A long-running tradition is set to take to the trails at Tabor Mountain this Sunday.
That's when the 43rd-annual Birchleg ski and snowshoeing tour will be held at the location about a 15-minute drive east of the city.
A 10 km ski trail will have been groomed but not track set for the cross country skiers while a leisurely trip for snowshoers will also be available.
The starting point is the Hickory Wing Ski Touring Club parking area - the old boxcar - five km east of Tabor Mountain Resort and 24 km 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 km cutoff loop for those who don't want to go the full 10 km.
Hotdogs and hot drinks around a warm fire will be available at the boxcar and for those who want to ski or snowshoe more after lunch there is the option of going, on your own, west towards Tabor Mountain Resort - a 10 km return - or up the Birchleg-Sawdust trail.
"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 and drop $2 into the donation box in place to help pay for trail maintenance.
While the Hickory Wing Ski Touring Club and the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club will host the ski tour, the Caledonia Rambers will host a snowshoe. Both events start at 10 a.m.
Those who want to carpool are asked to meet at the city hall parking lot 15 minutes before the departure time of 9:30 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 Brendan at 250-614-0915.
