We are hardy Northerners, and those of us who are cross-country skiers don’t let the cold interfere too much with our favourite winter activity.
Porcupine Ski Runners board member Mike Kornell says the trails are in “pristine, champagne condition” leading up to next week’s Canadian Masters championship at the club, just outside Schumacher.
He says trails are quite sheltered from the wind, so wind chill hasn’t been a major factor, although some club members have altered their routines.
“Certainly, we’ve seen an uptick in actual snowshoe activity, which is more bundled up and more in the bush as well,” comments Kornell. “ So some people have shifted from their regular skiing more into snowshoeing. But we do have a very hardy crew of skiers out there who are skiing, no matter what the conditions.”
Kornell says it’s a matter of the right clothing, the right layering, and keeping moving when you’re on the trails.
“Skiers that are out during the cold weather tend to be people that know what they’re doing, so there’s not an issue in terms of suffering or frostbite.”