The RM of Ritchot is ready to announce the opening of two new cross-country ski trails. While the cold weather and low snowfall has made it difficult to groom ski trails, the municipality has managed to gather enough snow for a couple of short loops in Île-des-Chênes and Ste. Agathe. The municipality will groom the trails each Friday, unless otherwise posted on their website.
Cross-country skiing is ranked as one of the best forms of cardiovascular activity. The low-impact sport involves all major muscle groups, making it accessible to all ages. Not only will you become more fit by skiing, but you’ll also reap the benefits of being outside during what feels like an endless winter. Manitoba is full of beautiful ski trails to explore!
There are two main types of cross country-skiing: classic and skate skiing. In classic cross-country skiing, you propel yourself using skis and poles on opposite strides. Classic cross-country skiing is a great introduction to the sport, as the alternating movement mimics walking. Skate-skiing employs a skating motion, with you propelling yourself with both poles at every stride. Each type of skiing requires different equipment and a different type of trail grooming. Ritchot’s trails are being groomed to be classic ski trails.
Cross-country skiing equipment is available in sizes for kids as young as three years old, and once you’ve stopped growing your equipment can last for decades. Many ski shops offer trade-in options for youth sizes, providing discounts for returned gently used equipment. You can also rent equipment at almost every ski shop in Winnipeg.
If you’re interested in purchasing cross-country ski equipment but don’t want to invest a huge amount on gear, the Windsor Park Nordic Centre hosts a gear swap every year in November where you can purchase older models and used equipment. I personally bought my skis, boots, and poles at this sale seven years ago and feel that it’s one of the best recreation equipment investments I’ve ever made.
If you’re interested in learning more about cross-country skiing, and even giving it a try, Ritchot Recreation, in partnership with Sport Manitoba and the Ste. Agathe CDI (Community Development Inc.), will host a free cross-country ski clinic at Cartier Park, Ste. Agathe on March 10 from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 noon. Equipment will be provided for those who register by March 5.
