Registration is finally open! Bring on the snow!!

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Registration is now open for the 2021/2022 ski season! Early bird fees apply until November 14, 2021. Register at zone4 today!

  • Family – $320 ($300 Early Bird)
  • Individual Adult – $140 ($120 Early Bird)
  • Individual Youth (5 – 18) – $60
  • Individual Child (<5) – $20
  • Special pricing for JKFN

Families who need some extra help to cover program fees and equipment are invited to choose the option to apply for a Kidsport grant, which we can then help you with. Kidsport NWT will provide families up to $300 per child to cover program and equipment costs.

An alternative option, also in the form, is Canadian Tire’s Jumpstart program, which offers up to $300 per child two times a year. 

Trail Brushers Needed

Time to clean up before snowfall. If you indicated on your membership that you’d be interested, you’ll hear from us shortly. If you didn’t, you can still volunteer! Contact trails director Chris Hotson at christopherhotson@yahoo.ca. We provide the equipment and training and can schedule you for weekdays or weekends.  

Community Support Appreciated – Chalet is No Longer an Isolation Centre

The board would like to thank the membership for supporting the decision to turn the Chalet into a temporary shelter from September 13th – October 4th. This was for people who were required to isolate and need some extra support. The Chalet is open again to members, except for weekdays from October 12th – November 23, as it has been booked by the GNWT Corrections Officers for essential services training. 

Contract work was done by RTL on October 6 to do some gravel landscaping around the Chalet and fill in a low area at the entry to the Stadium. Kavanaugh removed the temporary shower trailer and porta potties. 

Be COVID-19 Safe

Public health rules are continuously being updated so please check the website for updates on limitations on the number of people that can be indoors or outdoor gatherings: October 8th – 17th temporary limits are10 inside and 25 outside. Public health rules around Covid-19: https://www.gov.nt.ca/covid-19/en/current-public-health-orders 
Don’t forget to wear a mask if you are in the Chalet! For more information please check out our 4-page Covid-19 Exposure Plan: http://skiyellowknife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Yellowknife-Ski-Club-COVID-19-Exposure-Control-Plan_Oct-26_ReviewedByWSCC.pdf 

Welcome 2021/2022 Board Of Directors

It won’t be easy, or even possible, to fill the shoes of Sara Minogue as the former communication director, but I will do my best! I am very excited be appointed into this position last week, having been a ski club member since moving to Yellowknife 6 years ago. As a member I have enjoyed participating in events like the Frostbite 50, Ski Loppet and volunteering for the Club as a True North Rotary of Yellowknife member. Please take a moment to check out who is on the Board this year, give them a friendly hello the next time you see them: http://skiyellowknife.com/about-us/governanc/   

Chalet to be used as temporary isolation centre

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Some unusual news to report today. 

Starting Wednesday and until Oct. 4, the Yellowknife Ski Club chalet will serve as a temporary isolation centre for people who are required to isolate, and who need some extra supports to do so.  

The chalet will be closed to all members during that time. Visitors to the trails will notice new, temporary red fencing that surrounds the front of the chalet (facing the stadium). As those isolating are required to stay within the building, this fence serves to demarcate where they can be outdoors. The fences area includes the upper deck and a bit of legroom approaching the stadium fence. 

The trails remain accessible to all members, either through the fence near the grooming shed or via the biathlon range. 


No programming will be affected. Dryland training for High Performance skiers, and for Track Attack skiers, who were scheduled to begin the season on Saturday, will carry on outdoors for now. Programming for our younger skiers typically begins in late November. 

Two blue Porta Potties will be installed outside the chalet, near the Jonas Konge garage, strictly for member use while the chalet is unavailable. 

Why’d we do this? 

On Friday, Sept. 10, the Yellowknife Ski Club was approached by the NWT government’s emergency management office about renting the chalet for this purpose. The board held an emergency meeting Friday night and agreed unanimously to support this request. 

