Ski-Vent-Clic cross-country ski trails around Vankleek Hill are now open! Initial packing and grooming of the trails were completed December 14. The trail is rough in some places but skiable. Just beware of rocks and roots.
The trail parallel to Duval Road in the southwest quadrant is closed until January 1 due to hunting, so skiers cannot yet complete a full circle around Vankleek Hill.
Trail clearing and maintenance of the Ski-Vent-Clic cross-country ski trails was completed in October/November, with a team of twelve volunteers having contributed more than 170 hours of their time. Trails were cleared of overgrown brush, fallen trees and branches along the 16-kilometre network of ski trails which circumnavigate Vankleek Hill, and in the interest of skier safety, one section in the southeast quadrant has been re-routed to avoid a stand of dead ash trees. Also, this year trail signage has been revised to better comply with Ontario Trails Council best practices.
Season passes are for sale online (https://skivankleekhill.ca/) at the discounted rate of $35 through December 31. As of January 1, the rate increases to $45. Get yours now, they make wonderful Christmas gifts! Children 16 and under ski for free.
Thanks to the volunteers who generously give of their time and energy to assist with trail maintenance and grooming, to the landowners who kindly allow us to traverse their land, and to the ongoing financial support of Champlain Township, the club has been in continuous operation for over 50 years!
The club is always looking for new volunteer recruits to assist with the many facets of club operations. So, if you have some time to spare, please consider helping with trail clearing and trail grooming next year (we have a trail grooming team assigned for this season), signage, publicity, administrative tasks, etc. “Many hands make light work”, as the saying goes. This way, Ski-Vent-Clic will be able to continue to provide access to excellent cross-country ski trails at our doorstep! To volunteer in any capacity, please email the club at [email protected]
For more information on the ski club and trails, readers can consult the Ski-Vent-Clic website (https://skivankleekhill.ca/) the club’s Facebook page, or the Champlain Township website. https://www.champlain.ca/en/recreation-and-leisure/cross-country-skiing.aspx
