BRUDENELL – At the top of the Drohan Road in the village of Brudenell you will find 17 kilometres of scenic, carefully groomed cross country ski trails.
It is the home of the community powered Opeongo Hills Nordic Ski Club.
Paul Jorgensen, club founder and president is grateful to the five landowners that allow the club to carve trails across their land.
“We couldn’t exist without their generosity,” Jorgensen said.
The land owners have just allowed the creation of an extra two kilometres of trail to be created. The new trail is also a good out and back trail, Jorgensen said, “It will be good for people looking to avoid the steeper hills.”
A day pass is just $10 payable on an honour system at the car park, making the club very welcoming. