PRPA Helps Snow Valley Nordic Ski Club Shelter From The Elements

PRPA Helps Snow Valley Nordic Ski Club Shelter From The Elements

May 4, 2023

The Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA) has partnered with the Snow Valley Nordic Ski Club to support the construction of two multi-function shelters at the Onion Lake Ski Trails. Through a $27,000 contribution from PRPA’s Community Investment Fund, the organization responsible for maintaining the regional cross country ski hub and trail network was able to construct much-needed sizeable, all-season shelter areas to offer rest, warmth, and a place to gather for trail users along the extensive 35km+ network.

The Snow Valley Nordic Ski Club is a non-profit organization established in 1976 for cross-country skiers in northwest BC. The club runs and maintains the Onion Lake Ski Trails located half-way between Kitimat and Terrace and is actively developing the trail network for additional uses like snowshoeing, fat-bike riding, and off-season hiking. There are currently 850 season’s pass holders with thousands of day pass users, and the club offers lessons and recreation to a variety of skill levels and age groups. The Onion Lake facility is the only maintained cross-country trail network on the north coast and is used frequently by residents from communities across the region.

The new shelters are located at the Onion Lake Viewpoint and the Lakelse Lake Viewpoint, offering trail users a scenic resting stop while they are several kilometres away from the stadium and club facilities at the trails’ starting point. Both are equipped with seating for small groups like families, clubs, or school groups, and one offers a fireplace for warmth. The design and construction of the shelters were completed to ensure long-term public use.  

“We are very grateful to the Prince Rupert Port Authority’s Community Investment Fund for contributing to this project. We had no outdoor gathering spaces with shelter – this will be something that will last a long time and be of tremendous value to the club,” said Lisa Hanna, Director, Snow Valley Nordic Ski Club.

“The Prince Rupert Port Authority is committed to investing in recreational assets that improve the quality of life for residents in northern BC and that help ensure that everyone can participate in outdoor opportunities that support an active lifestyle while enjoying our pristine wilderness,” said Shaun Stevenson, President and CEO, Prince Rupert Port Authority. “We applaud the Snow Valley Nordic Ski Club for their partnerships with multiple organizations in ensuring the trail assets are multi-use, accessible to a variety of skill levels and ages, and available year-round.”