By Tom Peters
CAPE NORTH: While winter may be behind us, the energy at North Highlands Nordic Ski Club is anything but seasonal.
Club President Paula Michaelis says the enthusiasm of members and volunteers continues throughout the year, with a shared mission to fundraise for key equipment and facility improvements.
In 2021, the club unveiled a new clubhouse, a project that remains a work in progress as the club builds on its role as a year-round community hub.
“We’ve opened a small café that welcomes everyone,” Michaelis said. “It’s not just for club members – anyone from the community or visitors can drop in.”
To support local businesses, the café operates primarily on Saturdays, during times when other establishments are closed.
“We try not to compete with local business,” Michaelis explained. “So, we open when they’re not open.”
One anticipated addition to the clubhouse is a ski waxing room, something Michaelis says would serve both casual skiers and visiting athletes.
“We’d really like to expand and offer a place for people to wax their skis – it’s something that would enhance the experience for many users.”
The club is also raising funds for a new garage to house its recently acquired PistenBully 100 groomer, a $124,000 investment made possible through a mix of community fundraising and federal support. The larger machine needs a dedicated space for storage and maintenance.
With 12 kilometres of groomed trails already in place, North Highlands Nordic is looking to expand by an additional three to four kilometres in the coming year.
“We’re hoping to add some milder terrain for skiers who may find the existing trails challenging,” said Michaelis.
Trail expansion also comes with logistical needs. The club is seeking funds to purchase a brush cutter, or “bushwacker,” to help clear trails during the off-season.
“Attaching a bushwacker to our ATV would allow us to prep trails in the warmer months and make winter grooming much easier,” she noted.
Fundraising at North Highlands is constant, with efforts including Chase the Ace, online auctions, pub nights, meal events, gift baskets, and weekly breakfasts.
“We’re kind of fundraising year-round,” Michaelis said. “It’s never-ending because there’s always something the club needs.”
Despite its remote northern Cape Breton location, the club is well-known in the cross-country skiing community.
“We had 141 members this year and over 3,000 visitor signatures – people from all over the world,” Michaelis said.
North Highlands Nordic has a strong competitive legacy, having hosted the Canada Winter Games in 1987, as well as numerous national, provincial, and Atlantic championships.
Even in the off-season, one thing is clear – this trailblazing club is always moving forward.