Ski, snowshoe clinic brings out winter sports enthusiasts

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The Hamilton County Conservation Office held a snowshoe and ski clinic Saturday afternoon. The event drew 45 people who were hungry for a fun, outdoor activity.

"The event was a huge success," said skier Gary Sandholm. "Today's temperatures were in the low to mid-20s and that is ideal for skiing. If it's above freezing then it can get pretty sloppy."

Sandholm said that the skiers also welcomed Friday's snowfall.

"The big snow Friday night was just what we needed," remarked Sandholm. "You don't want the trails to be icy because then you can't control where you go. Most cross country skiers have a wooden or plastic base on their skis and they're not sharp enough to cut into the ice."

Before the skiers hit the slopes, they listened to a ski clinic taught by Jean Eels and Sonna Neumeister. Neumeister spoke about the possibility of creating a Boone River Country ski club.

"If we put together a ski club then beginners could use that network of people to get decent instruction to help them learn to ski," said Neumeister. "We want to promote cross-country skiing in Hamilton County. We'd like to get a ski club formed so we could organize ski trips together."

Neumeister also had advice for people who may be interested in skiing but have never tried it.

"I would tell those people to take advantage of ski clinics like this one and to find someone who skis and go skiing with them," said Neumeister. "There are also several instructional videos on Youtube they could watch."

Sandholm remarked that the ski trails will become markedly improved as soon as Webster City receives the trail-grooming machine it ordered earlier this month. Sandholm predicts that the machine will be up and running before February.

"I really think this place could become a ski center after we get our trail grooming machine," said Sandholm. "The grooming equipment will allow us to pack the snow, which makes it easier to glide on the snow. Most skiers like to glide, and if the snow is too thick then you can't get into a good rhythm because you constantly have to pull your stick out of the snow. The grooming equipment will also allow us to capture the snow when it's on the trail so the wind won't blow it away."

Hamilton County Naturalist and Bell's Mill Park Ranger John Laird conducted the snowshoe clinic. Laird said that snowshoeing is an enjoyable winter activity that is often overlooked.

"When it comes to winter activities people usually think of skiing before they think of snowshoeing," said Laird. "Snowshoeing is a great aerobic exercise and can be done by all ages."

Snowshoes and skis are available for rent at the Conservation Office. Call the Conservation Office at 832-9570 for more information.

Andy Hallman may be contacted at reporter@freemanjournal.net