.  Recently, on one warm, wet, snowy Saturday, Al put in a 12 hour day setting tracks early in the morning, then spending the rest of the day fixing the groomer. THANK YOU Al and Evelyn for all of your long hours of volunteer work and dedication to the Club.  The Club would be lost without you!  The next time you see Al and Evelyn, make sure you take a moment to thank them for all of their volunteer time.

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Okanagan Cup Revelstoke, December 29th, 2013

1512797_10152236575865348_447844789_nRevelstoke Nordic successfully hosted their first event of this season during the Christmas holidays. 224 athletes (49 from our club!) and supportive family members descended on our nordic centre for classic individual start races that varied in length from 1.5 km for the youngest skiers to 10 km for masters skiers.  The eleven clubs that participated were mainly from the interior with an Alberta team and skiers from as far away as Hollyburn in Vancouver filling out the start list. As usual we outdid our selves organizationally with excellent timing, results tabulation, grooming, parking, healthy concession choices, draw prizes, announcing, waxing, and most especially officiating. Revelstoke Nordic is full of very giving people; well over 50 volunteers came out to help, including our excellent race committee led by: Chief of Competition- Dave Kaegi, Chief of Course- Wade Viznaugh, Chief of Stadium- Keith McNab, Chief of Timing- Richard Brittin, and Race Secretary- Debbie Koerber. Events like this motivate and inspire skiers of all ages, and many of our skiers who participated were first time racers. The overall feeling after the event was of a job well done and a shot of adrenalin into our enthusiasm for this fantastic sport.

Performance highlights include:

Gold: Simon Blackie (Midget Boys 3.5 km), Alana Brittin (Midget Girls 3.5 km), Brittany Evans (Junior Girls 10 km), Gina Cinelli (Junior Girls 10 km, Revelstokian skiing for Larch Hills Nordic)

Silver: Nelson Luxmoore (Bantam Boys 2.5 km), Bronte Viznaugh (Junior Woman 10 km)

Bronze: Elizabeth Elliott (Midget Girl 3.5 km), Tayla Koerber (Junior Girls 10 km), Kellen Viznaugh (Junior Boys 10 km, Revelstokian skiing for Larch Hills Nordic)

Other notable finishes: 4th Beth Granstrom, 5th Kate Granstrom, 4th Jaclyn Elliott

Revelstoke Nordic atom skiers (7 and under) were on fire on the trails today.  First place went to Cameron Norrie, Sophie Van Oort, Natalia Morrone, and Fiona Woodman. Skiing to second place were Lillian Vickers, Livia McMechan, and Isobel Wilson, and a strong third place was earned by Lia Morrow and Nyssa Thomas.

Canadian sit ski champion, Emily Suchy raced with able bodied skiers and finished 4th in the 10 km event.

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Seven Bridges Snowshoe Trailphoto(4)

Adding even more winter variety to Mt Macpherson, a five kilometer snowshoe trail now winds through our southern network of ski trails. Seven Bridges trail begins near the lodge/stadium area and travels over streams and through the woods before ending at the lower lodge. Orange flagging tape and trail signs mark the snowshoe trail.

The trail is marked on the main large kiosk sign in the parking lot and on the small signs along the ski trails. Paper maps will be available later this season. Please take care crossing the groomed ski trails. Avoid walking in the set track. Dogs must be kept under control, either by reliable recall or leashed.

Thank you to Paula Hill, Keith Mcnab, Ken Gibson, Rubyanne Meda and Liz Kozak for giving their time to make this trail possible.

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IMG_4969Facilities Update

The Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club is currently exploring options for purchasing and installing ski lockers.  There are two options we are looking into. The first option is seeking funding to purchase and install 10 to 20 lockers.  The second option is to initially purchase 10 lockers, and then use the revenue generated from rental of the 10 lockers to offset the initial purchase price and then purchase an additional 10 lockers.  The allocation of the lockers will be done by lottery. The lockers will be big enough for families or sharing by multiple individuals.  If you are interested in ski lockers please let Matt know at the lodge.

The mezzanine that was constructed earlier in the season has been completed. This allows for increased storage space for our lanterns and race equipment.  Work was completed by Green Cat Construction.

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YOUR NORDIC SKI CLUB EXECUTIVE NEEDS YOU!

The Revelstoke Nordic Ski  Club and its predecessor the Revelstoke Ski Club, has been in existence for over 100 years.  For all of that time, hundreds of volunteers  have offered up their time and energy to sit on the Club’s Executive.  This continuous, ever changing make up of the Executive is the key to the Clubs success over all of these years.  Each year, the Executive has vacant positions that need to be filled.  This year the positions are:

Club PresidentIMG_4913 - Version 2

  • Overall direction and responsibility for club activities.
  • Chairs meetings, sets agendas.
  • Ensures that Directors meet their responsibilities.
  • Represents Club to government and other  agencies.
  • Works with treasurer and Secretary to file reports to government agencies, funders and Society.
  • Coordinates fundraising and writes Grant applications.
  • Personnel –ensures that all paid staff have a job description, recent criminal record check and annual performance evaluation.
  • Is an ex-officio member of all committees.
  • Has signing authority.

Director of Facilities

  • Responsible for maintenance of Day Lodge, Maintenance Shop and all other buildings.
  • Supervises any construction or repair projects to these buildings.
  • Supervises the Custodian.
  • Coordinates with the Ticket Office Coordinator.
  • Responsible for reading the log book and dealing with the feedback.
  • Coordinates lodge rentals.

