Backup plan for broken groomer at Birds Hills Provincial Park appeases skiers
One of Manitoba’s most popular cross-country ski areas is gearing up for another season even though it may not have a key piece of equipment back in time.
A machine used to groom the trails at Birds Hill Provincial Park broke down last season and it’s still being fixed but that didn’t stop skiers Thursday from enjoying an early season outing.
“It’s not groomed yet so it’s all skied in, skier skied in, but we’ll take what we have. It’s beautiful,” said Nancy Lovenjak, who was among several people out skiing.
Boasting a network of more than 36 kilometres of trails, the park is a popular destination close to Winnipeg for a winter activity that got a boost in popularity amid the pandemic.
“Last year the skiing was beautiful and easy and I’m happy to make do,” said Brina Larsen, who took up skiing last season.
A provincial spokesperson said the machine groomer is expected to be fully repaired and ready for service in the coming weeks.
“Until then, Manitoba Parks has a snowmobile and trail setter at its disposal in the event there is sufficient snow to pack and groom,” the spokesperson said in an emailed statement. “That is not currently the case.”
The Cross Country Ski Association of Manitoba’s recreational skiing committee said in an email if the province has a four-foot leveller and track setter that can be pulled by one of the park’s snowmobiles that’s great news for the classic style ski trails.
The committee hopes the equipment can be used as a permanent backup and in early season or low snow conditions which aren’t suitable for the larger machine groomer that’s being fixed.
For now, the trails at Birds Hill remain skier groomed only but with more snow falling many are hoping they’ll be machine groomed sooner rather than later.
Crews were observed packing the trails Thursday, an encouraging sign for people who have been eager to get striding and gliding as early as possible.
“If we had a little bit more snow and then they can just put down those tracks, otherwise your ankles are always wobbling,” said Lovenjak. “But anyway we’re still outside and getting some exercise so we shouldn’t really complain.”
There’s no word on exactly when the ski trails at Birds Hill will be groomed or if Thursday’s snowfall was sufficient enough to allow crews to start doing so.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Air traveller complaints to Canadian Transportation Agency hit new high
The Canadian Transportation Agency has hit a record high of more than 71,000 complaints in a backlog. The quasi-judicial regulator and tribunal tasked with settling disputes between customers and the airlines says the backlog is growing because the number of incoming complaints keeps increasing.
LIVE @ 1:15 PT B.C. premier to give announcement related to public drug use
B.C.'s premier is scheduled to give an update Friday about public drug use in the province.
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
Flight attendant indicted in attempt to record teen girl in airplane bathroom
An American Airlines flight attendant was indicted Thursday after authorities said he tried to secretly record video of a 14-year-old girl using an airplane bathroom last September.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.