Yellowknife Ski Club
Newsletter
January 2011
SNOW was definitely one of the things at
the top of the wish list this past holiday,
but sometimes wishes don’t always come
true. It is hard to lose faith in Mother
Nature though, and here’s hoping that she
is getting ready to throw lots of snow our
way soon!
In the meantime, the trails are still fairly
good for skiing, thanks to the artful
grooming our snow farmers have
done…but watch for rocks, overflow and
irregular surfaces when you are out on the
trails.
SKI CLUB AGM & BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
Thanks to everyone who came out to the
Ski Club Annual General Meeting in
October 2010. There were reports on the
past season and some official business,
like approving the financial statements and
a budget. While several options were up
for discussion regarding annual fees, the
majority of members present voted to keep
the fees the same for the 2010-2011 year.
This was followed by discussion about
future plans for the Club and how to
achieve them.
Some vacant spots on the board were also
filled and the 2010-2011 Ski Club board
includes a few new faces:
President – Kevin Hodgins
Vice President – Darin Benoit
Treasurer – Dave McCann
Secretary – Eve Petersen
Trails and Facilities – Brett Wheler
Communications – Suzanne Carriere
Programs – Karin Clark
Events – Mindy Willett
Volunteers – Sarah Heaton
Building/Facilities – Greg Littlefair
Fundraising & Grants – Chris Wenman
Keeping the Ski Club running is a little
more complicated than many people might
think. Like most sport clubs, we organize
events and run programs for youth and
adults.
But unlike most other sport
organizations in Yellowknife, we also
provide a tremendous facility that all
Yellowknifers can use, summer and
winter.
And this is all done with
volunteers, not paid staff.
The Ski Club appreciates the support we
have received over the last 40 years from
the City of Yellowknife. But in early
December 2010, Ski Club President,
Kevin Hodgins, backed by about 30
members and volunteers, approached the
City about a strengthened relationship with
January 2011 Ski Club Newsletter Page 1
the Club. Here is some of what Kevin had
to say:
lot and access road snow removal, were
requested.
“Our presentation tonight is follow-up to our
presentation to City Council on November 30,
2009 and our letter of June 1, 2010 regarding the
budget and our request for continued and
committed support of the Yellowknife Ski Club
with a new financial commitment to the city’s
Nordic cross-country skiing and biathlon facility.
As of press time, the City grader had done
a fine job of clearing the snow as
requested. Kudos and thanks to the City
for the responsive action. We are waiting
on a formal response to the submission.
I am joined tonight by numerous cross country
skiers, biathletes and volunteers.
I want to make it clear that we appreciate the
support that the City has provided over the years,
including: the long-term lease, core funding,
special grant funding, biathlon range development
and trail development assistance in the 1990’s and
donation of a surplus building in the 1980’s.
As we continue to state, we would appreciate the
opportunity to discuss further funding for the
necessary improvements and ongoing upkeep at
Yellowknife’s premiere winter city outdoor
recreation facility.”
“We are not requesting any changes to funding that
would increase property taxes or significantly
disrupt the planned recreational facilities budgets
over the short term (1 - 3 years)
But we are requesting that during this term, the
City initiate increased O & M assistance and
funding for operational requirements such as snow
clearing, power and other energy costs, building
maintenance and custodial functions, facility rental
services, etc.
Over the longer term we request that the Nordic
Centre be included in the capital planning process
for facility infrastructure upgrades and additions.
The facilities of the site are municipal recreation
facilities that have been built and maintained by
citizens for the benefit of all residents.”
The requested additional financial
assistance would be for capital costs of
buildings, trails, trail lighting, mobile
snow mobile equipment, warehousing and
O&M costs for site and utilities assistance.
As well, in-kind services, such as parking
The full submission, “City of Yellowknife
Special Council Meeting on the 2011 City
Budget, December 6, 2010” can be found
on the website under Board Business,
Reports, Other Board Documents.
TRAIL NEWS
Fall Trail Work – by Brett Wheler,
Director of Trails.
