On Sat., Feb. 3 at 1-4 p.m. the first annual Caledonia Ski Tour took place at the Murray Ridge Ski Hill groomed cross-country ski trails. It was “A feast on skis!” and a fun-filled day of nordic skiing with a gourmet twist hosted by a community partnership between Murray Ridge, Stuart Lake Nordic Club and Pope Mountain Arts.
Cross-country skiers and even a couple of snowshoers enjoyed international gourmet food and beverage stations with snow couches, flags and firepits along a 3.5 km or optional 7 km trails with a set track.
Everyone was having a blast and even the chilly -17’C weather didn’t cool the festive mood. The ski tour was then followed by an additional ticketed delicious three course après ski dinner starting at 5:00 p.m. with live entertainment at the main ski lodge.
“Thanks to all the amazing people who came out to enjoy a wonderful day with fabulous people on the trail!” said Ruth Lloyd.
“Thank you to our wonderful volunteers. A great day!” said Jana Gainor.
“Such a marvellous event. Here’s to bigger and better in 2019!” said Louise Evans-Salt.
Next year people will have to get their tickets early to secure themselves a spot and to help the organisers. This year, being the first event, it was uncertain what the interest would be. Initially there were 100 tickets available, but approaching the date there were only 30 tickets sold, so the organisers assumed a more realistic ticket sales number might be half the original quota, so they cut the catering and logisitcs to serve only 50 ticket holders. In the last week up to the event, and after the planning adjustments had been made, there was a considerable rush on sales and the event could quite easily have sold 100 tickets, but by that point it was too late to change arrangements.
See more photos on page A3.