Director –Special Events

  • Chairs  special events committee
  • Events include but not limited to Lantern Ski, Team Scream Race,  Club Races, Regional Races,

Director – Adult Programs

  • Coordination of adult ski programs
  • Coordination of masters racing program
  • Coordinates Adult yoga program
  • Organises clinics eg Coach training, waxing
  • Works with the Coordinator of the Parent and Tot program

The Club Executive is elected at the AGM each year in April.  A term on the Executive is for 2 years.  If the Club is to continue thrive and grow into the future, it needs new individuals that bring new ideas and enthusiasm to the board.  Please consider putting your name forward to become a member of the Executive.  For further information, please contact any member of the Executive.

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Team Scream Tandem Relay Race 2014

Animal CostumesThe annual RNSC Team Scream Tandem Relay Race will be held this year on Saturday February 1, 2014 at the Mt Macpherson Ski Trails. Registration is from 9:30 to 10:30 with the race starting at 11:00. The format for the tandem race is the same as previous years with two skiers, one classic and one freestyle, each skiing a lap around the Mickey Olson Loop. The best combined time in each category wins. There is also an individual pursuit with one skier doing both the classic and the freestyle lap themselves. This event is also lots of fun for the spectators watching racers change boots, poles and skis between laps.

The emphasis is on participation and FUN, so get a partner, get organized to do it yourself or just come out to watch and enjoy the race. If you can’t find a partner we’ll help match you with a partner at the event.

A prize will be awarded for the best costume! This year the theme for costumes is Your Favorite Animal.

The club is providing food for all participants and spectators.

There is no cost for the race if you are a club member – non members pay the day rate.

After the race there will be a short race for the Ski League Bunnies and other young skiers.

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In Memory of Isabel PallisterIsabel Pallister

Isabel was a long time and active member of the Revelstoke Nordic club who passed away this past August. She was in charge of membership for years, and was an avid fund raiser in other ways. She consistently raised more money than anyone else in the annual ski-a-thon.
Isabel took part in the first Moonlight Ski, and and every other one except one, when she had a broken limb.
In later years Isabel (being familiar with the  operation of a Coleman stove) would set up the hot chocolate for the lantern ski.
Skiing with Isabel was always interesting. She would stay in the tracks as long as she could, and sometimes longer, on the down hill, and then proudly mark the end of her glide on the side of the trail. I do recall one memorable crash going down Hydro Way!
She could identify and share her knowledge of all the animal tracks she spotted along the cross country trails.
Whatever activity Isabel undertook, she would carry out to the utmost of her ability. She took her responsibilities seriously. She is missed.

Ellen Tremblay

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photo(7)Mt. Macpherson Dog Loop / Trailblazers activity

Two goals for the 2013-2014 season on the Nordic dog loop were to minimize conflicts and decrease the number of plastic poo bags.  Recognizing that this is a shared trail and dog owners have a responsibility to control their dog will make skiing enjoyable for everyone. To date, 173 skiers have registered 96 dogs.

Recently, I had the pleasure of spending time with the RNSC Trailblazers. Ian Brown, Janette Vickers and their group invited me to explain the dog loop.
It was great fun to watch the next generation enjoying their dog’s company while on skis. This energetic, inquisitive group took me and my dog, Iris, off the groomed trail into the woods within the dog loop. They showed compassion, spirit and respect. Thanks for taking me along.

And a few more thank yous.
Catherine Allen donated bright orange plastic trowels. Thank you!IMG_5171

Two members expressed appreciation to the club for dog loop.
Virginia “Thanks so much for the dog loop.  We are new to Revelstoke and it is one of the main reasons we joined the club. It is very much appreciated!”

Ellen “the new extension to the dog loop makes it a good length. I really appreciate that that the hills on the far end are not as steep as they used to be, and what a pleasant surprise at the top of short hop. All-in-all, I think the new trails are terrific. Thank you very much for the improved dog loop.”

Once again, please contact me with comments & suggestions. See you on the trails, Paula

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Coach Update

IMG_4596With two months of skiing under our belts, the season is in full swing and our programs are motoring along! There is an undeniable Nordic ski buzz around town, evidenced by membership and day-use fees being greater than ever; our Ski League programs having near-record registration numbers and a substantial increase in lesson and clinic participation over last season. The positive energy and unrelenting support has made for an enjoyable second season as Head Coach of the Revelstoke Nordic!

A new addition to our event calendar has been the Headlamp Heroes (HH) Wednesday Night Race Series. These friendly toonie races have already begun to stir up rivalries amongst good-hearted competitors. The inaugural event on December 15th was sponsored by Skookum and saw 34 skiers race either a 1.5km, 3.75km or 7.5km Classic Individual Start event. On January 15th the second HH event was an exciting Skate Sprint held within the confines of our stadium sprint loop. 42 competitors were treated to high-speed action, including falls and finish line lunges, topped off with a chili feast courtesy of the Village Idiot. On February 5th, skiers will compete in a 1.5km, 5km or 10km Skate Mass Start event sponsored by Free Spirit Sports. Flowt will be proudly sponsoring the series finale, a four-person team relay. The first two 2.5km legs will be classic and the final two 2.5km legs will be skate. The best part about all these events is that you no longer need an excuse to sport your most fluorescent spandex get-up!

