Cross country skiing is a popular sport in the Ottawa area where residents embrace their honest winters by engaging in many outdoor pursuits. On weekends, cars with Thule boxes heading to the Gatineau Park, Nakkertok, or some of the smaller city track set loops are a common sight.
Nakkertok Ski Club alone has fostered much interest in the sport of cross country skiing in recent years. Its Learn to Ski program has grown to 100s of participants, many of whom continue on into the racing component of the club. Local races encourage everyone, from the very young to the older skiers to challenge themselves. From the National Capital’s oldest race for junior skiers, the “Cookie Race,” to the Gatineau Loppet, part of the World Loppet series that entices international racers to visit our community.
At the club level, we have an incredible network of volunteers who make the ski club work. Volunteers clear the trails in the fall, assist with coaching, put together long term plans for the club, construct buildings, host events and races, making it possible for everyone to enjoy Nakkertok not only as a place to ski, but as a place to socialize and a place to grow.
The Racing Program, especially at the L2C and NJDT levels, requires many hours of volunteer time. In addition to regular duties, parents of racers organize the team to attend Ontario and Quebec Cups, as well as Nationals, plus assist the coaches in waxing large numbers of skis.
As a racer, your training and school keep you busy, but helping out around the club when you can helps distribute the workload. Be a responsible and proud member of the community and together we will be strong.