by Cross Country Nova Scotia, Staff, February 29, 2024
Come on out to Family Fun Day, on Sat, Mar 2, with activities scheduled from 10-4 pm, at Baddeck Nordic Club! A ski obstacle course and ski games are set for 10 am -2 pm. Social ski sessions are set for 2 pm -3 pm and 3 pm – 4 pm (if skiing isn’t possible, due to conditions, participants are invited to snowshoe). Skiers of all ages and abilities are encouraged to join the fun! All sessions will be facilitated by Cross Country Nova Scotia ski ambassador, Michelle Richards. Richards is a life-long skier, with a passion for sharing the sport. This event is provided in partnership with Baddeck Nordic Club and the Municipality of Victoria County. A wonderful opportunity to for youths to make ski friends and enjoy time on snow.
Participants are asked to meet at the parking lot, at 1085 Westside Baddeck Road, Baddeck. Please car pool, if you can, as parking is limited! Skiing location will be in accordance with groomer advisement on event day. If you would like assistance, please attend on the hour, 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, and 1 pm.
The Municipality of Victoria County will pay trail access fees for all youth and families participating.
If you require ski equipment, contact the Baddeck Library if you can pick up prior to the event, skis or snowshoes. Otherwise, contact Michelle, before Friday at noon to reserve ski equipment.
Details are listed below, please contact Michelle, if you have questions, nsxcskicbi@gmail.com, or 902-227-1230.
Register
| CLASSIC CROSS-COUNTRY SKI SESSIONS | DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|
| REGISTER (required) | Click here | |
| FEE – TRAIL ACCESS | Municipality of Victoria County | Municipality of Victoria County will be providing trail access fees for families and youth participants – for this special event. |
| Day Pass | Municipality of Victoria County will cover your trail access fee, if you are a family or youth participant – for this special event. Please purchase on day of event, for insurance purposes (not in advance), if you are not a family or youth participant. | |
| Annual Membership | ||
| DATE | Sat Mar 2 | |
| TIMES | 10-2 pm | Ski Obstacle Course + Ski Games. Stay for as long as you choose! |
| Open to drop-ins requiring assistance, please arrive on the hour, 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm | ||
| 2-3 pm | Social Ski or Snowshoe (if skiing isn’t possible) | |
| 3-4 pm | Social Ski or Snowshoe (if skiing isn’t possible) | |
| TECHNIQUE | Classic | |
| AGE | All ages welcome | |
| LOCATION | Baddeck Nordic Club | |
| 1085 Westside Baddeck Road (Google Map) | ||
| Skills Session | Trail location to be announced pending grooming report. | |
| Social Ski or Snowshoe | Location to be announced pending grooming report. | |
| TRAIL DETAILS | Trail Map | |
| Trail Descriptions | ||
| EQUIPMENT | Baddeck Regional Library | Equipment loans, no fee. Please contact to arrange gear to borrow – skis or snowshoes. |
| E-mail Michelle before Friday at noon, if you cannot coordinate with library, nsxcskicbi@gmail.com. | ||
| NOTES | Car pool | Please car pool! Parking is limited. |
| CONTACT | nsxcskicbi@gmail.com | Michelle Richards |
| 902-227-1230 | Michelle Richards |
Consider Joining a Cross-Country Ski Club!
If you enjoy your time on snow, please check out your local cross-country ski club, Baddeck Nordic Club , which offers 10 km of groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The trail system features beautiful, sheltered trails, with stunning views. The club formed in December 2022, and promotes cross-country skiing in the Baddeck area to both local and visiting, skiers and snowshoers of all ages; through skill building, social events, trail development, and trail maintenance. This non-profit club will work to support skiers and snowshoers of all ages and abilities to enjoy a healthy, outdoor, winter activity.
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Michelle Richards – Background
Michelle Richards has been cross-country skiing for a lifetime. She grew up in the snow belt of Ontario and received her first skis at the age of four. Cross-country skiing was a key activitiy for Richards, both at home and in school. Her family encouraged her to ski in the backyard and on wooded trails. Additionally, she participated in a ski program held during physical education class at her elementary school.
Richards transitioned to skate skiing, as a teenager; building on her foundational classic skiing skills. In the early 1990s, skate skiing was still very new but had already made a huge impact. Michelle joined the secondary school nordic team to train and compete. Richards also worked at Hardwood Ski and Bike, a world class venue. She instructed the jack rabbit program, assisted in the ski shop, and performed administrative duties.
In the early 2000s, Michelle made a splash into the world of surfing. People might recognize her from the Summer Surf Program at Point Michaud Beach. Richards has taught many generations, and thousands of people to surf, for over 20 years. She is also an active board member on both the Surfing Association of Nova Scotia and Hike Nova Scotia.
Richards has honed her teaching skills as an experienced surf instructor and is keen to share her technical knowledge of cross-country skiing. Michelle is excited to get back to her roots of cross-country skiing and fulfill her role as the Cape Breton ski ambassador.
Photos
Michelle skiing as a child through to adult. Photographed at North Highlands Nordic (top right photo). Michelle participated in a community coaching course at North Highlands Nordic, photographed with her group in the final photo.
Baddeck Nordic Photos
View additional photos on the Baddeck Nordic Club website.
Cross Country Nova Scotia 