IMG_3364Our Ski League program is once again challenging young skiers to develop their skills through heaps of fun activities. An energetic crew of volunteer coaches helps to inspire skiers as wee as three years old! Much of my energy is focused on our 19 Track Attack skiers (ages 10 – 12) and our nine Junior Development athletes (ages 13 & older). Depending on their age, these athletes will practice as a team three to four times weekly (older athletes also train outside of team practices), while juggling school, social lives and other extra-curricular activities. There is no denying the level of discipline, drive and determination it takes to be a cross-country skier! Additionally, there is a considerable support team associated with developing a Nordic racing program. Our Track Attack coaches, Bruce Granstrom, Rory Luxmoore and Katie Nash coach at minimum one weekly-session. Our wax team is lead by Penny Page-Brittin who coordinates a well-oiled machine of wax technicians to prepare our skis for races. Finally, there is the unrelenting support of parents who spend countless hours shuttling skiers to and fro, searching for misplaced and forgotten gear, booking hotels and registering for events, cooking meals and cramming snacks in bags, scratching their heads about wax, equipment purchases and why their child is growing so quickly, so on and so forth… None of your efforts go unappreciated!

Thus far in the 2013-14 season, we have competed in three significant races (NORAM, Okanagan Cup and BC Cup) and one loppet (Reino Keski). Over the course of the racing season, the team will continue to compete in Okanagan Cups, BC Cups, as well as the Midget Championships and the Western Championships. As a coach, it is wonderful to work with a group of young athletes who are committed to improving their fitness and technique, gaining experience on the race course and realizing their season’s objectives!  Below is a compiled list of our top results this season – great work skiers!

NORAM, December 7th & 8th at Sovereign Lake Nordic: 8th Alana Brittin (Juvenile Girls, 5km Interval Classic)

Okanagan Cup, December 29th at Revelstoke Nordic: see report above.

BC Cup, January 4th & 5th at Caledonia Nordic: 1st Alana Brittin (Midget Girls 2, 3.3km Interval Classic), 2nd Alexandra Luxmoore (Pee Wee Girls 2, 250m Skate Sprint; 1km Interval Classic), 3rd Nelson Luxmoore (Bantam Boys 1, 400m Skate Sprint; 2.3km Interval Classic), 3rd Simon Blackie (Midget Boys 1, 400m Skate Sprint; 3.3km Interval Classic), 3rd Miika Park (Midget Girls 1, 3.3km Interval Classic)

Currently, there are 12 individuals who participate in our technique-based Adult Intermediate and Advanced classes run on Tuesday evenings (7-8:30) OR Thursday afternoons (12:30-2). New for this season is our Wednesday Night Open Sessions from 7 – 8:30 on non-race night Wednesdays. Participants may either classic or skate during these fitness-based sessions aimed at offering an option for adult skiers who want a group training opportunity. In addition to the Adult Classes and Open Training, we have had 26 skiers take part in our One Day Ski Clinics! Any feedback on our Adult programs is always appreciated and can be directed to [email protected]

Columbia Park Elementary has kicked off our Ski Skool program for this season and will be sending their fourth graders to the Pirate Loppet in Salmon Arm. Begbie View and Arrow Heights will be joining us for their February program bookings. It is worth mentioning the Cross Country Canada has taken note of our successful Ski Skool program and has asked us to document our season. Look forward to short video edits showcasing Revelstoke Nordic and the Ski Skool program on Cross Country Canada’s website and Facebook page!

As always, do not hesitate to contact me with any questions regarding our programs, the lodge or otherwise. I can be reached via email: [email protected]; phone: (250)-683-9012; or in person, around the lodge or on the trails. Finally, a great THANK YOU to all the volunteers who make this club a success. I feel an overwhelming sense of appreciation each time I hear the groomer’s backup siren at 4am, knowing that someone is taking significant time out of their schedule to ensure the trails are ready for another day of skiing!

See you on the trails!

m.

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Coopers Gift Card Program

The Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club purchases gift cards from Coopers Foods at a discounted rate. We then sell them to the members at the regular price, thereby raising funds for the club. This is a great program that will cost you $0 if you already purchase food from Coopers. The club earns 6% from the cards. If you would like to support the club through these cards, you can purchase them in $50 or $100 denominations from Koreen Morrone. She can be reached at [email protected]

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OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAGrooming Protocol

The club is fortunate to have 11 groomer operators (all volunteer) who sign up on a rotation to groom our trail network of 26km.  We strive to groom at least part of the network everyday, prioritizing the more heavily used trails first.  The Dog Loop, Mickey’s and Main Loop are usually the first priority for grooming.  Grooming is done either in the evening or early morning, with a strong preference for morning grooming when we are receiving overnight snowfalls.  However, due to the time commitment required and the other work/life responsibilities of our volunteers, morning grooming cannot always be achieved.

Earlier this month, we received some successive heavy, wet snowfalls.  Grooming is very difficult in these conditions, and often the trail is left uneven with humps, ruts and lumps.  It can often take several grooming sessions, or a drop in temperature in order to correct these deficiencies and to smooth out the trails.  We ask the membership to please be patient with us during these unfavourable warm weather spells… we are working as best we can to make the best possible skiing conditions (all groomers are nordic skiers too!)