Thank you to everyone who helped out
with Ski Club trail clearing this fall
including: David Brock, John Buckland,
Rhonda Buckland, Mark Cliffe-Phillips,
Jen Dagg, Barb de Bastiani, Tina Drew,
Magdy El-Beheiry, Jamie Fulford,
Geoff Furniss, Bob Gamble, Karen
Hamre, Michelle Hannah, Phil Hesse,
Ed Hoeve, Amanda Johnson, Dave
Jones,
Julian
Kanigan,
Andrew
Kotaska, Alex Lothian, Peter Maguire,
Hugh Maloney, Tim Mercer, Shauna
Morgan, Steve Morin, Arlene Morrison,
Robert Mulders, Steve Outlet, Don
Pittman, Dave Pontin, Geoff Ray,
Robert Reid, Malcolm Robb, Martin
Rourke, Karl Schubert, Steve Schwarz,
Trevor Sinclair, David Speakman,
Jason Steele, John Stephenson, David
Tucker, Duncan Tyler, Christine
Wenman, Brett Wheler, Miriam
Wideman and Stephanie Yuill. All of
these volunteers spent at least one (and
often more) 3 hour shifts brush cutting the
trails in preparation for the snow.
January 2011 Ski Club Newsletter Page 2
provides grants and donations yearly to
support groups, projects and individuals in
Yellowknife.
For more information, please check their
website
http://www.yellowknifecommunityfoundat
ion.ca/.
Fall trail clearing is one of the largest
volunteer tasks of the year for the Ski Club
and the work of all volunteers is greatly
appreciated! The Club would especially
like to acknowledge the contributions of
Andrew Kotaska and Bob Reid in
coordinating trail work and Barb de
Bastiani and Tina Drew for phoning
volunteers.
A Great Christmas
Present – Most of
you might recall that
our Club purchased a
new Alpina Sherpa
snowmobile
last
spring and we were
fortunate then to have
a $5000 donation
from the Yellowknife
Community Foundation to help with the
costs. Two days before Christmas, the
Yellowknife Ski Club found out
we were the recipients of another
$5000 grant from the Yellowknife
Community Foundation for the
Sherpa…that is a total of $10,000
in the past year!
Trail Lighting –
Some of you may
have noticed that
there were a few
problems with the
trail lights during December. Thanks to
Ryfan Electric for helping get the lights
back on and installing a new digital timer
just before Christmas and to all the
members for their patience waiting for
them to be fixed. Trail lights are on daily
from dusk until 10 pm. Thanks to John
Monroe for continuing to coordinate trail
light work.
Trail Tidbits – Due to the lack of snow,
some of the trails are still a bit rough.
Please watch for bumps and rocks sticking
out. There is overflow in the ravine so be
prepared to stop quickly when you get to
the bottom of the hill. The ravine to Back
Bay has now been groomed and is a little
more even than it was. A track has also
been set around Fault Lake and is very
lovely to ski.
THANK YOU to the Yellowknife
Community Foundation for this
tremendous
support!
The
Yellowknife
Community
Foundation raises money through
donations and fundraising and
January 2011 Ski Club Newsletter Page 3
Banting Tent - The Banting
Tent is available for Ski Club
members to use for skiing
opportunities. The tent was
put to good use over
Christmas and New Years
with several groups and
families spending time there.
Here’s a picture of 5 month
old Emily Lothian helping
pack up after a night at the
wall tent.
BUILDING NEWS
Club Clean Up – On October
24th, members and prospective
members of the Ski Club came
out to help clean the Club,
including
washing
walls,
windows, hallways, the wax
room, the kitchen and other
tasks. Many thanks go out to
Aaron Beswick, Ray Bethke,
John
Buckland,
Mary
Buckland, Amanda Johnson,
Karen
Johnson,
Brian
Latham, Peter Maguire, Elise
Maltin, Cameron Seddon
and Kathi Woodward.
shut any windows and unplug the waxing
irons in the wax room and lock the doors if
you opened them. Report any issues or
concerns to the Club and help us keep the
building in good shape.
