麻豆社区

A number of changes will take place at the Whitehorse Cross-Country Ski Club in time for the upcoming season.

A change in the club's structure will see the club take formal operation of the Ski Base, previously owned by city councillor Mike Gladish.

Gladish will take on an expanded role as club manager, and will be responsible for the overall operations of the club, as well as promotion and administration. He will report directly to the board.

The Ski Base will continue to provide rental and retail operations for both members and casual users.

The club made the announcement in its September newsletter.

Another staffing change comes with the retirement of executive director Claude Chabot.

Chabot served in the position for three years and decided it was time for a break.

"I was brought in to help the club through a transition phase. It is now moving on to a new structure, so I feel that my job is done,鈥� Chabot said. "I am sure that I will still be involved in one capacity or other as the season progresses.鈥�

Chabot will continue to act as an official at races, both in Whitehorse and across the country. He is also looking to enjoy some more personal time on skis.

Jan Polivka will be the club's operations manager and Rudy Sudrich will continue as the primary PistenBully operator.

Nick Stratis has joined the club as program manager, replacing Sarah Murray who has returned to university. Stratis will develop new programs and build on existing ones, including the Jackrabbit/Bunny program, the Subway Ski S'Cool and others.

The entire team will ensure the ski club is open and maintained for the expected 1,300 members and 2,000 visitors, every day from mid-October to mid-April.

The Ski Base and Chalet (wax room) is now open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m. Memberships and locker renewals are available.

The club also informed the public that remediation work on the Skyline Trail, an issue that landed them in court last season, has been completed.

City workers and Contagious Mountain Bike Club volunteers have also added more single-track trails to the Mt. McIntyre area this summer.

Volunteers are being sought to complete fall trail work next week, including the removal of brush and tree limbs along trail edges, and trail mowing. Approximately 75 volunteers are needed to help facilitate the popular ski swap set for Oct. 26.

Leaders are also being sought for the Jackrabbit program, which begins in January. Registration will take place Oct. 5.

Ski memberships are on sale at 10 percent off until the end of October.

For more information, visit http://www.xcskiwhitehorse.ca.