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Dear Nordic Norm:

I was looking at the old RNSC newsletters from way back when and I came across your predictions for the 2002 Sault Lake OWG. You said that if a certain Canadian named Beckie Scott had a good day, she would win a medal and she did. Nice call!!!!

So what does your crystal ball say about our ski team chances for Sochi? Any medals for Canada this time around? By the way, every year I reread those old advice columns’ as I find them so inspirational and so well written.

Signed: Your mother.

Dear Mom: First, before I give my sought after predictions for Sochi, I have to say something about the Olympics in general. I respectfully believe that things have gotten just a bit out of hand as far as the Games go. It seems today that the litmus test for a great career in some sports is the winning of an Olympic medal. While Beckie Scott is remembered for her medals, I believe her greatest achievement was her second place in the season long 2006 World Cup standings. I think she had 4 gold and 4 silvers in that season long competition. I believe the top skier is determined by the World Cup not the OWG. If Devon Kershaw of Canada does not win a medal, he in my opinion had a great career due to his 2nd place in the 2012 World Cup overall standings. Just my opinion.

So what will happen in Sochi this February? Will a Canadian skier make their way onto the podium and into history? Well to be honest my heart says yes but my brain says no. So I am going to follow my heart this time around and predict that indeed a Canadian will medal. In fact I will predict 2 medals. I think Alex Harvey and Devon Kershaw will team up to reach the podium in the team sprint. I think they will recapture the magic of their 2011 World Championship run to the gold medal. It may not be gold this time but a step on the podium is theirs for the taking.

This brings me to Alex Harvey. I think he will place in the top 3 in one of the distance races. I don’t know which one it will be, but he is loaded with talent and drive. Who knows, if he has a great games he may get more than one individual medal.

I had hoped the men 4X10 relay team would be in the hunt but unfortunately Lenny V has had an injury and will not be in top form. If he somehow manages in return to form then all bets are off.

The women’s team this time around I think will struggle to have a top 10 performance. Having said that, they do have a former Olympic Champion in Chandra Crawford in the free technique sprint. Could lightning strike twice?

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 HAPPY SKIING

RNSC Report, October 2013, Volume 17, Issue 1

October 24, 2013October 25, 2013editor

President’s Report

Ski racerWelcome back to what will hopefully be another great Nordic ski season!  Many new and exciting changes have happened with the Club’s services and facilities since the end of last ski season.  Please look inside this newsletter for more details.

As you know, with the exception of our club coach Matt Smider and our book keeper, all of the club’s activities are run by volunteers.  This is what has made our club so successful over the years and also what creates the heart and soul of the club.  We are always in need of volunteers to fill the clubs many volunteer roles and responsibilities (coaching for the children’s programs, ticket office duties, trail grooming, etc).  Please contact any one of the Club’s Executive members to find a way you can volunteer.

Enjoying the ViewRemember that Members Night at the Lodge is Monday November 4th.  Please come out to meet your Club Executive as well as new and old members and to enjoy some friendly chats about Nordic skiing!

Don’t forget to do your snow dance so we can get skiing!

Dave Kaegi, Club President

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Welcome back Nordic Norm!

Dear Nordic Norm
I was in the ski shop the other day checking out what’s new for the 2014 season and came upon a pair of poles with a price tag over $400.00. What is going on here? Cross country skiing used to be an affordable family activity, but now prices are getting out of hand: don’t you think? By the way, where have you been hiding for the past 10 years or so?
Signed: Getting shafted?!!

Dear Need to get a grip.
It is funny you should be asking about the cost of high performance equipment. I had a conversation with my two old friends this summer on their way back from the Finnish Festival on Sointula Island.  Janni and Pentti were through Revelstoke on their return trip to Thunder Bay to attend a master’s dry land training camp at Lappe Nordic.
The conversation turned to the high cost of good equipment. Pentti was drifting off in the heat of the beautiful Revelstoke summers day and Janni was saying that he has never seen a ski shop owner yet who was driving around in a Ferrari. I then asked the simple question “What about poles”? Pentti returned to the conversation as he sat up in his chair and decreed that Poles were incredibly friendly people, despite the hardship endured after decades of Russian occupation. Janni, who is used to his best friends abstract conversational wondering simply agreed, but added Poles rarely moved over in races when you yell “track” but other than that were kind and generous souls. Straight answers are elusive after a glass of wine on a hot afternoon.
Here is my take on those fancy high priced poles. Honestly I would love to have a pair as they are super light and swing effortlessly, but having said that I do not own top of the line poles. Weight matters in elite athletics as it can carve seconds in a race. That is why World Cup skiers all have super light weight expensive poles (which by the way they don’t pay for as sponsors give them to their athletes). In my case, skiing around the Mickey Olson trail as fast as I can is a long way away from the World Cup. So what I do is try to balance the performance versus cost equation and purchase something that is relatively light but doesn’t require a mortgage to purchase. Since I am on the edge of being considered old, (I have stopped growing in height for a few decades or so) I no longer out-grow equipment. I look for something in the mid price range which is slightly heavier than expensive poles but not as heavy as the low cost item. I do insist on a cork grip as I find them way more comfortable than their plastic counterparts. I remember picking up a pair of Excel Galaxy poles on sale for just over 100 bucks, regular around 175. Expensive indeed, but still not the top of the line even in those days:  but they lasted 17 years (with a few grip changes as they wear out). The way I see it, I was skiing with good relatively light weight poles for around 7 bucks a season and for me that’s good value for good performance, which is always what I am looking for. All that said, if you are just starting out or just ski a few times a year, then it may be difficult to justify even the mid priced ski pole.
Oh yes, where have I been? Skiing naturally!!

