Dogs! Dogs! Dogs

I love dogs. You love dogs too but this is a reminder that dogs are only allowed on some of our trails.

There have been a number of unfortunate incidents of dogs interfering with skiers on trails that dogs are not allowed on.

Dog friendly ski trails include:

• K9

• Riverside (part from Jackrabbit to Backcountry only)

• Backcountry

• Axel’s Alley (upper or South part only)

• Thunder Mountain

• Ol 33 (one way going down only)

• Mochis

• Diamond Daves

• and the connector between Kallis and Summit.

Note some trails are one way only for dogs.

We have the most KMs of dog allowed trails in the Okanagan and we want to keep it that way so please obey the signs and if you see someone with dogs on banned trails then gently remind them that dogs are not allowed on this trail.

A detailed description of our dogs on trails policy may be found on our Canine page.

It is the responsibility of the dog owner to control your dog and pick-up any “donations” on the trail or at least move them off to the side please.

Dog owners are responsible for their dog's behaviour so please be considerate to your fellow skiers and snowshoers.

Not getting the Newsletter ?

Our newsletter goes out twice a month - at the end of month and at mid-month. Imagine how terrible I felt when I found out that not everyone is receiving the newsletter.

The January 15th newsletter will be going out tonight so lets make sure that you will receive it.

(In the unlikely event that you don't want a newsletter then you can unsubscribe using the unsubscribe link at the bottom of the newsletter.)

You might not be receiving our newsletter for the following reasons:

1. The newsletter is going to your spam folder. This is the number one reason that people - including board members aren't getting the newsletter. Try adding communications@kelownanordic.com to your contact list.

2. You unsubscribed to the newsletter. If you want to receive the newsletter than send a message to communcations@kelownanordic.com and ask to be subscribed.

3. Newsletter is going to another email. We are using either the email you signed up with Zone4 when you registered for an annual membership or the email you signed up with directly on the website. This may not be the email you typically use. Contact me at the email above and I can change the email you use for subscriptions.

As always you can contact me if you have any questions at communcations@kelownanordic.com.

Grooming Update

To all members and users, thank you for your patience, comments and suggestions over the last few weeks regarding grooming.

We apologize for the lack of clarity to date and are very motivated to improve communications with our membership.

We encourage and welcome your comments so we can work together to create a great ski experience.

There will be an online survey to members within the next month. Please participate in this opportunity to share your comments and ideas with the board.

In addition to the scarcity of snow and late start to the season, we have been training new grooming operators and dealing with old equipment.

Our 1997 and 2007 Pisten Bully machines are past their serviceable life and maintenance costs and reliability are ongoing issues which are unsustainable.

Our goal is to acquire a new machine within the next two years. The board of directors is working to launch a fundraising campaign for a newer machine.

We are very fortunate to have Phil Klotz generously donating his time and expertise to head up the grooming crew. He has nine years of experience as a snowcat operator 

and was on the Telemark Nordic board as director of grooming, trail improvement and trail maintenance.

Phil is working with us to improve the safety of the trail system and increase grooming efficiency. 

As a result we have a WEEKDAYS grooming schedule ( similar to last year)  outlined and posted on the website so skiers can plan their routes.

There are 44 km of trails groomed on weekdays and 66 km of trails groomed on weekends.

A few trails have been removed from the grooming schedule this year to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

These include Sawmill Connector, Lower Roller Coaster, The Cut, Moose Track, Spruce Glen and Hawk Hill.

These decisions were carefully considered based on popularity, useage, required pre-season maintenance, amount of snow, safety and to avoid backtracking when grooming.

NOTE:  ALL CURRENT TRAILS WILL BE GROOMED ON WEEKENDS.  The weekend grooming map is also posted on the website.

We finally have enough snow to provide the high quality grooming that we are used to and proud of.

Enjoy the winter beauty and we'll see you on the trails !

Sincerely,

John Davina and 

Kelowna Nordic Board of Directors