Medicine Bow Nordic Association preps for upcoming season

Kelly Steiner, MBNA president and board member, said plans are already well underway for the season, not only for preparing the trails, but also for activities during the ski season.

“We had a good turnout for our trail-work day in October,” Steiner said. “Volunteers did an excellent job clearing the trails to make grooming easier. The trails are in great shape and ready for snow.”

Next up is the annual meeting and potluck on Wednesday, Nov. 15. The event, starting at 6 p.m. at the Lincoln Community Center, will allow members to socialize and celebrate the upcoming season. Updates will be given by the MBNA Board of Directors to further whet those juices for everyone enthusiastic about getting on the snow.

Steiner said the meeting is open to anyone interested in the Nordic skiing scene around Albany County and Laramie. At the gathering, MBNA will provide a main dish of chili with meat and meatless options. Others are asked to bring a side dish or dessert to share. Just to ensure a variety, those who classic ski are asked to bring “a savory side dish” while those who skate ski are asked to bring desserts.

It’s also that time of year for election of officers to the board. Four seats are open with all current board members hoping to continue another term. Additional nominations can be made by sending an email (medbownordic@gmail.com) by Wednesday, Nov. 15.

Actual voting is done online the week after the annual meeting with all current members eligible to vote. All candidates are welcome to make a brief statement at the annual meeting and each needs to submit a written statement that will be sent in the next MBNA newsletter.

Looking back on the last ski season, the trails continued to be a popular place. The trail counter recorded 26,707 skier visits. The grooming season was 150 days long, beginning Nov. 29, 2022, and ending April 28.

Skier visits were down during the previous 2021-22 season with just more than 19,000, but that was largely because of the late start to the season. Mother Nature is in the driver’s seat on when there’s enough snow to get things rolling. Typically, grooming begins in mid- to late-November. Hopefully this ski season gets going sooner rather than later.

A graph on the MBNA website, medicinebownordic.org, offers insights on when to get on the trails to avoid the crowds. Last year, the highest skier numbers were during the Wyoming Middle School Race in January, followed close behind by all four Sundays of the Kid Ski/Wee Ski program.

That program is already getting set up with new Ski School Director Annie Robbins. Amanda Harper continues as MBNA coordinator, while grooming remains in the hands of Randy Hulme and Dan Lewis.

Harper said it’s not too early for skiers of all abilities to volunteer to help with the Kid Ski and Wee Ski classes that take place every Sunday in February. Those who volunteer need not be advanced skiers, or skiers at all. Last year, 25 volunteers made the program possible for 65 young skiers taking classes.

“Registration is planned to open for all youth and adult programs on Jan. 1, 2024,” Harper said. “That includes classes for adults in skate and classic techniques, as well as the youth programs.”

The MBNA also hosts the Pole Mountain Shuffle as a fundraising race each season. That is slated tentatively for Jan. 27. Other races on the schedule include a University of Wyoming event, the annual high school races, and the popular middle school event.

Those who enjoy the trails through the winter months, are encouraged to join MBNA. This includes those who use the groomed ski trails as well as snowshoers and fat bike riders on the packed multi-use trails. More than 500 people joined MBNA last season, including 156 lifetime members. Visit the website to donate or become a member, then come join the comradery at the annual meeting and potluck dinner.