Remember, the upstairs hall
is still rented out by other
users.
You can help by
recommending it as a space
for meetings and other
events. Thanks to Jesse Reid
at FSC Architects and
Engineers Ltd. for handling
our rental bookings! We will
be looking for a new booking
agent this spring.
Peter Maguire helped clean up the
Club in October 2010.
Remember, if you are a Ski Club member,
you have access to the building at any
time. If you have signed up as a member
but not received the new access code for
the door downstairs, simply contact the
Club and someone will get back to you
with the number. Please don’t
share the number with others –
let them contact the Club for
themselves. The building is
often unlocked when programs
are using it on the weekends
(most of Saturday and Sunday
afternoons).
2010 Snow Show
Early November is when the Ski Club puts
on the annual Snow Show. This is where
people can find out about our programs
and lessons, buy new or used ski
equipment, get skis waxed, see old ski
friends or meet new ones and get into the
skiing vibe.
As members, feel free to make
use of the building. There are
waxing irons and waxing tables
in the wax room and the HP
coaches have also donated a
box full of waxes for general
Club use. Up in the kitchen,
there are dishes and some
items for making coffee, tea or
cocoa, so help yourself. Please
clean up after you are through,
November 6th was a busy
day, with many volunteers
once again stepping up to
help pull the 2010 Snow
Show together. Thank you
to all the volunteers.
Event
Coordination:
Mindy Willett
Advertising:
Suzanne
Carriere and Mindy Willett
Photography:
Anna
Soininen
Set Up: Mindy Willett,
Damian Panayi, Tania
Hercun, Jennie Rausch,
Oliver Hodgins, Kevin
Brian Latham, the Snow Show greeter.
January 2011 Ski Club Newsletter Page 4
Hodgins, Laura Hodgins, Dot van Vliet,
Donna Mulders, Bob Reid, Suzanne
Carriere, Kathi Woodward, Lorraine
Seale, Brian Latham, Brett Wheler, Karen
Johnson, Kevin Todd, Ray Bethke, Mary
Buckland, John Buckland, Rhonda
Buckland, Anne Marie Giroux and Corbin
Giroux as well as Mark Karau, Ariel Lau,
Bill Hill and Bill and Sandra Stirling from
Overlander Sports!
Snow Show Finances: Dave McCann
Snow Show Greeter: Brian Latham (also
known as Birkie)
Club,
Fundraising
and
Events
Promotions: John Stephenson
Trails Promotion (Sherpa Display):
Bruce Look and Rob Tumchewics
Merchandise and Fish Pond: Linnea
Stephenson, Niva Stephenson, Grace
Clark and Sophie Clark
Registration and Technical Support:
Tania Hercun, Jennie Rausch, Donna
Mulders and Dot van Vliet
Silent Auction: Rhonda Buckland, Dot
van Vliet, Kathi Woodward, Mary
Buckland, Lorraine Seale and Mindy
Willett
Ski Swap: Bob Reid, Suzanne Carriere,
Damian Panayi, Pam Dunbar, Mike Argue
and John Buckland
HP Ski Waxing: Calvin Rossouw, Hanna
Wilson, Mary Buckland, Kevin Durkee,
Oliver Hodgins, Alicia Tumchewics,
Sheena Tremblay and Liam McKay
Canteen: Susan Chatwood (Coordinator),
Annika Affleck, Emma Seddon, Laura
Seddon, Laura Hodgins, Diane McKay,
Chloe Hoechsmann, Nicolas Bennett,
Jaqueline Beland, Clair Littlefair and Jack
Panayi.
Bake Table:
Sarah Heaton, Margot
Jennings
Bake Table donations: Margot Jennings,
Kathi Woodward, Sarah Heaton, Linda
Whitford, Rhonda Buckland and Chris
Wenman.
