INUVIK
The cross-country skiing season is in full swing as the hours of daylight become longer and temperatures climb slightly higher.

Inuvik Ski Club member Dave Halpine shows his Nordic skiing form in March 2013. The Inuvik Ski Club has fixed damaged trail grooming equipment following a break-in and is gearing up for events to go in full swing as spring approaches. - photo courtesy of Dave Halpine

"We're going to start re-grooming everything, and probably within the next week we'll have the trails all groomed back up," said Inuvik Ski Club president Andrew Haas.

After vandals broke in Nov. 20, damaging both of the club's grooming machines, Haas said the club is are moving forward and not dwelling on the damage done.

"Everything has recovered," said Haas. "We've had them fully repaired through membership fees and fundraising."

Although the grooming machines were out of commission while being repaired over the Christmas break, Haas said the trails were still used.

"Luckily, we didn't get a tonne of snow, so it was just fine," said Haas. "Some people went out none the less and had a ski. It just wasn't as crisp and groomed as usual."

Over the next few months, Haas said the club's regular programming will be starting up, including Jack Rabbits for young children, and a Valentine's Day ski event. As well, the club's main ski race, The Top of the World Ski Race, will again be held in April.

The club regularly grooms its more than 10 kilometres of ski trails around Inuvik, with the red, green and yellow loops lit up for skiing at night.

A new feature for the club this year is offering online registration, which Haas said greatly minimizes administrative tasks. Overall, he said the club has several projects in the works.

"We're in the process of developing new trail maps, we've GPS mapped all of the trails," he said. "We're hoping to get engaged with the Sunrise Festival next year and run a ski loop down on Boot Lake perhaps."

Membership for the club has remained steady between 50 and 75 members for the past few years, and Haas hopes to see interest grow.

"We're looking to increase our membership," said Haas. "We're also looking at new equipment. We're trying to source new equipment, probably for the next season."

While the November break-in was a slight setback, Haas said the club is determined to finish up the repairs and maintain a positive outlook for the season, which is actually just beginning.

"The season really gets started in the spring," Haas said. "Once temperatures are little more welcoming and the sun comes back up."