MOOSE MOUNTAIN PROVINCIAL PARK - Outdoor enthusiasts from all over southeast Saskatchewan enjoyed Candle-Lit Skiing at Little Kenosee Lake in Moose Mountain Provincial Park on Jan. 13.
According to MMPP employee Adam Petterson, an impressive 228 people participated.
The weather was ideal and the 1.6-kilometre trail was entirely lighted with tea candles, which added to the festive mood.
While the participants were primarily comprised of cross-country skiers, there were many with snowshoes, and parents took their toddlers out for a sled ride. The entire trip of 3.2 kilometres took around an hour to complete.
The trail was perfectly groomed and the participants had nothing but praise for the park and the evening.
Carrie Nankivell of Weyburn attended the event along with her sisters Patricia Himmelspach and Jennifer Karlunchuck.
“Another great night with the sisters skiing at Kenosee Lake. It was a great turnout; so many people skiing, snowshoeing and walking. It was a beautiful night to get out and enjoy our winter.”
Local resident Steve Polsom has skied the Kenosee Lake trails for decades and was thoroughly impressed.
“The weather was picture perfect and the turnout was excellent. Congratulations to the park staff. They did a fantastic job.”
Juli Mitschke and her mother Lisa Robertson of Carlyle also participated.
“A candle-lit ski is such a memorable experience. The weather was unbelievable, the trails were in perfect condition and the energy was outstanding. The ambience of the candlelight was such an experience, with little Kenosee as a backdrop at the start of the trail and the coyotes howling in the distance, it was simply perfect and such a great way to get outside and be active,” said Mitschke.
“It was so wonderful to see people of all ages humming along the trails by skis, walking and snowshoeing. Thank you Sask. Parks for putting on such an incredible event.”
Long-time friends Candace McLean and Phoebe Douglas drove in from Redvers to attend. Said McLean:
“We saw this Candle Lit Ski Night being promoted a couple of months ago and we thought, hey, why not, let’s check it out.
“The weather couldn’t have been any better, the ski trails were amazing and the lights along the trail really lit it up so nicely. It was great to see so many people and families enjoying themselves.”
Keah Beaulieu is a relative newcomer to the sport of skiing and journeyed in from Bienfait. “It was a fantastic evening. The lighted trail was such a nice touch and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.”
Moose Mountain Provincial Park is planning another Candle Lit Ski for Feb. 10 from 7-9:30 p.m. It must be noted that Little Kenosee has limited parking spaces.
Concluded Mitschke, “Mom and I will be taking in the next one in February and will be more prepared with head lamps, snacks and drinks. We will also be starting earlier to catch a few extra kilometres before it gets too dark.”
