File photo credit: Sovereign Lake Nordic Club
Western Canada Cup

Nordic races set for Sovereign despite low snow

Nov 30, 2023 | 6:00 AM

The Sovereign Lake Nordic Club is known for its excellent early-season conditions, but this year, there is a lack of snow which just happens to be when a major event is moving in.

The club, east of Vernon, is hosting cross country skiers from across North America for the Western Canada Cup races this weekend and has had to make some changes due to the sparse conditions.

The event’s organizing committee in collaboration with Nordiq Canada and the club’s management team, has been working to ensure they can provide safe racing opportunities for the visiting athletes on Dec. 2 and 3.

“With minimal snowfall anticipated, we find it necessary to adjust the original event plans,” an update from the club to its members stated. “However, we remain committed to hosting two days of racing. Our competition trails and stadium have a 2-6 [inch] packed ski base, but it’s crucial to note that the trail conditions are currently delicate.”

The trail limitations include closing the stadium to members and the public for skiing on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Parking will be extremely limited between 7:30 a.m.and 1:30 p.m.

On Sunday, Dec. 3, there will be a full trail closure, encompassing all groomed trails.

The club is praising its grooming team for their “exceptional efforts in providing optimal training conditions.”

The facility says they are trying to guarantee fair, consistent and safe trail conditions for every athlete, and they also intend to preserve snow for both athletes and the general public before and after the event.

Snow is in the forecast for Friday and Saturday.

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