Re: "Please stay on right side of the tracks; keep trails safe for skiers," Letters, The Gazette, Feb. 23.
As a member of the St. Albert Nordic Ski Club (SANSC), and one of the volunteers who has maintained the network of local ski trails for over 30 years, I read with interest the recent letter from Michelle Guest-Morre. I’m in agreement with Ms. Guest-Morre and wish to clarify that there are two components to a groomed nordic ski trail. Most people are familiar with the double parallel grooved track for classic style skiing. The second component of the trail is the wider “corduroy” groomed portion designed specifically for skate-style skiing. To many, this wider path is misconstrued as a convenient walking path next to the traditional classic tracks. I can understand the mistake, but I hope I can use this letter to shed some light on the damage walking on this groomed trail causes.
These trails are not mixed-use pathways that happen to have ski tracks, they are purpose-made ski trails used and maintained by St. Albert’s community of cross-country skiers. Our city has had a ski club since the early 1980s, and SANSC has hosted lessons, meets and races for children and adults since that time. St. Albert is one of the few metropolitan areas in Canada that has such centrally located cross-country ski trails. What compels people to walk, run, or cycle on these trails then? Likely it is because they do not know what harm they are causing. Would you play soccer on a golf green, or think it acceptable to have baseball practice on a tennis court?
I understand the new reality of our pandemic world has forced a lot of our community members to find new and novel ways of getting out of the house and seeing friends and family. As a lifetime dog owner myself, I know the joy of bringing our four-legged friends out for a romp. But one of the great pleasures of St. Albert is that our city boasts over 99.5 kilometres of trails that are made accessible and maintained by the City specifically for walkers, runners, and bikers. Our tax dollars pay to ensure these walkways are cleared of snow and ice for our enjoyment. These are the trails I encourage my fellow walkers to enjoy and explore — leaving the dedicated ski trails in a condition skiers can use safely. If you haven’t had the chance to join in on the cross-country ski fun, I would encourage you to give it a try — you might find a new way to enjoy winter.
Rob Campbell, St. Albert
