Highlights from the AGM - October 22, 2025

The Kelowna Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Club AGM was held on October 22 at the Kelowna Golf and Country Club. We were pleased to see many members join us and as a result of their attendance, we had the required quorum to proceed with the meeting.

A main topic of discussion was the status of the grooming machine. Donations are still coming in and we're getting closer every day. The goal is to purchase the new Prinoth Bison by the end of January. This snow season, we will be renting a grooming machine with an option to purchase because it costs less than the amount spent on repairs to our aging groomers last season.

Last year, our fundraising efforts were amped up with the introduction of the Snowflake Recognition Campaign and it's been a great success. Snowflake plaques are in production and will soon be hung inside the Main Cabin. We were also thrilled to hear from long-time members and KNSSC supporters, Dave and Mary Horner, with a challenge to our membership base. For the month of November, Dave and his family will match every donation up to $5,000! That means your contribution will go twice as far! Thank you for this inspiring challenge, Dave and Mary, and your generous support of our club. Read more about the donation challenge here.

Your board has been working tirelessly on media and community outreach through newspaper, CBC radio and Global TV interviews, local press coverage, social media engagement and a newsletter. We also issued press releases, ran ads in Castanet, placed posters at Big White, and other nordic centres, and received newspaper coverage in JP Squires column.

Hundreds of hours of work have been completed on the Diamond Dave's, Moose Tracks and Old Cedar trails. Larger trees have been removed and the sides of the trails have been cleared to improve visibility. Over 85 km of snowshoe trails have been cleared and fresh trail markers put up. All cabins have been cleaned - inside and out, painted, and stocked with firewood. This work occurred during four scheduled work parties, with around forty volunteers showing up to lend a hand each time! Last season was a significant year for volunteer engagement, from biffie patrol to maintaining cabins to helping during events to sitting on the board, and beyond. Thank you volunteers!

Early bird passes are available until the end of October, and sales have been comparable to last year. The price of a membership pass increases November 1, 2025. Benefits of membership include a free ski lesson, free access to Kelowna Nordic events, 25% off the daily pass at seven nordic clubs, and discounts at some of our sponsors. The club has decided to offer laminated passes again this year. There will be three pick-up days at MEC, with dates to be determined.

Last year, volunteers were checking day passes to ensure that all skiers and snowshoers who were not members had purchased a pass. This move added $70,000 to the club's bank account, and it will continue this year.

Members can look forward to their favourite Kelowna Nordic events again this season: Moonlight Ski & Snowshoe, Family Day Event, Fundraiser BBQ, Cabins and Cookies Tour. A Meet and Greet at the Main Cabin in January is also planned.

Kelowna Nordic has 16 qualified instructors at the ready for the Club's impressive training roster this season, which will include an Adult Ski Program (Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced), a 2-day Advanced Clinic in February, a Children's Program for 5 - 8 year olds, Private Lessons and in January, a new S'Kool Program. Watch for further details on the website and in future newsletters.

Some of you may be aware that long-time Kelowna Nordic member, Doreen Wierenga, passed away on August 18. Doreen's family asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the club's Groomer Fundraising Campaign. Special recognition was given to Lou Wierenga who shared a few stories of his time spent at Kelowna Nordic including how That Damn Trail got its name. (You will have to ask him.) Lou presented the club with two donation cheques in Doreen's memory.

Three board members - John Davina, Rob Hooton, and Tricia Anderson - will be leaving us as their terms are up. Thank you for your commitment and your service to the board! We would like to extend a warm welcome to new board members - Graham McMynn, Dave Conquist, and Mike Darud.