Ski club begs people to stop walking on Hiawatha trails

The Sault is hosting a major cross country skiing championship this weekend — but only if people stop walking on the trails at Hiawatha Highlands.

With the big event just days away, organizers issued a news release today imploring members of the public not to hike on the trails because it causes irreversible damage that could place the competition in jeopardy.

“With the mild weather coming, every bit of snow is needed for the trails and these events,” organizers say. “Cross country skiers will continue to ski on the trails for as long as possible and greatly appreciate walkers to use alternate trails located at Bellevue Park, the Hub Trail, and other city-operated parks.”

Below is the full press release from The Soo Finnish Nordic Ski Club

This upcoming weekend, the Soo Finnish Nordic Ski Club is hosting the Ontario Youth Cross Country Ski Championships on March 1-3, and the following weekend, March 9, is the Beaver Freezer Marathon (ski, bike and run). Both events are held at Hiawatha Highlands. This winter has had unprecedented low snowfall and mild temperatures that have made it very challenging for staff and volunteers to groom the ski trails, and the race committees are asking the public to refrain from walking on the ski trails to preserve what little snow there is.

These two events bring hundreds of participants and thousands of dollars into Sault Ste. Marie. Hotel stays, restaurants, grocery stores, general shopping, and tourist attractions all benefit directly from participants coming to participate in these events. Event participants that come from out-of-town and have a good experience on our ski trails, will return, plan holidays, and tell their family and friends what a great place Sault Ste. Marie and Hiawatha Highlands is for skiing, fat biking, and snowshoeing.

The ski community is asking the public to help: please do not walk on the ski trails, fat bike or snowshoe trails.  With the mild weather coming, every bit of snow is needed for the trails and these events. Walking on the ski, snowshoe, and fat bike trails causes damage that cannot be repaired due to the low snowfall, and places the events at risk. Cross country skiers will continue to ski on the trails for as long as possible and greatly appreciate walkers to use alternate trails located at Bellevue Park, the Hub trail, and other City-operated parks.

The Soo Finnish Nordic Ski Club is very excited to bring 225 athletes and support staff together to compete on the 2 km Kinsmen Lighted Ski Trail this weekend.  Recreational skiers in addition to snowshoers and fat bikers are encouraged to use alternate trail systems from March 1-3.  The parking lots and sides of Landslide Road and Fifth Line will be congested.  Please use caution when driving in this area.  Large trucks and trailers are encouraged to use the highway.

We thank all of the volunteers, staff, and the larger community for supporting these amazing events.