Sandpoint Nordic Club raising funds for grooming equipment
—Courtesy photo Piper Frank was one of the many nordic skiers who enjoyed the groomed track at the University of Idaho property on Boyer last winter.
Club seeking donations to keep trails open for public use
SANDPOINT — Even though the summer thermometer reads in the 90s, winter recreation is on the mind of the Sandpoint Nordic Club, which is calling on the community of Sandpoint to help raise money to purchase grooming equipment so that grooming cross country ski trails in town can continue this winter.
For the past few years, the club has utilized borrowed equipment to groom classic and skate ski trails at the University of Idaho Extension, on North Boyer road. Grooming beginner level ski trails close to town has been very popular with local residents, and it’s not unusual to see 20 cars in the parking lot at the U of I Extension after work.
Parents of kids in the Youth Ski League, which pulls together 35-40 kids twice a week, really enjoy the easy access to the trails for after school workouts.
“Grooming in town has changed the face of cross country skiing in our community,” said Rick Price, club board member.
But there is no longer access to grooming equipment, which could put an end to the fun.
“The equipment we’ve used in the past is no longer available to us to use so we made the decision to purchase club-owned equipment,” said Nate Kanning, club president and board member. “Having club-owned grooming equipment will guarantee groomed beginner ski trails in our community for the future.”
The kids program uses the U of I property as much as possible, and the club grooms a big field in the middle so kids can spread out and run drills. There are even Ultimate frisbee games on skis.
Generous donations from local residents, the Nordic club board, Bonner General and the Wishnick Foundation have already raised close to half of the fundraising goal. The club’s board of directors is urging Sandpoint residents to help them reach their goal.
“Every dollar donated gets us closer to our goal,” said club board member Vicki Longhini. “If you enjoy skiing on groomed cross country ski trails in town, please help us reach our goal and keep the grooming going for next season and the future.”
The Sandpoint Nordic Club has set up a donation site at www.gofundme.com/sandpointnordic.
Information on the club can be found at www.sandpointnordic.com.