The Athabasca Nordic Ski Club is waiting patiently on Jack Frost.
“We could use some more snow,” chuckled instructor Henrik Asfeldt.
Local skiers have been doing their best with the relatively small amount of snow that winter has bestowed upon them so far, but they’re waiting for a real drop of the white stuff before they can really get down to business.
Here in Athabasca, skiers have been forced to train on their old skis due to the shallow snow. But trained they have, and they have also competed at a number of competitions so far this season.
Most notably, six local skiers have qualified for the Alberta Winter Games, to be held in Spruce Grove in February. Among them are mini midgets Anna MacIsaac-Jones, Sam Elgert and Jamie Johnson, midget Max Elgert and juveniles Anika Asfeldt and Michael MacIsaac-Jones.
The event is held every other year, and is modeled after the Olympics, featuring a number of different sports.
Younger skiers are preparing for the Jack Rabbits program, starting on Jan. 9. Held every Monday, the program has taught the finer points of skiing to Athabasca’s young athletes for over 20 years.
Skiers of all ages are looking forward to the annual Athabasca Loppet, which will be held on Saturday, Jan. 14 at Landing Trail Intermediate School. The popular event draws skiers from near and far each year.
“It’s more of a fun run on skis, rather than a serious competition,” explained Asfeldt.
The club is seeking volunteers to help out on the day of the event in a number of ways, from giving directions on the trail to preparing chili for the skiers. Those interested in helping out can contact Asfeldt at 780-675-5248 or by e-mail at [email protected].
As with all winter sports, the weather will be a big part in the success of the club’s season. But Asfeldt isn’t too worried about it just yet.
“If you’re going to be competitive, you have to train whatever the conditions (are like),” he said. “It will eventually come. We’ve postponed winter in Athabasca, but we’ve never cancelled it.”
