Uphill Skiing

Cross-country skiers take to the trials while the snow lasts.

This cousin to downhill does not require a lift ticket. Instead, you must propel yourself by your own energy. It takes practice and usually requires a teacher.

College student Grace Schnyder learned to ski in middle school. This is her first time on skis in a few years.

“I just haven’t had time since I dropped the team,” says Schnyder. “It’s been nice to get back out.”

Schnyder recalls going to the State meet one year and feeling supported by her community of skiers. She misses the opportunity to spend time away from the classroom.

“It was always nice to just be able to go outside after school and ski, get some exercise, and be with the team.”

Emma Archibald was identified for cross-country skiing in a paralympic search. Instead of using poles, she propels herself only with her legs. This takes extra core strength and coordination. She admits that the hardest part of skiing is the technique. 

 

 

“Right now I thinking I’m using a lot of energy and I think once you get the motions and all the skills down it becomes a bit more relaxed.”

 

 

 

 

 

She raced the 3k sprint at the Wostawea Loppet. This race is followed by a 6k and a 30k. Skiers include retired coaches and new skiers from as far away as Belgium, China, and France.

“It was pretty flat, so it was really good for first-timers,” says Archibald.

On the sidelines, friends and family cheer while music blares in the background. A speaker announces racers as they crossed the finish line.

Inside the woods is a quiet scene. Skiers work their way uphills and take deep breaths on the way down. Some make it look easy.

After their race, skiers enjoy food and drink waiting inside the lodge. They sit and talk about the highs and lows of the race.

The top finishers are awarded prizes like candy, Swix gear, water bottles, and buffs. The Morimannno Family Kilimetre Cup is given out to by the president of the Wostawea Cross-Country Ski Club, John Ball.

The club is always looking for new members to learn or volunteer. They want to show new Canadians what activities to look forward to and remind locals what is waiting in their backyard.

Fredericton offers over 50k of groomed trails through Killarney Lake, UNB Woodlot, and Odell Park.