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INUVIK
About a dozen women came out to the Inuvik Ski Club on Saturday afternoon for a chance to learn the sport, enjoy the fresh air and spend some quality time with friends.

Lynn MacKinnon, left, learns the basics of cross-country skiing from Annika Trimble at the Inuvik Ski Club's Chix on Stix event on Saturday. - Katherine Hudson/NNSL photo

It was the first time the ski club put on a Chix on Stix event – part of the Get Active NWT program put on by the Recreation and Parks Association and is not the last time the women will have a chance to take to the trails solo, according to Janet Boxwell, club chair.

"It's just an introduction and a fun way to get women and girls out and physically active," she said.

"We have had people request, 'Do you have a ladies' only?' Try this one out to start. Who knows. After this, maybe we could have a ladies' ski event on a regular basis."

Participants ranged from seasoned skiers to those putting the "stix" on for the first time.

Lynn MacKinnon came to Inuvik about three weeks ago and, with temperatures hovering close to 0 C on Saturday, thought it would be the perfect chance to try skiing.

"I want to try new things. This is my first time trying cross country skiing, ever," she said as she clicked into one ski, then the other at the start of the trail.

Annika Trimble stood beside MacKinnon, coaching her on how to hold the poles and how to use her legs to push the skis onto the trail.

"I've been here for awhile and I've cross-country skied for a few years. It's a beautiful day. It's a great event to bring friends out to learn and try the equipment and try the sport," Trimble said.

Ski club volunteer Jean Boyle helped prepare the equipment for the skiers and also headed an introductory clinic for new participants.

"I'm helping out today because I love skiing. I think it's a great way to get outside and enjoy the amazing weather we're having and a great way to get active," said Boyle. "It's a great opportunity for people to get out, people who haven't skied before."

Skiers across the NWT were most likely out between Feb. 6 and 12, recording their activity for NWT Ski Days. Ski North is conducting its annual ski census to establish data on the state of skiing in the NWT.

Boxwell said the underlying goal of the club is to attempt to get as many people as possible out on the trails, and offering new events focused on different groups can give the public a reason to come out and enjoy what the club has to offer.

Boxwell said there will be a future Chix on Stix event, as well as another family day and youth event.

Regular programs offered at the club include family day on Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m. and adult social ski on Mondays at 7:30 p.m.

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