nordicNEWS THE NEWSLETTER FOR CROSS COUNTRY SKIERS IN NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO
December 2011
• Snowmaking 101: Kamview Style • High School Nordics • Incoming! Ski in Schools
• You’re Invited to a GIANT Ski Reunion • Bring the Thunder Cover Photo: Martin Kaiser
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Snowmaking 101: Kamview Style
By Peter Crooks, TBNT Manager bility to make a lot more snow at the stadium (our pump produces 300-400 psi of water), but the costs are Kamview Nordic Centre is fortunate to be among the also higher to run this system. Both scenarios also have few Nordic centres on the continent to have snow- a manpower cost, but I have designed them to require wax your skinny skiis making capabilities. Most of the others are “super very minimal staff other than myself and one helper. centres” such as Canmore Nordic Centre with bud- gets in the millions of dollars. Our main system was Snowmaking is a very weather dependent activity. A built from parts and pieces scavenged from the old common misconception is that you can make snow Domtar mill in Red Rock. It is located near the stadi- whenever the outside temperature is below zero. um and allows us to make snow directly onto approxi- Believe it or not you cannot always make snow when it break trail to Caribou mately 1 km of trail. In a low snow year, we would be is below zero but, you can possibly make it at or above able to transport and push the snow to extend the dis- zero. This is because snowmaking is regulated by the tance of the manmade trail. The lack of rain over the wet bulb temperature! This is the ambient temperature past few months has left the reservoir almost empty, with the humidity factored in. The higher the wet bulb contemporary north american cuisine with only a couple of days of snow production possi- temperature, the wetter the snow will be and as the ble. Last year, we made a lot of snow at the stadium to wet bulb drops the drier the product. Manmade snow award winning - smart casual dining ensure a good base for the Special Olympics. This sea- is not artificial but “real snow” made by spraying atom- son, I will preserve the reserved water for later snow- ized water particles into the cold, dry atmosphere, making efforts if we have a low snowfall year. which freeze into snow particles before they hit the ground. The only difference is that manmade falls as We also have the capability to make snow at the round pellets while natural snow usually occurs in the chalet using city water, but this setup does not pro- form of flakes. The manmade snow lasts longer than duce quite as good a snow product due to the higher natural, because it is more tightly bunched together. temperature of the water. This year, I will attempt to make snow up at the chalet first; so you can enjoy an Most of the trails at Kamview are the smoothest they early season loop right out the door that even have ever been and will require very little snow to includes a few climbs! As soon as the day/night tem- make them skiable. All the trails have been maintained peratures are below -10° C we will start making to their original width or wider, so rest assured we will snow. Snowmaking involves several costs, so we have classic and skate tracks as early as possible; with want to ensure we don’t lose any to a warm spell or the option of designating some trails classic only until rainfall to follow. Both systems incur the following we get enough snow. Dudleys and the Tamarack which inputs: usually require more coverage are in incredible shape • Diesel fuel for compressor and will be open early as everything else. Believe it or 727 hewitson street 807.628.8588 • Gasoline/Diesel fuel to run the pump not, most early season phone calls are enquiring about the readiness of these two popular trails! The chalet system also requires city water, of which www.caribourestaurant.com costs have doubled in the past year. We have the capa- See you on the trails – from the cab of the Pisten Bully! page 04 nordicNEWS Incoming! Ski in Schools By Lis Salmon, TBNT Ski in the Schools Facilitator
It’s midweek at Kamview. The chalet is relatively quiet. Boots have been set up on the table; skis and poles are stacked out by the rental shack. Day passes have been counted and dated. We wait, and then... “Incoming!” the school bus pulls into the parking lot and upwards of 30 eager students, pile into the chalet with smiling faces, ready to step up to the challenge of learning to cross country ski.