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MickeysMembership Night

Members Night will be Monday, November 4th from 5 to 8pm at the day lodge. This was incorrectly printed in the leisure guide for Nov 5th. Sorry about the confusion. Membership registration begins at 5pm, followed by a general club information session at 6pm.
Membership Night is the only night online Zone4 registration fees will be waived.  Members must be present to electronically sign the waiver. We will be accepting cash or cheque only.
There will be computer kiosks set up and assistance to help members sign up electronically.  Please come early to avoid long wait times.

Memberships may also be purchased on zone4 at any time.

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Coach’s Update

Each passing week brings more anticipation and excitement for the coming ski season! Our Track Attack and Junior Development skiers were staying fit throughout the off-season, whether they were Nordic-specific training or competing in many of the great sports available to young Revelstokians.
During July and August, our training sessions ran Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Thank you to former Revelstoke Nordic racer Brittany Evans, who provided her coaching expertise for the twice-weekly workouts. Coaches Bruce Granstrom and Rory Luxmoore continue to be paramount to the program’s success, making themselves available to coach whenever called upon. Our fall program began in September and includes an additional Saturday session for all and Wednesday training for our older racers. Sessions are varied and include everything from trail runs up Mount Revelstoke to roller skis down Airport Way; Orienteering Races at Centennial Park to strength circuits at Mount Begbie Elementary. Please contact Coach Matt ([email protected]) if you are interested in training with our local Nordic juniors.
Mika ParkLast May, Alana Brittin and Elizabeth Elliot were named to the BC Talent Squad and participated at the Spring BC Team Camp in 100 Mile House – congratulations girls! September heralded training camp season and numerous Revelstoke skiers participated at training camps throughout BC. Four skiers attended the BC Talent Squad Camp in 100 Mile House; 12 skiers, plus parents, attended the Regional Dryland Camp in Salmon Arm; and four skiers attended the BC Development Squad Camp in Revelstoke. The opportunity to train with fellow skiers across the province provides a memorable experience and bodes well for our skier’s success this coming season.
In November, our skiers will yet again participate in both the BC Talent and Development Squad On-Snow Camps (November 14th – 17th) and the Regional On-Snow Camp (November 20th – 22nd) at Sovereign Lake Nordic Ski Club in Vernon. Coach Matt has had the good fortune to work at all September camps and will be coaching at both On-Snow Camps in November. This has provided a unique opportunity to interact with other coaches and has offered a first-hand look at how Revelstoke racers stack up against skiers across the province.
Our Ski League program is currently in the planning stages as we prepare special events and ensure all coaches are certified and ready to immerse themselves in the Nordic ski world. Similar to last season, our Rabbits and Trailblazer programs will begin Saturday, December 7th from 10am – noon and continue for 14 more Saturdays until March 8th. Our Bunnies will hit the trail on Saturday, January 4th from 10am – noon and continue for 9 more Saturdays until March 8th.
For the 2013/14 ski season, Revelstoke Nordic is excited to offer Headlamp Heroes: Wednesday Night Race Series & Training Sessions. Races will be run on the following dates: December 18th, January 15th, February 5th and March 5th @ 7pm.
Headlamp Heroes is an opportunity for young and old, novice and expert skiers to participate in a fun, laid-back race environment. Entry fee is $2 for members OR $2 plus trail fee for non-members. Races will be both classic and free technique and formats will vary from race to race. Bring your headlamps and fastest Nordic gear. There will be draw prizes and overall season awards presented at our final event.
Dryland trainingIn addition to races, we will also be offering Headlamp Heroes: Wednesday Night Training Sessions. These sessions are free (plus trail fee for non-members) and will begin December 4th @ 7pm and continue all season on non-race Wednesday nights. Sessions will be akin to a ‘group ride’ with the focus on developing fitness and different workout options depending on the skier’s training experience and objectives. Please contact Coach Matt ([email protected]) if you are interested in more information about Headlamp Heroes.
Finally, we are now offering an Adult Beginner course for 10 sessions beginning Saturday, January 4th from 10am – noon. This program will focus on the basics of Nordic technique and developing confidence on skis. Additionally, we are continuing to offer our popular Adult Intermediate and Advanced course. This course emphasis technique development and will be run at the same dates and times as last season: Tuesdays, 7 – 8:30pm and Thursdays 12:30 – 2:00pm.
Check out our complete list of programs for the coming season.
Thanks for reading and good luck with your respective snow dances!

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Ski Skool needs instructors!

Our Ski Skool program extends Nordic ski instruction to the 4th graders of Revelstoke. We are in need of volunteer instructors to help coach these young skiers. Previous instructional experience or qualifications are not necessary. We are simply looking  for individuals who are comfortable on Nordic skis and have a knack for working with energetic youngsters.
Exact dates & times are TBD. Expected dates are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in January from 8:30 – 11:30am. Ideally, volunteers will assist with all four sessions of a particular weekday.
Please contact Coach Matt ([email protected]) if you are interested in instructing.

