There were plenty of trailblazers at an Okotoks golf course at the end of January.
The new Crystal Ridge Nordic Centre had its unofficial first day of operation the weekend of Jan. 21-23 after a few weeks of snow but winds and cold temperatures chilled the spirits of even the most hardened cross-country skier.
Centre co-founder Jim Hiscock and I went out to check out approximately 8km of trail at Crystal Ridge Centre on Jan. 21. Pierre Chardon from High River later joined us and I knew he was a better skier than I before he even put on the skis, because he had a European accent and he had an assortment of waxes and accessories in a tackle box.
I use waxless skis, because if not, I would be constantly choosing the wrong wax — plus the fact I’m lazy. Waxless skis are a Nordic skier’s answers to Pizza Pops for supper.
We took off on the Air Ranch trail, which is along the first two holes on the golf course. It’s a nice flat route and if you start to feel like you are about to lose a lung from breathing too hard, you can turn your shoulder and get some divine inspiration from the towering cross atop St. James Church which is an inspiring sight.
Next it was on to the Crystal Green trail, along holes three, four and five. This one is also considered an easy run. While it doesn’t have the long straightaway like the Air Ranch trail, it’s an enjoyable ski around a scenic pond.
I didn’t have too much trouble negotiating the track. Meanwhile Hiscock and Chardon were effortlessly skiing well ahead of me.
This is another advantage of the waxless ski. No matter how good the other person is, my standard answer is: “That’s because he has wax on his (or her) skis and I don’t.’”
Hiscock and Chardon only looked more efficient whereas I looked like Scat from Ice Age meaning I was getting a better workout.
The final route is Crystal Ridge on the eighth and ninth hole. It’s rated more advanced, but I proved even those not-so skilled can handle it. It’s got some rolling dips, but nothing to compare with hills at Sandy McNabb or Bragg Creek. However, the best part of the Crystal Ridge path is the view.
The Rockies majestically stand out to the west. Also along the trails are these deep craters in the snow I thought were made by errant skiers. Nope. Deer nestling down for a rest make them. How cool is that?
We completed the trek and I was duly impressed. The trails were professionally done and well marked.
I was so impressed I brought My Reason For Living the next day. I also bought her a membership. I wasn’t the only one impressed. There were several people out using the facilities in a perfect day for skiing on Jan. 22.
Plenty of them bought memberships as the fledgling club’s roster has creeped past 25 members.
At $25 for the year, it’s a bargain. You can barely get into a downhill ski lodge for $25. As well, foothills residents don’t have to spend time driving to the mountains to ski, which is not only good for the pocketbook, but also the environment.
The cost is only $5 for those wanting to ski at Crystal Ridge for the day.
There was only one problem. I had a lot of trouble keeping up with My Reason For Living, which hurt my male ego.
To top it off, she’s got waxless skis. Now I have to come up with a new excuse.
The Crystal Ridge Nordic Ski Club is planning to hold an open house this Saturday (hchccks this bruce), weather permitting.
Future plans for the facility include hosting clinics and setting up a Jackrabbit Club for youth in the foothills.
A web site for the facility is in the works. For now anyone wanting any information about Crystal Ridge Nordic Centre may call Hiscock at 403-829-1113.