Kamview is once again looking forward to welcoming elementary school students to our “Ski in the Schools” pro- gram. This season we have 14 schools booked, between the New Year and March Break – wow! Group size varies from eight to 30 plus students. Typically, the students come out for four consecutive weeks and by the end of that time the majority of them have developed good technique and are capable of tackling most of our trails. When you pass the students on the trails, please be patient and give them a word of encouragement as they build confidence on the down-hills, master herringbone on the up-hills and struggle to pick themselves up after a fall! We are instill- ing a love of cross-country skiing in the next generation and creating future TBNT members.
A note to our members: you will be happy to know that, this season we have decided to make a directional change on the Roadway Ramble. All skiers will now head down the Roadway Ramble (towards the Sundial) on the left hand-side – this has always been the easier side for beginner skiers using classic technique, especially the stu- dents. It will also be consistent with the classic tracks that are to the left side of the rest of our trails. Lis Salmon and a group of students head out on the trails at Kavmiew Nordic Centre.
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design that works. sndesignworks.com page nordicNEWS 05 HighHighHigh SchoolSchoolSchool NordicsNordicsNordics By Keith Ailey from Lappe Nordic and Big Thunder who, as ambas- sadors for the sport, act as mentors and teachers. With For people living in Northwestern Ontario, participat- no cuts necessary in this participation-based sport, we ing in outdoor activities is what makes our winters so have been able to welcome everyone to come out for enjoyable. Thunder Bay adventure-seekers are very for- some fun, fresh air, and healthy competition. tunate that they can choose between Alpine skiing, snowboarding, skating, ice-climbing, and a vast array Last season, the addition of a short-track course in the of other winter sports. However, for those who have La Verendryre school yard proved to be a huge hit with tried Nordic Skiing, nothing can beat it. Exposure to young skiers who enjoyed the relay race at this new the excitement of our sport was the reason that, after venue. Now, in 2011/2012, Thunder Bay schools will nearly a decade of dormancy, cross-country skiing in benefit from some new equipment, purchased through our local high schools was brought back to life in 2009 a Government grant, which will surely open the door by a group headed by Marilyn Ailey, Liz Inkila, and for even more people to try Nordic Skiing. Dave Pineau. Now, entering our fourth year of action, the Superior Secondary Schools Athletics Association High school is all about exploring new opportunities (SSSAA) is set to continue growing and improving. and laying the foundations for a lifetime of success. Luckily, in the Northwest, our children will have the Due to the dedication of volunteer coaches at most of opportunity to experience Nordic Skiing as part of our local high schools, participation by new skiers and their journey. former Jackrabbits who have been off their skis for years has grown substantially. While the SSSAA sea- Keith Ailey is an art teacher at Thunder Bay’s Superior son now focuses on these budding athletes, a big part Collegiate, where he coaches XC running, cycling, bad- of their success can be attributed to the club skiers minton, and Nordic Skiing.
Physical Education teacher-coach Marilyn Ailey leads her Superior Collegiate students through Kamview’s Northern Lights trail.
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With year round, comprehensive programs podium at the Canadian Championships. tailored to athletes looking to win medals at the Canadian Championships, to seasonal Masters pro- The club continues to focus on growing its numbers by grams focusing on fitness and aiming to provide techni- getting both younger and older. Kates says that one cal feedback, to kids programs that teach skill develop- great point to be really excited about can be found in the ment and introduce racing in a fun and supportive increased programming offered to kids. “Our program atmosphere, the club offers a full spectrum of programs for 9-12 year olds is amazing and gives our skiers such geared towards those excited about skiing and training. a head start on other kids their age in the province. Chris Serratore (coach and club president) is so dedicat- Thus far, it has been a busy pre-season for the club, ed and motivating and as a result we have developed beginning with the annual Lake Superior Ski Division one of the best youth ski programs in the country.” Training Camp in early July, which the club has run for