Ski Parents: Kerry Wheler, Heather Scott
Jackrabbits: Karin Clark, Cara Benoit,
Sandra Mann and Kathryn Walker
Track Attack: Stephen Dunbar
January 2011 Ski Club Newsletter Page 5
Senior High Performance:
McLachlan
Biathlon: Ray Bethke
Adult Lessons:
Karen
Johnson and Susan Fleck
Banting Lake Tent: Julie
Ward and Doug Townson
Clean Up: Tania Hercun,
Donna Mulders, Sarah
Heaton, Stephen Dunbar
Dot van Vliet, Suzanne
Carriere, Bob Reid, Karin
Clark, Sophie Clark, Grace
Clark,
Mindy Willett,
Sandra Mann, Elizabeth
Mann, Mary Mann, Karen
Johnson, John Stephenson,
Niva Stephenson, Linnea
Stephenson, and Rhonda
Buckland (as well as Kevin
and Bill from Overlander Sports!)
Corey
Silent Auction Donors (individuals):
Mike Argue, Jamie Bastedo, Cara Benoit,
Jen Buck, Mary Buckland, Rhonda
Buckland, Suzanne Carriere, Michelle
Culhane, Kevin Durkee, Mona Durkee,
Tania Hercun, Moses Hernandez, Oliver
Hodgins, Margot Jennings, Mike Jennings,
Karen Johnson, Vicky Johnston, Elise
Maltin, Starr McLachlan, Donna Mulders,
Jennie Rausch, Nicole Redvers, Bob Reid,
Laurie Sarkadi, Christine Scott, Ann
Timmins, Sheena Tremblay, Jenny
Tucker, Paul Vecsei, Dot van Vliet,
Christine Wenman, Kerry Wheler, Hanna
Wilson and Kathi Woodward.
Audiotronic, Sport North, The Book
Cellar, Trinity Helicopters, Yellowknife
Direct Charge Co-op and the Yellowknife
Golf Club.
If we missed anyone in
these acknowledgements,
please know that your
contribution was greatly
appreciated.
And a special thank you
goes out to everyone who
supported the Snow Show
by coming out to enquire
about the Club, purchasing
items
or
food
and
registering as Ski Club
members.
The Ski Club would
also like to thank
Overlander Sports for
once again attending
our Snow Show and for their continual
promotion of cross country skiing
opportunities and outdoor activities. We
would also like to acknowledge the
Yellowknife
Direct
Charge Co-op for their
continued support and
donation to our canteen.
Silent Auction Donors (corporate):
Artico Biota Studio, Blachford Lake
Lodge, CBC, Corothers Home Hardware,
Creative Basics, Fire Prevention Services,
Gaia Naturopathic Clinic, Garden of Eden,
Gallery of the Midnight Sun, Great Slave
Helicopters, Kingland Ford, Overlander
Sports,
Quality
Furniture,
Roy’s
January 2011 Ski Club Newsletter Page 6
PROGRAM NEWS
Jackrabbits – Jackrabbits are off to a
great start this season. Many thanks go
out to Kathryn Walker for stepping up as
the new coordinator for this year.
Jackrabbit parents are reminded to help the
program by taking on the canteen duty
once and a while and by being on time for
lessons. When you only ski once a week,
the season can seem very
short and it is important to
fit in all the time on snow
that kids can.
High Performance – The high
performance group has been meeting since
the fall and started skiing on Fault Lake in
early November. In December, most of
the team attended the Alberta Cup 1/2
races in Canmore along with coaches
Corey
McLachlan
and
Sheena
Tremblay. Everyone felt they skied well
and had lots of fun on the trip, especially
meeting with old ski friends. This event
provided an opportunity to
train and was a selection
race for the Canada Winter
Games later this season.
Upcoming events for many
of the HP skiers include
the Western Canadian
Championships
in
Kelowna in February and
the
Canadian
Ski
Championships
in
Canmore in March.
Lessons started in late
November so only a few
lessons were completed
before the Christmas break.
This photo shows Vicki
Johnston’s Jackrabbit crew
practicing stepping over an
obstacle on the course (the
coach!).