The feeling was that the GNWT has lent its support to our club for years, and here was an opportunity to do the same in return, at a time when the chalet is typically underutilized. As a club, we value the health and well-being of our community and are pleased to share what we have to help enhance that. 

Board member John Stephenson has since worked with several GNWT staff to draft an enhanced rental contract and establish some ground rules that the board feels will protect our club, our members and our chalet. 

These include, on our part: closing up the kitchen and the small room with all the tables/chairs; removing programming equipment to an outdoor shed so it remains accessible; temporarily stowing the photographs on the walls upstairs; and changing the door code so that nobody unwittingly enters the chalet. 

On the GNWT’s behalf, this includes: hiring someone to clean every other day during the rental; containing those in isolation to the chalet’s upstairs; installing an outdoor, self-contained portable unit that contains showers (and thus won’t overtax our water supply); committing to take care of any damage incurred; and adding signage outside the chalet to alert visitors to the situation. 

The board would like to thank the membership for its support in this endeavour. 

Any questions to the ski club can be directed to: ykskiclubcommunications@gmail.com. 

Questions for the GNWT should go to: Jay Boast at jay_boast@gov.nt.ca 

Programming for fall 2021

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Registration for Yellowknife Ski Club programs typically opens in late October/early November. You’ll find a notice here as well as on our Facebook page and via our mailing list (subscribe here). 

Our Jackrabbits and Bunnyrabbits programs for children four and up generally start in late November. Read more about the Jackrabbits and Bunnyrabbits program here, including our primers on what equipment you’ll need for kids. Our Track Attack program for youth aged 9-13 also welcomes new skiers. Read more on that group here. The ski club welcomes all young skiers: the more kids who wanna ski, the more parent volunteers we’ll recruit to make it happen. 

Program participants must be members of the club. Read up on membership and its many benefits here. 

We typically offer adult ski lessons starting in December. Watch this space for details. 

If you’re new to skiing and want to talk to someone about programs, please reach our Programs Director Bernadette Knox at ykskiclubprograms@gmail.com. 

If you’d like to talk to someone about volunteering, or taking a coaching course, reach our Volunteer Director Alyssa Titus at ykskiclubvolunteerdirector@gmail.com.

Virtual annual general meeting June 10

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We’ll hold our annual general meeting on Thursday, June 10 on Zoom

You’ll find the agenda here: Yellowknife Ski Club AGM 2021 agenda. 

Read our full: Yellowknife Ski Club 2020_2021 annual report

Usually, we start with a bbq and volunteer awards. We still plan to hold a volunteer appreciation event later in the summer!

If you’ve enjoyed our club this year, consider joining our board or coming out to share your suggestions or ideas. 

You can read more about who’s in charge here, and read about the various board positions here. So far, all of our board members are willing to return next year but we welcome challengers at any time, and always welcome new blood and new ideas. 

For more info: info@skiyellowknife.com.

Nordic Cross this Saturday

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Our last event of the season is a fun one: Nordic Cross.

Go fast or slow – anything goes on this ski/obstacle course, featuring slalom, backwards skiing, single sticking, etc. Read the full 2021 Nordic Cross Race Notice.

We expect conditions to be MUCH better than 2019 (pictured), but still fun and amazing.

Bib pickup starts at 10. Sign up here by Friday. Categories include:

  • Tots – 150m
  • Youth – 2km
  • Rec – 4 km
  • Open – 6km

A thank you from our Loppet organizer

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From our volunteers director and loppet organizer Alyssa Titus:

What a day!  Thank you for supporting the Loppet and being part of such an amazing ski community.  We had 430 participants – a record!

A few important follow-ups:
 
1) BUFFS: If you had registered before Saturday and wanted a buff but the bin was empty, email me and I’ll get one to you (ykskiclubvolunteerdirector@gmail.com). I think a few people picked up an extra by accident but I have a small ‘buffer of buffs.’ Note: I’m sorry they are somewhat small/tight – I hope they work for everyone!
 