the past 6 years. This year’s camp was the biggest and The Club’s Masters program has access to 3 of the top most successful to date and featured former Canadian coaches in the city if not the province and is also offer- Olympian Stefan Kuhn. The team also hosted a mid- ing a new adult program aimed at helping people ski summer camp for local athletes and finished off a strong their best in the Sleeping Giant Loppet. “Steps and summer of training by traveling to a regional camp in Strides” to the Sleeping Giant Loppet is an 8 week clinic Orillia to train with other top athletes from around the designed specifically for the less experienced or begin- province. The fall has seen its share of hard training ning adult skier who wants to improve their fitness and with most of the team participating in high school cross technique with a goal of skiing one of the Loppet events. country running as well as the Fresh Air Experience – More information about the clinic can be found on the Kamview Trail Runs. Having recently returned from website at www.btnordic.ca or by contacting coordina- their annual fall camp in Lutsen, Minnesota, the team is tors Nancy White [email protected] or Jack Haggarty anxious to put all of their hard work to the test in just [email protected] “We have athletes ranging from 9-60+ over a month when 14 athletes attend the season open- who are all out with a common purpose: the love of ski- ing NorAm event in SilverStar British Columbia. ing. It is really motivating to be a part of.” In his fourth year as head coach, Adam Kates is excited Big Thunder would also like to acknowledge the about the year to come. “We definitely have one of the Province of Ontario for recent funding support for a best clubs in the country and that includes the athletes Nordic Ski Outreach Program. This multi-faceted project but goes much farther and extends to the support from involves a partnership with the Superior Secondary the parents and volunteers at our club and to the School Athletic Association (SSSAA) and all local high Thunder Bay ski community as a whole. Without a schools to increase participation in the high school ski- doubt it is the best community in Canada in which to be ing program. The bulk of the funds have been used to a skier.” purchase ski equipment which will be made available to high school students who may not otherwise be able to Last year, Big Thunder qualified 8 of its club members participate, as well as to provide grooming of an in-town to the Ontario Ski Team and captured 2 medals at the track at Ecole La Verendrye, run workshops, and facili- Canadian Championship, both from Angus Foster who tate coach training. highlighted the week with a dominant gold medal per- Photo By Martin Kaiser formance in the Juvenile Boys Sprint Race. The club also Now let the snow fall. Fergus Foster competing at the 2011 Cross Country National Championships in Canmore, AB.
Personal Injury Real Estate Family, Labour Corporate and Commercial Litigation Genivar Engineering is proud to support Wills and Estates the 2012 Sleeping Giant Loppet ! 1136 Alloy Drive, Thunder Bay, ON Tel: (807) 625-6700 Fax: (807) 623-4491 Telephone 346-3000 740 Syndicate Ave. S., Thunder Bay, ON BARRISTERS, SOLICITORS, TRADEMARK AGENTS www.carrel.com page nordicNEWS 07 Training to Ski the “50” With the prospect of winning a one-year lease of a Nissan Rogue, there has never been a better year to enter the Sleeping Giant Loppet. However, with the ski season beginning in December it can be daunting to prepare to tour or race 35km or 50km in eight weeks’ time. Participants will find the Kamview Tour on February 4th (choose from 5, 15 or 30km distances) the perfect warm-up. It’s one month out from the Loppet and provides some racing experience and a chance to get the butterflies out. There are other races in the region like the Mora Vasaloppet, www.vasaloppet.org, which offer the opportunity for more mid- season racing and provide good intermediary goals for your long-term training plan. Many members of TBNT are also long-distance runners and the training principles are the same. Mark the week of February 27th as race week (this is for your taper) and count backwards to determine the length of your training plan. You should aim to do your longest ski two weeks prior to the taper week. The book “SERIOUS Training for Endurance Athletes” offers in-depth information on creating training plans. A quick Google search of Masters skiing will yield a wealth of information, check out some of the technique videos on You Tube; or you could register for Big Thunder’s Steps and Strides to the Sleeping Giant Loppet (btnordic.ca). Aim to include one distance and intensity day in your week and you will be well on your way to successfully completing your first 50km Loppet!