Thanks to
Madelon Haener for the
JR photos!
Track Attack – There are about 22 skiers,
aged 10-13 years, in Track Attack this
year. Coaching this high energy group is
Stephen Dunbar and Karen
Johnson with help from
Julie Ward, Elaine Jacques
and
Erin
FreelandBallantyne. They meet on
Thursday afternoons and
Saturday mornings. Playing
ski games and skiing longer
distances helps the skiers
learn and perfect technique
and they do exercises indoors
when it is too cold to ski.
The group skied to the Ice
Falls in the ravine and had a
potluck lunch at the start of
the Christmas break.
Congratulations to Oliver
Hodgins, Kevin Durkee,
Calvin Rossouw, Hanna Wilson and
Mary Buckland from the Yellowknife Ski
Club on making the Canada Winter Games
ski team.
They will be joined by
Thomsen
D’hont
(of
Yellowknife who now skis
out of Whistler), Ilona
Gyapay from Hay River, as
well as Annah Hanthorn,
Ruth Hanthorn and Joel
Hanthorn
from
Fort
McPherson. They will be
coached
by
Corey
McLachlan and Sheena
Tremblay, while Mike
Argue and Sarah Stephens
will accompany the team as
Wax Technician and Team
Manager. Corey, Sheena,
Mike and Sarah all learned
HP skiers in Canmore, December 2010.
January 2011 Ski Club Newsletter Page 7
to ski in the north and represented the
Territories themselves at previous national
competitions so they have some hands on
experience with big events.
More
importantly, all of our coaches and race
support team are volunteers and we are
fortunate to have these individuals giving
back to the sport and helping other kids
pursue their skiing goals.
watering hole for some après ski
refreshments. If you would like more
information about this group, please
contact the Club.
Adult Lessons – Susan Fleck (CANSI
Level 1 instructor) will be offering
evening ski lessons for adults in
February…here are all the details…
 Monday, February 7, 2011
Biathlon – Last year was a bit of a
 Thursday, February 10, 2011
learning experience for the biathlon
 Monday, February 14, 2011
program, as we had new coaches and new
 Thursday,
participants.
Many of the
February 17,
biathletes also ski with the
2011
Track
Attack
or
High
Meet inside the lobby
Performance programs, so
of the Ski Club. The
these kids are busy! Practices
lessons run from 7:30
are on Saturdays around noon.
to 9 pm and will cost
$40.00 for a set of 4
This year, coaches Paul Green
lessons. The lessons
and Ray Bethke have already
are guaranteed to be
put on an informal biathlon
FUN but if it is colder
coaching clinic and hope to get
than -30 C, the lessons
some young biathletes involved
will be postponed
in racing and maybe host a
(because it isn’t that
biathlon event at our Club.
fun for the instructor
when it is that cold!).
Ski Parents – Ski Parents are
If you require more
currently meeting Monday and
information,
please
A lovely view from out on the trails!
Friday mornings from 10 am to
contact Susan at 873noon. During January, a few of
8803 (home).
the parents will be taking lessons with
Karen Johnson. They hope to have a few
What to bring?
ski parent sessions in the evenings to give
 Skis, poles, boots, waxes, scraper
moms and dads a chance to ski together.
 Toque, headband, mittens/gloves,
Pizza will be ordered for the group that
neck warmer
shows up.
 Wear layers of clothes with
windproof layer on top
If you would like more information on the
Ski Parents group, please contact the Club
What will be taught?
or Tania Hercun, Ski Parent Coordinator.
 How to get down hills & enjoy it
(sidestep, correct body position,
Chix on Stix – This group usually meets
snowplow)
on Monday night at 7:30 pm for a little ski
 How to go up hills and not sweat it
under the lights followed by a sojourn to a
(herring bone, sidestep)
January 2011 Ski Club Newsletter Page 8



Basic flat country techniques
(diagonal stride, double pole)
Introduction to skating (on skis.
Yes! Anyone can do it)
The weather will decide what we
do each evening
Karen Johnson also teaches adult skate
and classic ski lessons.
