Ladies Day on the trails

January 28, 2015 · 0 Comments

Around 150 women of all ages took advantage of the good snow conditions at the annual Mono Nordic Ladies Day hosted by the Mono Nordic Ski Club.
“It’s an annual event for women to come out and ski and enjoy some friendship,” Explained event organizer Laurie Deans. “Some people are members, some bring friends. You have to register in advance because we’re sold out every year.”
The popular event attracts both veteran skiers as well as novices.
“We have volunteer instructors for all different levels, and we have free rentals for this day as well. It’s the best deal in town.” Deans said.
The ladies enjoy lunch in the banquet hall and every years there is a secret guest speaker.
The ski trails at Monora park feature several trails with varying difficulty in length and terrain from a short .5 km route right up to a challenging 5 km route that winds through the treed areas and around the big pond.
For Shelburne resident Ann Butler, a long involvement in the sport has given her an appreciation of being outdoors during the winter months.
“I started cross country when my kids were little and they needed help with the ‘Jackrabbit’ program. I came as a volunteer and have been a member with Mono Nordic ever since. It’s a fabulous club.”
Just about everyone who takes part in cross country skiing seems to enjoy the physical aspect of getting out doors and getting a workout at the same time.
“You’re outside – the trails are usually fabulous. It’s quiet,” Ms. Butlers said of why she enjoys the sport. “There is a challenge to it. It’s not the same excitement as going downhill, but it’s fabulous exercise. You’re outside in the winter so it’s really nice.”
Crossing the finish line at the chalet, pretty much everyone was sporting red cheeks and at least a little winded from the work-out, and everyone was feeling pretty good about it.
After a morning of skiing the ladies made their way up to the banquet hall for a good lunch and an afternoon of socializing.

By Brian Lockhart