KAMSACK - As the weather shifts back and forth from extreme cold to more tolerable winter conditions, the better days seem to have many area residents looking to burn some extra holiday calories and shake off some cabin fever. Fortunately, for residents and visitors to the Kamsack area, a number of excellent winter recreational opportunities await.
Cross Country Skiing
Kamsack residents may recall that last winter, a new feature – a cross-country ski trail – was prepared for free public use at the Riverside Golf Course. It should be noted that this year the new recreation director, Stephen Dutcheshen, has moved the run to the Kamsack orchard, sportsgrounds and walking trail.
Just a short drive east and area residents have access to the beautiful trails that stretch through the evergreen trees and rolling topography of Duck Mountain Provincial Park. Whether you’re looking for a day hike or an extended overnight winter camping journey, the fresh smell of mountain air and powdery snow crunching beneath your feet can be revitalizing for both physical and mental health.
For those considering hitting the wooded cross country trails, the following message was shared by Allan Bear on the Kamsack Ski Club website on January 14:
“Just to refresh everyone on overnight shelter stays. We don't have any way for someone to reserve a shelter. All we ask is that if you are going to stay overnight you go into the Log Inn (golf course parking lot ) and write the shelter name and the date you are staying. This is not for us. It is for the skier that comes later that day. If the blackboard has a certain shelter name on it for the night you wanted to stay, you can ski to a different shelter. Please don't stay in the shelter all day. Other skiers may want to stop and rest, warm up or eat their lunch. We haven't any problem with skiers leaving their belongings for the day. Thank you for your cooperation. Please don't herringbone directly over the set tracks.”
Outdoor ice skating at the Broda Sportsplex
If anyone is interested in recreating a romantic scene from a Christmas Hallmark movie – the outdoor rink at the Broda Sportsplex is now ready and free for public use. With some “mood setting” new solar lighting, the venue is open daily up until 10:00 p.m.
Incidentally, the ingredients for a signature rom-com date include: a thermos filled with steamy hot chocolate for two, a couple of pairs of skates, and at least one person who skates so poorly they have to be held constantly. Voila! Feel free to send photos from your date to the Kamsack Times and let us know how it went.
Indoor rink at the Broda Sportsplex
Free shinny is open to the public every Friday at 6 p.m., Saturday at noon, and Sunday at 4:00pm.
Free public skating is open to the public every Friday at 4 p.m., Saturday at 4 p.m., and Sunday at noon.
Snowmobiling
While it’s not the experience of every Canadian to have the option to legally ride a snowmobile through their hometown, it is a privilege that many Kamsack and area residents enjoy. For 2022, a local group, the Kamsack Sno Drifters Club, offers riders the opportunity to set out on a total of 100 groomed miles.
For those looking for a run through the majestic mountain aesthetic, the club is currently in the works to host the “Classic Snowmobile Derby” at Madge Lake. The tentative date for the event is Sunday, February 20.
Registration will open on the day of the event from 9 a.m. to noon at the Border Mountain House restaurant – located at the recreation hall at Madge Lake. More information and updates can be found on the club’s Facebook page.
Ski the Duck
With reportedly ideal conditions and plenty of snow, all of the Duck Mountain Ski Hill runs, restaurant, and lounge will be open to host guests each Friday night, Saturday and Sunday throughout the season.
The “Little Ducks Learn to Ski” program will begin Sunday, January 30. This five-week program is designed for kids 5 to 10 years old. Orientation begins at 10 a.m. and lessons run 10:30 to 11:30. The cost for each participant is $110 and registration can be done through the Ski the Duck Facebook page.
For those planning to take in a day at the Duck Mountain Ski Hill, the management team would like to remind everyone that masks will be mandatory indoors and highly recommended everywhere else. Proof of vaccination will be required to eat inside the clubhouse and/or order alcohol. Visitors are advised to keep personal belongings in their vehicles. In efforts to help all enjoy the ski season and contribute to keeping everyone healthy, social distancing is encouraged wherever possible.
Guided snowshoe hike at Duck Mountain
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Join a Sask Parks Interpreter for this guided excursion through the snow at Duck Mountain Provincial Park. First, learn all the basics of snowshoeing, followed by a guided snowshoe through the park. Then, gaze through the treetops at birds soaring overhead, follow the meandering tracks of deer and rabbits, and feel the varying textures of tree bark on your fingertips! This program is designed for all levels of experience in snowshoeing. Snowshoes will be provided, but please wear boots and dress appropriately. If there is not enough snow to utilize snowshoes, this program will be offered as a winter hike.
Location: Meet at Madge Lake Golf Course
Be sure to prepare for the weather - dress in layers and check the forecast for snow and wind. Please note: If temperatures in the program location are forecasted at or below -26°C (with the wind chill), this program will be cancelled. Cancellations will be made 24 hours in advance, and all pre-registrants will be notified via email.
By pre-registering, you will be entered to win a Sask Parks prize pack. Pre-registration closes 24 hours prior to the program start time. This program is offered every Saturday at 10:30 a.m. from January 1 until March 5, 2022.
Duck Mountain Bonfire Skating Party
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Join a Sask Parks Interpreter for fun and challenging activities on Duck Mountain’s skating rink at Duck Mountain Provincial Park. From entertaining games to exciting challenges, this program is fun for the whole family. After some fun on the ice, join us for a cozy bonfire beside the skating rink. Please bring your own skates and food of choice for roasting over the fire. This program is designed for those with a minimum of beginner-level experience in ice skating (i.e., ability to skate forward).
Location: Meet at Visitor Centre
Be sure to prepare for the weather - dress in layers and check the forecast for snow and wind. Please note: If temperatures in the program location are forecasted at or below -26°C (with the wind chill), this program will be cancelled. Cancellations will be made 24 hours in advance, and all pre-registrants will be notified via email.
Pre-registration closes 24 hours prior to the program start time. This program is offered every Saturday at 1 p.m. from January 1 until March 5, 2022.
