Wildewood Golf Course does double duty

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 16/12/2021 (1573 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Although the Wildewood Golf course lies under a cover of snow, its managers generously extend the use of the course’s natural setting throughout the winter by accommodating cross-country skiers and walkers.

For decades, skiers have taken to the trails on the course but in the past 25 years an organized ski program has emerged with the assistance of neighbourhood volunteers. Bob Stewart, then manager of Wildwood Community Association, instigated groomed trails for skiing, and even incurred the costs initially. Taking the reins from Stewart, avid skier Harvey Peltz has co-ordinated the ski program for a quarter-century.

The Cross Country Ski Association of Manitoba grooms the classic and skate ski trails that run up and down the fairways, along with some walking trails in more wooded areas of the course. Peltz and other volunteers plan out the trails, including the fun, winding ski hills and the tracks that extend past the golf course along the river to St. John’s-Ravenscourt School.

Kathy Bentley, general manager of the golf course, enjoys seeing skiers and hikers take to the trails.

“What’s better than getting outside?” she said.

Bentley said the golf club does incur yearly repair costs owing to the ski trails but that the basic regulations posted on the course help reduce damages. The golf club has set up plastic fencing and ropes around greens, tee boxes, and bunkers.

Peltz mentioned that skiing too early before tracks are groomed can cause issues, as it’s easy to inadvertently ski over more sensitive areas of the course. He and his crew of volunteers help monitor respectful adherence to the posted signage.

Ravenscourt holds a school ski program on the trails as part of its phys-ed classes. A specially groomed grid of tracks allows students to get outside and learn the sport. Wildwood’s branch of the Jackrabbits ski program operates on the trails near the Wildwood Community Club, where a packed-down area gives room for instruction and games.

Current funding for the ski trails comes from donations, the contribution of Wildwood residents through their fall canvass, and St. John’s-Ravenscourt. Skiers can find donation envelopes on the course.

Peltz says people are generous to support the program and appreciate the donation receipts. You can see more details about the ski trails, including location, on the Cross Country Ski Association of Manitoba’s website at www.ccsam.ca/wheretoski/where-to-ski/winnipeg

Kirby Gilman is a community correspondent for Wildwood. Email her at kirby.gilman@shaw.ca