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Introductory Community Coaching Workshop: November 1st & 2nd

CCBC has generously obliged our request for an Introduction to Community Coaching Workshop in Revelstoke, November 1st & 2nd. Introductory Community Coaching is the first level of coaching courses and is a CCC/CCBC minimum requirement for anyone interested in coaching our Ski League programs.
“The “ICC” program is intended to provide parents and other novice coaches with basic information and a feeling of confidence as they begin their role as a coach. It is entry level, and there are no prerequisites except enthusiasm and the minimum age requirement of 14 years.” (From CCBC).

Friday, November 1st: 5:00 – 9:00pm
Saturday, November 2nd: 8:30am – 5:00pm
@ Macpherson Nordic Lodge

Cost for the course is $65 for CCBC members, $80 for non-members. Revelstoke Nordic will cover the cost of the course for anyone interested in providing coaching services to the club.
Please let Coach Matt ([email protected]) know if you are available for the course no later than Monday, October 28th.

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Tech Okanagan Cup, BC Winter Games Time Trial

We are hosting a Tech Okanagan Cup and BC Winter Games time trial on December 29th.  We will need many volunteers for timing, concession and course marshaling to ensure a successful day.  If you would like to volunteer, please contact Penny at [email protected].

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Hello Fellow Doggers

TrailThe RNSC Dog Loop will be better than ever this year. Review the latest trail improvements described in this month’s newsletter.  One of the goals this season is to decrease the use of plastic bags. More trowels posts will make cleaning up after your dog easier. Don’t forget to register your dog and include a description when filling out your membership information. Please continue your great stewardship of our special dog ski area. Please volunteer for club activities, whether lodge duty selling day passes or parking cars for the Lantern ski.

As always your comments are welcome.

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Snowshoeing

Old School Meets NewSnowshoeing increases in popularity every year and RNSC has enthusiastically responded.  New this season will be a marked snowshoe trail. Stimulus, a popular green mountain bike trail, will be modified for use by snowshoers. It is a loop trail accessible near the stadium/ lodge area. Those without an annual RNSC pass will pay a five dollar parking fee per vehicle, or a $20 annual parking fee. As with mountain bike trails, this snowshoe trail will be dog friendly. Snowshoers are expected to stay off the groomed ski trails and to minimize damage at trail intersections.

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We need a Ticket Volunteer Organizer!

One major source of revenue for the club is the parking fees and day passes we sell to non-members. These day pass fees covered the cost of all of our groomer fuel for the 2012/13 season.

We are in need of a volunteer to coordinate the staffing of the day lodge to collect day fees for the upcoming season. This involves contacting members and organizing a calendar to maintain coverage. Please let us know if this is a responsibility you are interested in. The Nordic Club relies on this source of revenue to provide the services we do.

If we are unable to fill this position with a volunteer, we may need to hire a person which will significantly cut into the funds we collect.
We would like to offer a huge thank you to Nadine Smith who has worked hard to staff the office for the past two seasons.
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Trail Work – Name that Trail

New TrailIn response to member requests the club has built a new trail! The change will make grooming easier and provide a wider, less steep connection between BCIT and Beaver Lake Road for non-Doggers. In addition, the new configuration will reduce potential collisions that steep hills with blind corners can cause.
This season the doggers will continue northwest on Easy Al’s or BCIT to reach Beaver Lake Road. This adds an additional .6 kilometres to the dog loop. Doggers are not permitted past the intersection of Beaver Lake Road and BCIT.
The short, steep west end of Short Hop has been replaced by a more gradual trail. Dogs are still permitted on this trail.
Members desiring a less steep trail without dogs can ski the new section of trail directly to Beaver Lake Road and Cedar Ramble.
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We need to name the new trail! If you have a good trail name, please email it to [email protected] before Members Night. We will choose the best name and announce it shortly after Members Night.
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Other trail news includes a new bridge installation on BCIT and an expansion of the parking lot. We would like to offer a huge thank you to Speers construction for the generous donation of equipment time. A large quantity of fill was trucked in to build the lot out to the south, between the groomer shop and the highway.  The parking lot should be able to accommodate about 30 more vehicles. This will drastically improve our busy parking lot hours.
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Communications

Check out our new website! You are probably on it already! The Calendar includes important dates and times for events and programs. Posts are multiplying by the day!
Facebook is another great place to share info an pictures with other members on trail conditions or events. Like us on Facebook and we’ll share with the community.
Please remember that Members Night on November 4th is the cut off date for receiving Nordic Information based on last years Membership list. If you do not purchase your 2013/14 membership on or before Members Night, you will not receive any more Nordic information until you do purchase your membership.
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Rescue Plan

The Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club keeps first aid kits at the Revelstoke Nordic Day Lodge, Ole Sandberg Cabin, and in the groomer. The following gear is also stored in the Maintenance Building:

  • Toboggan with toe bar
  • Snowmobile
  • Backboard, hard collars and spider straps
  • Card board and plywood splints
  • Blankets and tarp.

In addition, a rescue toboggan is stored at the Ole Sandburg Cabin on the deck. Inside the toboggan can be found a backboard, splits and blankets.
In Revelstoke: Revelstoke Search and Rescue maintains a toboggan and snowmobile with trained personal. They are reached through the RCMP or by calling 911. There is good cell phone coverage throughout the entire trail network. Some staff from the Forest District are familiar with the trails and are trained in basic first aid. They also have access to snowmobiles. They may be available to respond quickly during the mid-week. The office number is 837-7611.