Blend butter, peanut butter and sugars In-Training Cookies: until smooth. Beat in eggs, milk and vanilla. Sift flour, baking soda and salt; Perfect before or after a long ski! then add to batter. Mix well and add • 1/2 cup butter • 7/8 cup Brule Creek Red Fife flour chocolate chips, oatmeal, and cranber- • 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter or almond butter • 1 cup Brule Creek partially sifted flour ries. Drop by tablespoonful’s on • 1 cup white sugar • 1 tsp. baking soda ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 350° • 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar • 1/4 tsp. salt for 15 minutes. • 2 local eggs • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips Makes about 40 large cookies. • 1/2 cup milk • 2 -1/2 cups quick cooking oats • 1 tsp. vanilla • 1/2 cup Ontario cranberries or raisins (Recipe adapted from an out of print cookbook “Fit to Eat”) page 08 nordicNEWS Vote Devon Kershaw CBC Athlete of the Year CBC blogger Scott Russell has compiled a list of a dozen deserving candidates for CBC’s athlete of the year and Northern Ontario native Devon Kershaw needs your vote. Go to http://www.cbc.ca/sports/blogs/scottrussell/2011/11/a-deserving-dozen-candidates-for-canadas-athlete-of-the-year.html to cast your vote for Devon. Devon Kershaw is originally from Sudbury and began his career with Laurentian Nordic. He now lives and trains out of Canmore, Alberta with the Canadian National Cross-Country team. Devon had a standout year in 2011 and has been billed as one of Canada’s best male cross-country skiers, ever. He began his ascent to greatness in 2006 when he became the first Canadian male to podium in a sprint event when he won a bronze medal in Borlange, Sweden. Not only did this pave the way for the Canadian Men to become regular podium contenders, but he joined the ranks of the great Pierre Harvey who won two World Cups in 1988. The 2010-11 season, saw Devon medal in 4 of the 10 stages of the Tour de Ski, including one gold. He then combined with Alex Harvey in the team sprint to win Canada’s first-ever gold medal at the World Ski Championships in Oslo, Norway. Fans of Canadian cross-coun- try skiing will never forget the image of the two teammates strumming their skis like the rock stars of the Nordic World! Devon has a Thunder Bay con- nection as his mother, Maureen lives and skis here. When you pass her on the trails or bump into her in the chalet be sure to let her know the Thunder Bay Nordic community is behind Devon and wishes him the best for the 2011-12 season. Check out Devon’s website http://devonkershaw.com or follow him on Twitter to keep tabs on his current racing exploits. Fans of the Tour de France will want to tune in to the Tour de Ski this December. This cold-weather counterpart to Le Tour is a multi-stage ski extravagan- za that begins in Oberhof, Germany on Thursday December 29th with the men’s and women’s free-technique prologue. It finishes ten days and eight events later with a 9km free climb in Val di Fiemme Italy. Visit http://www.fiscrosscountry.com/fis-tour-ski/fis-tour-ski-2009-10-ove.html for the entire schedule. You’ll want to make friends with someone who has a good cable package or live stream the action on the internet as you cheer on Devon and Canada’s National team at the 2011-12 Tour de Ski. Kamview Chalet Christmas & New Year’s Hours December 24 (Christmas Eve) 9:00am – noon Moving forward, December 25 (Christmas Day) hand-in-hand. Closed
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By Sabrina Francescut, Jackrabbit Leader and Berit Dool, LSSD Para-Nordic Kamview This year, the Kamview Jackrabbits are planning a number of exciting activities and partnering with other ski organizations such as Big Thunder Nordic Ski Club and Lappe Jackrabbits Jackrabbits: to bring you and your children a very active and dynamic year of skiing. Our primary goal is to encourage your kids to have fun while learning the FUNdamentals of skiing. You will be Learning the amazed how a participant can make great progress in their skills through fun activities. This season, each Jackrabbit will be given a log FUNdamentals sheet to track their accomplishments. Awards are given out at the end of the year to celebrate the number of times your child has skied and the distance they have skied in, and out of, of Nordic Skiing Jackrabbit sessions. 5ROOLQ· 7KXQGHU The Kamview Jackrabbit adaptive program is in its second season. This program for children with physical disabilities had one enthusiastic participant last year. Jackrabbit leader, Denise