President's Message - April, 2025

The end of another season for Kelowna Nordic

On March 30, 2025, we wrapped up another season at Kelowna Nordic. Our trails and cabins are now officially closed, and the groomer is tucked away for the summer.

Looking back, it was a banner season. While our startup was a little later, and our closure a little earlier, our trails were fantastic, all events were well attended, and the smiles were plentiful as skiers and snowshoers came out in solid numbers to enjoy our winter wonderland. I sincerely hope that your Kelowna Nordic experiences met your expectations.

Time is of the essence to replace groomer

Since my last message, I'm pleased to report that we've had a good response from members donating towards our new groomer campaign.

The quotes we have for new grooming machines are valid until May 31, 2025. Ideally, we want to commit to a machine before then as the uncertainty created by tariff threats make a significant price increase very likely.

Our club cannot function without a groomer - and our current machine is old and unreliable. I liken our situation to an urban delivery business: Our vehicle must travel 75 km every night. Not only do the parts wear out, but our equipment suffers from metal fatigue. If we want to stay in business, we cannot depend on a vehicle that is over a quarter century old. If you're able, please donate what you can to help in our final push to purchase a new groomer. 

Board members and volunteers keep KNSSC going

Our season may be over, but the work of the KNSSC board and other volunteers does not stop.

Board members will meet monthly to finalize operations for the past year and plan for next season to make Kelowna Nordic an affordable, fun-filled winter recreational facility for all. Volunteers will be hard at work to service equipment, clean and maintain cabins and outhouses, split and stack firewood, and clear and flag snowshoe trails.

The only people paid by Kelowna Nordic are those who groom our ski trails. Everything else is done by our amazing volunteers. To show our appreciation, we are holding a Volunteer Appreciation event on April 15, 2025. 

By spreading the work load, the operations of Kelowna Nordic are manageable and sustainable. Over the coming months, our Director for Volunteers, Tricia will be announcing volunteer opportunities. If you are not already, please consider giving us a helping hand to ensure the smooth operation of Kelowna Nordic.

A personal thank you

Finally, I want to personally thank you, our members, for your support and loyalty. And for bringing your friends, family and dogs out to discover and explore our beautiful trails.

I feel strongly that our 2024-25 season was a success. I hope you agree. Please continue to support Kelowna Nordic by spreading the word and becoming a member. I look forward to seeing you on the trails again next year!

Marshall Moleschi

KNSSC President

president@kelownanordic.com

Mar 19th President's Message

Successful Year:

This has been a wonderful skiing and snowshoeing season at Kelowna Nordic.  It’s fantastic to see so many smiling faces on the trails.  Events have been well attended and appreciated.  People have come up to volunteers and directors with very positive messages of support. Day users have realized the importance of financially supporting our club to keep this valued community resource vibrant and viable.  Though the year-end financials are not complete, and our repair bills on our groomers are record highs, it looks like Kelowna Nordic is heading for a small surplus this year. 

Groomer Fundraising Campaign:

 We are so close to being able to purchase a new grooming machine that will ensure the viability of Kelowna Nordic for years to come.  We have determined that a machine that will meet our needs can be purchased for $590,000.  With our donations to date, and by taking our club’s contingency reserve to its absolute minimum, we need just $100,000 in donations to be able to purchase a new groomer. While $100,000 is a lot of money, your board is optimistic that with your support we can reach that goal by June 1.   A tax-deductible donation averaging just $150 by each of our members would get us to our goal and ensure that Kelowna Nordic continues to be the best winter community resource and people experience in the Okanagan. Please consider donating what you can.     

End of Season:    Skiing and snowshoeing conditions have been exceptional over the past week.  Like most clubs in B.C. we had a late start to the season.  Then conditions were great throughout the rest of the year.  However, now with the warmer temperatures, clubs across BC are announcing their closure dates.  Sovereign and SilverStar have announced closures after April 6. Telemark has announced that March 23 will be their last day open.  Kelowna Nordic intends to have the last day open as Sunday, March 30.  We will groom ski trails, weather permitting, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday until March 30.  However, very warm weather is forecast for next week, and it is looking unlikely we will be able to groom mid-week. 

We have had wonderful winter experiences.  I look forward to seeing you again on the trails next season.  Wishing each of you the very best.

Marshall Moleschi

KNSSC President

president@kelownanordic.com

Feb 23rd FUNdraiser was a Success

Kelowna Nordic held the first Grooming Machine FUNdraiser on Sunday, Feb 23rd, 2025.

We had over 60 participants in the ski and snowshoe tours and in the fabulous prize draw.

Gavin Dew, MLA from Kelowna-Mission was on hand to give us support and to help us steer through the government grant application process.

We now have raised over $117,000 towards the grooming machine replacement. The $ 117,000 includes ticket sales, 50/50 draw, corporate donations and over 160 donations from private individuals!

We would like to thank the following corporate donors for their support:

• Doak Shirreff Lawyers LLP

• Pushor Mitchell LLP

• Callahan Property Group 

• The Stober Foundation 

Lets also thank our great prize sponsors !

• Kelowna Cycle

• MEC

• Stussi Sport

• Loyli Floating Sauna

• Ramada Inn

• Fresh Air

• Nordiq Canada

We also want to acknowledge the support from Bonanza Meats for providing the Smokies for the Barbeque. Bonanza Meats has been a great supporter of Kelowna Nordic for the last five years. Please drop in and say thank-you from all of us.

We also want to thank Phil Kotz from the Fish and Game club for the Archery Demo and Wendy from Sovereign for the laser rifle biathlon demo.

And finally a great thanks to all the volunteers that helped to make this a very successful, and tasty event!