Emergency Numbers

  • RCMP, Fire, or Ambulance…911
  • Revelstoke Nordic Lodge……250-814-4264
  • Hospital……………………………250-837-2131

A phone is available at the Revelstoke Nordic Day Lodge in the Ticket Office.
When communicating an emergency, note:

  • The nature of the emergency
  • How many people involved?
  • What happened?
  • Is there major trauma involved?
  • What is the chief complaint?
  • What are the signs and symptoms?
  • Who is the victim – name, gender, and approximate age –also contact name and phone number.
  • Where is the accident? (See map below)
  • When did the accident happen?
  • What are the current temperature and weather conditions?
  • What is needed for the rescue? (Does the victim have a back or neck injury that calls for the use of a back board? Is the victim having any respiratory and circulatory problems that call for the need of oxygen and immediate transport)
  • Your name and location.

If you have to leave the victim to get help, ensure they are positioned safely on the trail. Keep the victim warm from above and below through the use of extra clothing or padding.
If you are reporting a missing person, provide a name and a description of the person, travel plans, when and where last seen, experience level, type of ski equipment, and how prepared they may be.
This plan will be reviewed annually. It will be posted at Revelstoke Day Lodge Lodge, Maintenance Building, and Ole Sandberg Cabin. We will also publish it each season in the newsletter and will maintain a copy on the web site. Any comments to improve the plan can be directed to Dave Kaegi at 250-837-5784.
Plan last updated: December 2011

Rescue Plan

Nordic Newsletter- April 2013

August 8, 2013October 24, 2013rnsc-admin

DSC_2178

photo credit: D. Koerber RNSC

President’s Report

It is hard to believe but we are nearing the end of the ski season.  All in all, I think it has been another very successful and productive season for the club.  The club had many successes this year including the hiring of a new Club Coach (Matt Smider), successfully holding the Teck BC Midget Championships, and the continued growth in memberships, ski league and ski programs.

As usual, all of these successes arise from the numerous volunteers who have helped with all aspect of the club operations from coaching, to Ticket Office duties , to trail grooming,  to assisting with the races and special events.  A big thank you to all the club members who helped out in some capacity over the ski season.

Some items that will be happening over the summer include the completion of the trail bridge replacement on BCIT, and the development of a new trail to connect Beaver Lake to BCIT.

A reminder that the AGM will be held on April 17th, 7PM at the Lodge.  Please come and voice your opinion and stay involved in the future of the club. Enjoy the last couple of days of groomed ski trails and have a great spring/summer/fall.

Dave Kaegi

Dog Loop Update

The 2012-2013 Nordic ski season has been wonderful. Because of consistent trail maintenance and quality grooming the dog loop is still in great shape.
92 dogs and 153 skiers were registered this season to use the dog loop. New this year were the hitching post and informational sign. Kevin Bollefer constructed a sturdy, functional anchor that decreased the number of uncontrolled dogs at a busy trail intersection. The sign provided details about the dog loop for members and visiting skiers.
The diligence of my fellow Doggers to keep the trails free of dog poo is commendable. Each year the number of dogs has increased yet the dog loop is still a gem. Thank you for respecting Mt. Macpherson and your fellow RNSC members.
Next season’s goals are encouraging the use of trowels instead of plastic bags and emphasizing Dogger etiquette.
As always I welcome any comments and will do my best to resolve any problems.
Until next season,
Paula

Tech BC Midgets

Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club showcased Revelstoke’s skiing talent, organizational skills, and trails this weekend in high fashion. Skiers from Smithers to Vancouver Island competed in the Teck Midget Cross Country Ski Championships.  The 182 athletes, including 23 Revelstoke skiers, were thoroughly entertained and exhausted during the two days of races that took place this past weekend.

2.5 km Interval Start, Classic Race, Saturday- The weekend of racing started out with a lung busting 2.5 km interval start, classic technique race. Coaches were impressed with the fact that the course had a bit of everything- a long climb off the start, a harrowing descent, nice straight stretches, and what is a race without a heartbreaking uphill to the finish?Revelstoke highlights included a half dozen skiers competing in their first ever official race, and 4th place finishes from Nelson Luxmoore and Jaclyn Elliott.

4 x 1.5 Classic/Free technique Relay, Saturday- this event was a crowd pleaser, as groups of four skiers, doing two legs of classic, and two legs of free technique battled it out on Saturday afternoon. The sound was deafening as the first skier for Revelstoke, Alana Brittin came into the transition area to give Kate Granstrom a twelve second lead over the Hollyburn Nordic (Vancouver) team.  Granstrom took the lead and added to it, as did her twin sister Beth Granstrom.  Elizabeth Elliott had the trail to herself as she crossed the finish line to the jumping on their feet, cheering audience.  The Revelstoke win over Hollyburn ended up being almost a minute, and one of sweet victory.

300 metre free technique sprint, Sunday- While the sun was a welcome addition to the Teck Midget Championships this weekend, the warmer weather made for difficult conditions on the sprint course. Soft snow and a nail biting downhill hairpin corner were a challenge to most skiers on Sunday.  Elizabeth Elliott’s 3rd place and Alana Brittin’s 4th place were outstanding highlights for the Revelstoke Nordic Ski team.

