Fresh-fallen snow made for perfect conditions for beginners at the Cariboo Ski Touring Club’s annual Open House and Pancake Breakfast on Sunday (Jan. 7).
Balmy temperatures of around 1 degree Celsius and the promise of a fun-filled day drew 260 members of the public to Hallis Lake to try out classic cross-country skiing, skate skiing or snowshoeing on the facility’s many kilometres of trails.
All ages were out to try the sport, with children as young as three able to find skis to fit in order to navigate the Dragon’s Lair, consisting of tunnels, small hills and activities as they found their balance.
More mature skiiers were invited to take a crash course with Cariboo Ski Touring Club members, to learn the basics – including the diagonal stride, double poling, step turns, kick turns and of course the snowplow – and head out on some of the flatter trails on a tour with one of the pros.
Afterwards, pancakes, sausages, hashbrowns and eggs were on offer for a small donation as a well-deserved reward.
The Cariboo Ski Touring Club will hold its 2018 Hallis Lake Loppet on Jan. 27 with categories for all ages. Register online at www.caribooski.ca by Jan. 23 to take part.
