By Mary Spring
As the cooler weather approaches, many of us are wondering how we are going to pass our time in the winter. How will we stay busy, emotionally happy, and physically fit? How will the children adjust to the shorter days and more time inside?
As our seasons change, our children need to spend more time out of doors. The increase in the amount of screen time that children are using, mainly due to online learning, is higher than it should be. Parents should be encouraging children to remove themselves from computers and to get outdoors daily.
The sales for outdoor sporting equipment have increased significantly, particularly since the pandemic began. Equipment such as kayaks, canoes, camping gear, and water toys were hot items this summer. But now that the colder weather has arrived, sales of snowshoes, alpine and Nordic skis, backcountry skis, and fat tire bikes are increasing. A number of sporting goods stores in Huntsville are reporting that interest has been early and sales have been brisk. The problem, they report, is that they believe they will run out of sporting equipment due to the limited supply chain. It is tricky to keep up the stock.
This brings us to a great opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts that is offered through the Arrowhead Nordic Ski Club, which runs out of Arrowhead Provincial Park. The club offers cross-country ski programs for skiers, beginning at age four. For adults, the club has Return to Ski and Ski for Fitness programs on Tuesdays and Saturdays beginning in January.
If you skied 40 years ago and want to get back to it, Return to Ski is for you! Or, the Ski For Fitness program is for people who just want to improve their skills and get outside in the winter with like-minded people. Either program would be tons of fun and a safe way to stay active during COVID-19.
Registration for both children’s and adult programs is now open online at Arrowhead Nordic Ski Club. Your registration automatically registers you as a member of the Arrowhead Nordic Ski Club, a $30 value. A pass to enter the park is also required and can be purchased at the park gate.
The Arrowhead Nordic Ski Club usually hosts a ski swap each fall, but this year it must be held virtually. Sell or find equipment to purchase here.
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