In the aggregate points race for the weekend, Revelstoke Nordic Ski Team finished with a terrific 3rd place out of the 19 teams in attendance. Chief of Race and Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club President Dave Kaegi commented, “this weekend exceeded our expectations.  I was absolutely thrilled with the ability of our club to host a major provincial level event, the ability of our facilities to withstand the presence of 500 athletes, parents, coaches, and the efforts of our volunteers, numbering 80 each day- none of this could have happened without having such an incredible and outstanding volunteer base.”

Abigail May, Larch Hills Nordic Ski Team coach raved, “I think that Revelstoke pulled out all the stops to put on an amazing event. They flawlessly overcame the adversity of the rain. The course was in fantastic shape, and made for really fantastic skiing. The club volunteers were really friendly and welcoming.  The volunteers clearly put in a great effort and should receive a big thank you from skiers from across the province.”

RESULT HIGHLIGHTS:

 

2.5 KM Classic Ski, Interval Start (Saturday) 2003 Girls

1st– Sophia Van Varseveld (Larch Hills, Salmon Arm)

2nd –Claire Van Bergeyk (Larch Hills)

3rd –Elle Johnston (Whistler Nordic)

4th Jaclyn Elliott (Revelstoke)

5th Lindsay Worrell (Methow Valley, Washington State)

6th Emily McCloud (Revelstoke)

8th Devyn Gale (Revelstoke)

9th Zoe Larson (Revelstoke)

10th Arianna Morrone (Revelstoke)

2.5 KM Classic Ski, Interval Start (Saturday) 2003 Boys

1st– Trond May (Larch Hills, Salmon Arm)

2nd– Damian Georgyev (Caledonia, Prince George)

3rd– Ian Mayer (Telemark, Kelowna)

4th Nelson Luxmoore (Revelstoke)

5th Carson Damery (Strathcona, Vancouver Island)

2.5 KM Classic Ski, Interfal Start (Saturday) 2000 Girls

6th Alana Brittin (Revelstoke)

7th Kate Granstrom (Revelstoke)

Classic and Free Technique RELAY (4×1.5 km) (Saturday) GIRLS

1st Revelstoke Nordic- Alana Brittin, Kate Granstrom, Beth Granstrom, Elizabeth Elliott

2nd Hollyburn (Vancouver)

3rd Sovereign Lake (Vernon)

4th Kimberley Nordic

5th Larch Hills

Sunday, 300 metre free technique sprint, girls 2003 birth year

1st Elle Johnston, Whistler

2nd Lindsay Worrell, Methow Valley

3rd Sophie Van Varseveld, Larch Hills

4th Claire Van Bergerk, Larch Hills

5th Emily McCloud, Revelstoke

7th Jaclyn Elliott, Revelstoke

8th Devyn Gale, Revelstoke

Sunday, 300 metre free technique sprint, boys 2003

9th Nelson Luxmoore, Revelstoke

Sunday, 300 metre free technique sprint, girls 2000 birth year

1st Maxine Forder, Hollyburn

2nd Benita Peiffer, Whistler

3rd Elizabeth Elliott, Revelstoke

4th Alana Brittin, Revelstoke

5th Sydney Embleton, Sovereign (Kelowna)

Aggregate Team Winners (overall team points for the weekend)

1st Larch Hills (Salmon Arm)

2nd Strathcona (Mt. Washington)

3rd Revelstoke Nordic 

4th Telemark

5th Whistler

In addition to racing, athletes reveled in the other events of the weekend: a banquet at the community centre that included esteemed guests such as Mayor David Raven and three Olympic cross country skiing athletes- Chris Jefferies, Stefan Kuhn, and Drew Goldsack.  Mayor Raven’s brief history lesson on the history of skiing in Revelstoke impressed the dinner guests and helped explain why we have such a strong cross country ski community to this day. The Olympians inspired and impressed the young athletes with their stories of the challenges of their paths to the national team. Of course a flash mob, dance contest, and a myriad of draw prizes also made many a happy skier this weekend.

Revelstoke Coach Matt Smider was thrilled with how the weekend unfolded:  “What an impressive showing from our athletes at the premiere event for their age group. This was a highly competitive weekend with 182 athletes  across four age groups. Some of our skiers competed against competitors that they had never competed against before. Often times we think of home court advantage, but this weekend there was actually an added pressure of competing at home. Our skiers did admirably, achieving results beyond what they thought possible. The Teck Midget Championships was the culminating event to a very successful season and the whole community should be thrilled with how our skiers and volunteers performed.”

Special Awards and Results:

Heart Award- to the boy and girl who showed the most heart by overcoming adversity, in Saturday’s races.  Elizabeth MacDowell of Revelstoke was the girl’s winner. Elizabeth, one of the youngest racers competing this weekend, overcame her extreme case of nerves to compete, allowing her team to finish the 4 x 1.5 km skate skiing and classic relay. The boy winner was Marek Van Bylandt of Hollyburn Nordic Ski Club (Vancouver) who skied to a strong finish, even with a broken ski boot.

Classic Skiing Technique Awards (best technique in today’s races)- Arianna Morrone (Revelstoke), Johan Henckel (Strathcona), Sophie LaChapelle (Telemark), and Novie McCabe (Methow Valley). This was Arianna’s first ever race, and it certainly bodes well for her future athletic career to be singled out by the technique judges.

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