2) PRIZES!  To enter, post photos to social media BEFORE WEDNESDAY AT 8 pm using the hashtag #ykloppet2021 (make sure your post is open to public views if you post to your own Facebook newsfeed). If you don’t use social media, email me your photo(s). I’ve already seen 30 posts on Facebook/Instagram, and have had several emails!
 
Categories:
  • Random draw prizes from among those who post or email photos
  • Best photo/selfie
  • Best costume
  • First-time Loppeters (no photo needed): draw prize of a free ski club membership for next season ($140)
Prizes:
  • Bluefish Kite-Flying Lesson via Snobear (value up to $175)
  • Overlander gift certificates ($50)
  • 12-packs of Kathi Woodward’s amazing cookies!  (I know, two cookies is never enough… so send in your photos to enter the draw! We have several cookie packs to win!)
3) THANK YOU to all our contributors and volunteers!
 
SPONSOR: Gold Terra. Thank you for your third year of sponsoring the Loppet, plus all you do for the Ski Club and the community!
 
GROOMERS: Thanks for all you have been doing this season an, and for such great trails this weekend!
  • Niels Konge and Konge Construction 
  • Adrian D’Hont
  • Stu Impett
  • Collin Stockwell
  • Kevin Hodgins
  • Ryan McCord
  • Dave Kellet
  • David Gilday
  • Shea Alain
  • Mike Palmer
  • John Stephenson – Loppet Trails Coordinator
  • YK Ski Club Groomers for past and future work with the Loppet, and great trails at the club
MAP: Dave Taylor. This is an invaluable resource that will be used long after the Loppet!
 
COOKIES: Kathi Woodward. Kathi has baked and donated Loppet cookies every year, and made 1,200 cookies this year! (With only a month’s notice.) Legendary.
 
PARKING: Weatherby Trucking. Thanks for clearing the parking lot at Walsh Lake.
 
VOLUNTEERS:
  • Kelly Slack: packaged all the cookies
  • Rotary Club: assembled all the packages
  • Rae Panayi: manned the pickup station Friday
  • Sara Minogue: communications guru
  • Damian Panayi: Loppet and Zone4 expert
  • Tania Hercun, Kerry Wheler, Credence Wood, Heather Scott, Clayton Thompson, Mindy Willett: Loppet consultants
  • Everyone who offered to help but who I forgot to contact… thank you! And check in with me again next year!
Thanks again for a great day – I feel so lucky to live here.

Biathlon Polar Cup a success

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Our biathlon range came to life over the weekend with the Biathlon Polar Cup competition. Thanks to athletes from Hay River for joining our crew, and to organizers Doug Lockhart and Belinda Whitford. 

Here’s a team shot of the Hay River athletes who joined in the event, courtesy of the Hay River Ski Club.

You’ll find more photos from the competition on the Hay River Ski Club Facebook page. 

A huge thank you to all the people who contributed to this event! 

Organizers: Doug Lockhart, Kerry Wheler, Chuck Lirette and Doug Swallow.

Course and Stadium Planning: John Stephenson and the amazing grooming crew and Doug Lockhart.

Course and Range Officials: Doug Lockhart, Trent Waterhouse, Lisa & Brian McShane, Judy Whitford, Carol Lockhart, Karen Wall, Chuck & Dorothy Lirette, Braam Berrub, Tamara Pellisey, Kandace Groenewegen, Philippe Breton and Tyler Hawkins.

Coaching our athletes: Marie-Eve Raymond, Myra Berrub, Trent Waterhouse

Food and supplies: Hille Kumbholz, Braam Berrub, Trent Waterhouse, Doug & Carol Lockhart, Lisa & Brian McShane, Marie-Eve Raymond, Tyler Hawkins, Ashley Coombs.

Statistics: Mark Cliffe-Phillips and Doug Swallow

Uniforms: Kirk Tastad

Thanks to our NWT Championships volunteers

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Our club played host to the NWT Territorial Ski Races last weekend and it was a beauty event. We were thrilled to have over 130 skiers, including skiers from Fort Smith and Hay River, and dozens of volunteers. Congratulations to everyone who skied the course! 

