This Sun we will visit the trails of the storied Viking Ski Club. Founded in 1929, the club has been running their own network of trails outside Morin Heights since the early 1960’s. Their web site address is www.vikingskiclub.ca. We had our initial visit to the Viking Club three years ago and we made a second visit there last year.
As has been the case the previous two years at this point in the season, the Viking trails have received less snow than normal. But the have opened all their shorter loops close to their club house. They have also opened and tracked the longer Red touring trail. The conditions on these trails was already good. The new snow falling today will only improve things and perhaps open some additional trails.
In order to align with the Viking Club’s schedule, we are adjusting our departure time — this week only — to **8:30** am from Dorval. We will convene at the Viking’s club house at about 9:30 a.m. (See below for directions.) The club house has washrooms, dining room, kitchen, and lounge. However, there will not be any food for sale, so be sure to pack any lunch or snacks you will need.
Since this is a private club and not a ski centre, they do not sell trail tickets. However, all their operations are member-supported and in lieu of a trail ticket they have asked us for a donation of $10 per skier. So when each of you arrive, please give your $10 to me and I will provide a lump sum payment to the Viking Club.
Our host again this year will be Derek Wills of the Viking Ski Club. He will explain the trail options to us before we set out. They have two sets of trails – the “racing” trails and the “touring” trails. The racing trails are so-called because they were originally created several years ago for a major race competition and *not* because one is expected to race around on them! These trails are groomed loops that range from 2.5 km to 10 km and are suitable for beginner to intermediate skiers. The touring trails go farther off into the woods, but they are also normally track set.
Derek and our own Dennis Martin will lead two groups of us who opt to go for an approx. 3-hour outing on the touring trails (bring some food). Derek will lead the “medium” speed group and Dennis, who is a long-time Viking member and knows the trails well, will lead the “fast” group. Another volunteer will accompany the “easy-going” group on the closer-by loops and bring them back to the club house in time for lunch.
We will have the optional carpool rendezvous at the Dorval Shopping Centre. Just remember that, this week only, the departure time will be **8:30** am. Be there a few minutes early to organize lifts.