If you are
interested,
please
email
her
at
[email protected] and she’ll put you
on her circulation list so you can get
updates about when she’s planning
lessons.
Cadets Biathlon Event – The Ski Club
supports other outdoor youth programs by
sharing use of the site through user
agreements and minimal fees.
On
November 28 and December 5, Army and
Air Cadets held a biathlon training
program for 12 Cadets. The Cadets honed
their marksmanship and skills in
preparation for Regional and potential
National cadet biathlon events.
Thanks to Mindy for coordinating the
event and to all the volunteers that helped
with food, set up and clean up.
Dashing
Through
the Snow – On
Sunday,
December
17th, the Club hosted a
GET ACTIVE event. Trail fees were
waived for the event and it provided
community members an opportunity to
come ski the trails and see what the Club
has to offer. There were activities for
people to participate in or people could ski
the trails at their own pace. There were
refreshments available in the chalet and a
few prizes were handed out at the end of
the day.
Past Events
Wax and Wine – It was nearly impossible
to recognize the Ski Club on Wednesday,
November 10th, 2010. Decorated with
curtains and lights, the upstairs was
transformed into a quaint gathering spot
for the members that came out to enjoy the
Wax and Wine. Events Director, Mindy
Willett, cleverly got everyone breaking
the ice with a Ski Club bingo page
encouraging people to mingle and ask
skiing questions. There was great food
and refreshments. Mike Argue put on a
waxing demonstration that lasted nearly 45
minutes and was very well attended. The
High Performance skiers also came out
and waxed skis during this time.
Just before Christmas, a tree was decorated for the
birds on a bluff overlooking Back Bay.
Thanks to everyone who helped with the
set up, decorating, food donations and
clean up after the event, including Wendy
Karstad, Isaac Karstad, Ted Kimmins,
John Stephenson, Dot van Vliet, Mindy
Willett, Karen Johnson, Sandra Mann,
Madelon Haener, John Buckland and
Alison Buckland.
January 2011 Ski Club Newsletter Page 9
Loppet Chili Cuttin’ and Cookin’ – No
date is confirmed yet but this is a fun way
to help contribute to the Club and
volunteer for the loppet.
These GET ACTIVE events are sponsored
by the Department of Municipal and
Community
Affairs,
the
NWT
Recreation and Parks Association and
First Air. Just for signing up at the event,
participants can have their name entered
into a draw for flight passes on First Air.
There are also some extra prizes for
participation. The events are all free of
charge and meant to get people out and
being active this winter. It is also a great
way to promote the sport of skiing as a
way to lead a healthy and active lifestyle.
NWT Ski Day – Sunday, February 13th,
2011.
This will also be another
opportunity to GET ACTIVE so make
sure you take time to get out and ski!
Women on Skis Day – Saturday, March
5th, 2011. More details will come about
this date.
Yellowknife Invitational Ski Races –
March 12-13th, 2011. More details will
come about this date.
Weather permitting, the next GET
ACTIVE event will hopefully be at the
end of January and will involve doubling
up with a friend and taking turns skiing in
a fun Team Sprint…superhero and
sidekick style! Costumes are encouraged
and can be as simple as capes,
lycra/spandex or your long underwear.
The sprint course will be short (around the
stadium) and there will be plenty of time
to get out and ski the trails too, followed
by refreshments and prizes.
Contact Us
Upcoming Events and Dates
www.skiyellowknife.com
Full Moon – Wednesday, January 19th,
2011. Nothing formal is planned but if you
get a chance, ski under the full moon. It
always lights the trails perfectly for a great
night skiing experience.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 669-9754 and leave a message.
GET ACTIVE Event – Team Sprints –
Sunday, January 23rd, 2011…weather
permitting.
Last words - This will be the last
newsletter from this “editor”. If anyone
would like to volunteer to help the Club
put out a newsletter 2-3 times a year,
please contact the Club.
January 2011 Ski Club Newsletter Page 10