LUSELAND - Cross Country skiing has seen a resurgence during the pandemic. However, in Luseland, it has been a part of their prairie winters for 35 years.
In 1987 the Luseland Cross Country Ski Club was formed. A TIP grant from the local Rec Board was applied for and a tracker was built by a local machinist. The track was set on land west of town, winding its way through groves of trees and open rolling hills and a group of enthusiastic adults were often found out on the ski trail.
With a ski track readily available, the school began the Jack Rabbit program, beginning with learning the basics around the school yard. Once those were mastered many skis and campfire events were enjoyed at the rural ski trail. Over the years dozens of kids participated learning valuable skills as well as getting some great exercise.
Throughout the past 35 years the ski trail has been silent some years when snow cover was not satisfactory for tracking and very busy other years when snow conditions were great. This year the trail has been set since December and is re-tracked as needed. The short loop is two miles while the longer loop gives the skier a good 3.5 mile workout.
Everyone is welcome to come for a ski at the track is three miles west of Luseland on grid 771 and one mile north. You will see the “Ski Here” sign on the righthand side of the road where the track begins.
Sometimes the track is great and sometimes the weather has wrecked havoc, so there are no guarantee on conditions but remember , when you’re out on a snowy trail, the world grows still and quiet and maybe if you are lucky, you will encounter a few deer bounding through the snow or catch sight of a snowy owl. It doesn’t get better than that.
