Social ski and concert at Front Porch Farm, on Saturday, Feb 22

Skiers of all ages and abilities are invited to enjoy a guided social ski, on Saturday, Feb. 22, from 1-3 pm, and a concert featuring the McMillan’s Camp Boys starting at 3:30 p.m., at Front Porch Farm, located at 76 Hilltop Rd, Margaree Forks, Cape Breton Island. Enjoy winter in all of its glory at this amazing small organic farm. You will meet genuine people with a passion for quality food, music, and winter. Experience a peaceful glide on snow and warm-up by the heat of the wood stove, while being entertained by the melodies of the McMillan’s Camp Boys. Food and beverages are available for purchase onsite. You may even be able to meet the grooming team – farm manager Peter LeBlanc and two of the hardest working donkeys around.

Michelle Richards, Cross Country Nova Scotia ski ambassador, will lead the ski. Come on out to meet fellow skiers, discover the beauty of this property, and receive technique tips in a relaxed environment. There is no trail access fee – participants are welcome to make a donation towards grooming efforts. Registration is required.

All ages are welcome to attend the concert, fees are as follows: $20 per adult, $10 per student, and free for children 12 years of age and younger.

If you require ski equipment, contact the Baddeck Library, note library is closed on Sun and Mon, or Municipality of the County of Inverness by contacting Jason Calder, jason.calder@invernesscounty.ca or 902-787-3508.

Please contact Michelle Richards for event inquiries, nsxcskicbi@gmail.com or 902-227-1230.

Register

⚠️ Event Registration

Social Ski

	DETAILS	NOTES
REGISTER	Event Registration	⚠️ Required
	No trail fee	Donations accepted for grooming efforts
DETAILS	Social Ski · Sat Feb 22 · 1-3 pm · Front Porch Farm, 76 Hilltop Rd, Margaree Forks, Cape Breton · Guided ski with technique tips · Classic ski · All ages & abilities · Bring: skis, warm clothing
EQUIPMENT LOANS	Baddeck Regional Library	Closed Sun + Mon
	Municipality of the County of Inverness jason.calder@invernesscounty.ca, 902-787-3508
CONTACT	nsxcskicbi@gmail.com 902-227-1230	Michelle Richards

Concert

DETAILS

· Concert
· Sat Feb 22
· 3:30 pm
· McMillan’s Camp Boys
· The McMillan’s Camp Boys have a wide repertoire of traditional country, bluegrass, and old-time music, as well as original songs.
· All ages welcome
· Fees: Adult $20, Student $12, 12 years + younger $0
· Food + beverages available to purchase onsite

Photos

Resident groomers and Front Porch Farm manager, Peter LeBlanc.

Cross-Country Skiing at Front Porch Farm

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A post shared by Front Porch Farm & Productions (@frontporchcb)

Learn More

Michelle Richards · Ski Ambassador · Profile

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. Richards is employed by Recreation Nova Scotia as a regional physical activity consultant for Cape Breton.

Diversifying her coaching skills, Richards attended the 2024 Nordic Sports Coaching Conference, presented by Nordiq Canada, in Canmore, Alberta. Richards honed her coaching expertise, while attending sessions included in the robust conference program of events. View program.

Photos

Michelle skiing as a child through to adult. Photographed at 2024 Nordic Sports Coaching Conference (photos 1-4), North Highlands Nordic community coaching course (photo 5), providing a demonstration during a ski ambassador event (photo 6), skiing at local clubs (photos 6-7), and skiing as a youth.