Groomers keep ski trails in shape

Groomers keep ski trails at golf course in shape

By Murray Green

An increasing number of people have taken up cross-country skiing as a winter activity due to the closure of community buildings during COVID-19.

With a mild mid-winter, except for last week, it has been the perfect opportunity to ski the trails at the Camrose Golf Course.

Volunteers Bob Lyon and John Nielsen groom the trails every second day, and they have built two trails–one for skiers with dogs, and one for those without pets.

“I asked Paul Nielsen, who worked at the City at that time, if I could put some tracks along the golf course. He didn’t say anything right away, so I just did it. I borrowed some equipment from the Camrose Ski Club and away I went,” said Bob, who has been grooming the trails for the past 13 years. “I asked Paul for a shed, and he gave me one. Now I have four.”

He packs and grooms the trails along the course in an effort to avoid crossing the greens as little as possible.

“Paul passed on a message from the mayor at that time, Marshall Chalmers, who said the biggest complaint he received was that there was no place to run your dogs. We sat down with a bunch of people and they asked if we could do it,” shared Bob. “For the last five years, we have made a trail on the front nine for people to walk, while taking their dog for a run. Now with COVID-19, it has become busy with steady usage.”

The walking trail is about 2.2 kilometres, and the skiing trail along the back nine is 6.6 km.

“We ask people to stick to the trails, but the dogs can go anywhere in the dog off-leash area on the front nine. We use blue flags for the walking trail, and red for the ski trails. I used to marshal for tournaments, so I would plan things in my head on how I would design the trails in the winter,” explained Bob. “We have a hill, but we made a loop to bypass it for those who are just learning to ski, or want to avoid it. According to Paul, we are the only place in Alberta that grooms a dog trail. He made a point of going to various places, with his wife and dog, to see other communities in search of what they had for dogs.”

This year, with the added ice, he has had to chip some of it away and pack in snow to make it safer for walkers.

“Most people don’t wear spikes, they should, so I try to keep the ice down so they don’t slip. People still have to clean up after their dogs on the golf course.”

About seven years ago, Bob received help from John, who is visually impaired, but he has been a huge assistant for Bob.

“I have to set the first trail and then he is away. He has become so good at it that I let him look after the ski trails and I look after the walking and dog trail. We cover for each other if one of us is unavailable,” said Bob.

“It is a lot easier now. The City bought me a snowmobile from Norway, and the Ski Club gave me a groomer. I was a little upset because they took my old one away. The Ski Club sent me another machine and now it cut the time it takes in half. Our shed is drive-through, so we don’t have to hook and unhook every time we go out. If we get a lot of fresh snow at once, we send one machine with the packer and the other behind it with the trail setter.”

Until recently, the opposite problem occurred. “We had to use the groomer a lot to dig up and loosen snow and ice to get a trail back down again. Sometimes we dig out a little snow from around the trees and pack it onto the trails. Other times, people have to ski around bald patches.”

Bob said he is seeing people out on the trails who haven’t skied for many years. “It has been busy and older people are getting out their skis again. It is nice to see and it is like it was back when I first started grooming. It is a nice run and it is good to see the parking lot filled with cars and people using the trails,” added Bob. “We are seeing more families outdoors and using the trails.”

If new skiers or those who want to go at a more relaxed pace, are searching for a good place to ski, the golf course offers the perfect location.

“The competitive skiers and more serious skiers are in the valley, so some people feel intimated if they just want to go at a slower pace.”

Murray Green, Camrose Booster

Volunteers Bob Lyon, left, and John Nielsen groom the walking and ski trails at the Camrose Golf Course during the winter months. The trails have been busier this winter due to other facilities being closed.

Relief for your back pain

By Murray Green

If back pain or back tension has you tied up in knots, you may have a strain caused by overstretching, or have pulled a muscle in your back.

You may hurt your back in a fall or when you exercise or lift something. Most back pain will get better with rest and time. You can take care of yourself at home to help your back heal.

Alberta Health Services suggests that when you first feel back pain, try these steps. Take a short walk (10 to 20 minutes) on a level surface (no slopes, hills, or stairs) every two to three hours. Walk only distances you can manage without pain, especially leg pain.

Find a comfortable position for rest. Some people are comfortable on the floor or a medium-firm bed, with a small pillow under their head and another under their knees. Some people prefer to lie on their side with a pillow between their knees. Don’t stay in one position for too long.

Try using a heating pad on a low or medium setting, or take a warm shower for 15 to 20 minutes every two to three hours. Or you can buy single-use heat wraps that last up to eight hours. You can also try an ice pack for 10 to 15 minutes every two to three hours. You can use an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a thin towel. You may also want to try switching between heat and cold. Exercises that increase flexibility may relieve your pain and make it easier for your muscles to keep your spine in a good, neutral position. And don’t forget to keep walking.

For more help, contact the AHS Rehabilitation Advice Line at 1-833-3790563, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.