Valhalla Hills Nordic Ski Club had its most successful year to date according to the board of the newly renamed club based in Hills. The name change occurred at the AGM last November and since then, the club hasn’t looked back.
“We wanted a name that would identify us with our proximity to the mountains, home to viking gods and that would be exciting to hear when announced at races as our skiers cross the finish line or accept medals during awards ceremonies,” explained Kip Drobish , coach and club president. “We have a bigger reach than just the community of Hills and we want to be inclusive.”
One huge success has been the long planned-for purchase of a new Ski-doo Skandic snowmobile to compliment the professional grooming equipment it acquired two seasons ago. This became a reality in January thanks to the invaluable support from the Hills Recreation Society and RDCK Slocan Valley Commission #6, along with successful grant applications (Kootenay Savings Community Foundation and CBT) and over $1000 from community donations.
The club grooms two training circuits in Hills for the youth program and also a section of the rail trail in Hills from the Caden Creek Chasm to Red House, a six kilometre section.
“It is great that so many people, both locals and people from as far afield as Nelson are regularly using the rail trail for cross-county skiing,“ said board member Tim Sander. “And the Skandic makes this all possible without inducing any more back injuries for the board members who do the grooming!”
Club membership is up to over 50, not including others that just show their support with a small contribution. Their Jackrabbit (youth) program now has 24 participants. The Jackrabbits are practicing twice a week led by qualified coaches. Several of the “Racing Rabbits” have participated in up to 11 races so far this winter. Kolibri Drobish has consistently placed well with a second place finish at the BC Cup in Revelstoke Jan. 24 and her Teck BC Champs results will be made known about the time this goes to print. Other racers include Lukas Piggot , Cynthia Piggot, Elias Piggot, Ayla Kipkie, Raya Kipkie, and Jay Tremaine. Nearly all the members of the Jackrabbit program will be skiing the Black Jack Loppet on Feb. 28 near Rossland.
The season’s end will be celebrated in style on March 7 in Hills at the club’s annual snow party — fun ski games, races, BBQ, edible medals and a prize draw for donors to the snowmobile fundraiser. New members are still welcome. The donation drive ends at the party. All donations help fund our trail grooming and other programs. For more information, go to www.hillsnordic.wordpress.com.