On January 11, Ritchot Recreation and the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) partnered up to host a cross-country skiing event at the Baudry Trail in Ste. Agathe.
Approximately 20 members of the CPAWS Nature Club participated in the ski-up, which included free ski rentals. CPAWS staff and volunteers led two separate groups and helped the participants along the trail.
Katie Borgfjord, Digital Marketing Coordinator of the Manitoba chapter of CPAWS, says that this was their first time at Baudry Trail and the group was impressed by the experience.
“The 1.26-kilometre loop trail offers an easy and enjoyable experience, making it ideal for all skill levels,” says Borgfjord. “If you’re up to explore more, there are 1.8 kilometres total of trails, and all of it is groomed to cross-country ski!”
Claire Woodbury, campaign manager for CPAWS Conservation, also calls the day a big success.
“The weather was perfect for cross-country skiing,” Woodbury says. “It was a little chilly before we got going, but once we were on the trails, nestled between the trees out of the wind and working up a sweat, it was perfect! The trails were wonderfully groomed and we had a good time remembering how to ski and chatting as a group.”
CPAWS is Canada’s only charity dedicated to the protection of public land, freshwater, and ocean. For 60 years, they have been working towards their goal to permanently protect at least half of Canada’s lands and waters for future generations of people and wildlife.
CPAWS Manitoba’s Nature Club launched in December 2020, but more than 19,000 people have already registered for their group hikes, paddle nights, and various classes and webinars.
The Baudry Trail event was hosted in partnership with Ritchot Recreation.
“We always love partnering with CPAWS Manitoba, and this event was no exception,” says Danielle Peters, community engagement coordinator for Ritchot Recreation. “We were thrilled to have the opportunity to bring our skis for people to borrow for free, which aligns perfectly with our motto at Ritchot Recreation: low cost or no cost. Baudry Trail is one of the most beautiful trails in Manitoba, in our opinion, and it was so exciting to host this event and welcome people to our neck of the woods, many of whom had never been here before.”