A long-running tradition is set to take to the trails at Tabor Mountain.
The 45th-annual Birchleg ski and snowshoeing tour will be held on Sunday, January 21, 10 a.m. start.
A 10-kilometre ski trail will have been groomed but not track set for the cross country skiers - suitable for classic technique only - while a 10-kilometre trip for snowshoers will also be available.
The starting point for the skiers is the Hickory Wing Ski Touring Club parking area - the old boxcar - five kilometres east of Tabor Mountain Resort and 24 kilometres east of the city.
Watch for the cross country skier sign along the highway about 200 metres before the turn-in.
The ski route will follow a loop eastward to the Martin trail and then parallel the highway back to the starting area. It's relatively flat with a few small hills and should take about 2 1/2 hours for most skiers.
There is also a six-kilometre cutoff loop for those who don't want to go the full 10 kilometres.
While the Hickory Wing Ski Touring Club will host the ski tour, the Caledonia Rambers will host the snowshoe, also starting at 10 a.m.
They will start at the moose viewing area pullout on the north side of Highway 16. From there, they will cross the highway and head west to the parking lot.
After lunch at the boxcar, they will head back to their starting point with a possible tour south, part way up the Martin trail.
Snowshoers should bring a day backpack, extra warm clothing, gaiters and hiking poles.
Hotdogs and hot drinks around a warm fire will be available at the boxcar.
"This is a family event so bring your family and friends, your skis or snowshoes, and come out and join us," organizers said. "You can participate at whatever level you choose."
Participants will be asked to sign a liability waiver. There is also a donation box for those interested in helping to pay for trail maintenance.
Those who want to carpool are asked to meet at the city hall parking lot 15 minutes before the departure time of 9 a.m. The carpool fee is $3.
For more information on the ski, call Norm at 250-963-7417 or Val at 250-564-8293. For more information on the snowshoe, call Sherry at 250-552-8882.
