Another magical Lantern Ski to close out Larch Hills Nordic Society (LHNS) events of 2024.
Over 200 folks skied the 5 kilometre route Saturday evening, Dec. 28, passing the beautiful Christmas candle tree en route to the South Hub where there was a roaring fire enticing folks to stop, bask in the fire’s glow, and visit with other skiers/volunteers.
Skiing by the light of the lanterns was so magical! As one of our lantern lighting volunteers remarked; “Of the many lighting nights we’ve enjoyed, none has surpassed the warmth and snowy forest beauty of this year. It was so pretty and such fun. Like you, everyone we talked to was mesmerized by the experience.”
It helped that we had a fresh dump of snow Saturday morning to cover the trees. The tracksetter went out early Saturday morning but with the snow falling all day, the tracks got covered in. No problem. We were able to find the track underneath but most folks just skied the one way route in their groups, track or no track.
So many families out enjoying the experience. There is a number of folks who choose this to be their one time skiing the Larch Hills each year. Wonderful one-time experience. The evening topped off by drinks and goodies in the chalet makes the Lantern Ski a special holiday season tradition!
The Wednesday Wenches and Thursday Geezers have been plying the backcountry for about a month now. Spectacular conditions on single track. It promises to be a great year in the backcountry.
The Dec. 18 Santa Cruz was a successful event – raising over $2,000 for the Second Harvest and Food Bank. Thanks to all participants!
Now we look forward to the 41st annual Reino Keski-Salmi Loppet (RK-SL) on Saturday, Jan. 18th. We have a new look with a one-loop 34 km course, tailor-made for those who like to ski the loppet without numerous loops.The usual other distances of 17 km, 10 km, and 5 km are still available, plus distances for the very young set. The RK-SL is a lovely celebration of distance skiing where one can choose to be competitive or recreational. Awards will be on the hill, plus the usual wonderful food and drink for post loppet enjoyment. Visit skilarchhills.ca to get all the RK-SL info and register. With over 400 skiers taking part every year, we have a wonderful community event happening.
The annual Elementary School Pirate Loppet follows on Friday, Jan. 31. Busloads and carloads of kids arrive on the hill to experience the ski trails. alot of excitement where LHNS volunteers dress up as pirates to set the tone, and help at registration, plus plant themselves on the route to make sure the youngsters take the right trail. For some, this is their first time on skis. We, and their teachers and parents, are there to help out.
The Jackrabbit program is in full swing on Saturday mornings... the next generation of Nordic skiers.
Think snow!!