You’ll find the day one (classic) results here and here. And day two results (free) here. 

Cross Country NWT has posted a few photos, and one again, the Yellowknifer caught up with the action. Thanks James McCarthy!

Let this one of two of our most hard-working coaches suffice: Mike Argue and Kevin Durkee. 

Now bear with me for the thank you’s to volunteers. Just check out this enormous list. 

Thank you!

Biathlon Polar Cup March 26/27/28

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We’ll have about 20 athletes, including 14 from Hay River and six from Yellowknife, as well as several dozen parents and volunteers on site for the Biathlon Polar Cup March 26-28. The chalet will be in use by our visiting athletes so members, please cede the building to our guests (washroom use excepted) who will arrive Friday. 

Competition starts at 2 pm Saturday and noon on Sunday, with sighting in firearms starting an hour earlier. Trails in use include the Biathlon 1 km and 1.25 km. 

It’s been many years since we’ve hosted a biathlon competition: major thanks to Belinda and Doug for making this event happen!

The Yellowknife Gold Loppet sponsored by Gold Terra

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Due to COVID we are once again offering a ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ Loppet! We’ll groom the trails, send out some maps, give you some pointers, and the rest is up to you!
 
Over 50 km of fresh tracks will be available: Back Bay, Yellowknife Bay, Burwash, Frame Lake, Deh Cho Blvd, Kam Lake, Range Lake, Walsh Lake and Madeline Lake. Thank you to our community of groomers! (Note: we will not be using our ski club trails due to the Polar Cup biathlon event taking place the same day!)
 
 
Or if you prefer this version:
 
 

Registration ($10, $5 for kids) is now open on Zone4.ca.

Why register?

  • Get an event package with a fleece-lined buff (available while supplies last – approx 400 for the earliest registrants), map, event bib, Loppet stickers, and Kathi’s cookies
  • Connect with others through our Facebook event page to share questions, goals, stories, and photos
  • Win prizes! (Bluefish kite-flying trip… gift certificates… cookies…)
  • Support the largest ski event in Yellowknife, in a COVID-safe format!

Here are the COVID rules:

  • Choose your own ski adventure from any of the groomed trails in and around town (see map).
  • Please ski clockwise on all trails.  
  • Choose a route that is safe for your level of experience and navigation. 
  • There is no start or finish time, or any check-in/check-out.
  • There are no checkpoints, no patrols and no aid stations.  
  • Make a safety plan. Notify a friend or family of your route and plan. Ski with a buddy if possible. Be aware cellphones may not be functional due to temperature or reception.
  • Bring gear, hydration, clothing in case of injury or emergency. 
  • Please follow COVID regulations from the Chief Public Health Officer. 
  • We want to keep everyone safe, while still enjoying and celebrating the great skiing around Yellowknife. Have fun out there! 

Event Package Pickup and Information

Thank you to the Rotary Club for assembling the event packages!

Note: Buffs are reserved based on earliest registration, not earliest pickup. If your registration page listed an option for a buff, it means you were one of the first 400 and a buff is waiting for you.

Three options:

  • Self-serve pickup starting Thursday March 25, outside the Ski Club Chalet. Look for the yellow Loppet flag and self-serve bins. Please follow written instructions on the clipboard and use the sign-out sheet.

OR

  • In-person pickup for those needing advice or further information, courtesy of Loppet expert Damian Panayi. Come to the Ski Club parking lot Friday March 26 from 2-5 outside the Ski Club Chalet. Look for the yellow Loppet flag.

OR

Photos and Prizes

Enter our draw for prizes by posting a selfie or other photo on facebook or other social media with the hashtag #ykloppet2021, or email ykskiclubvolunteerdirector@gmail.com for us to share. 

Best Selfie and Best Dressed Skier also win a prize. Get out your capes and costumes!

Prizes include: Bluefish kite-flying expedition! Gift certificates! Cookies!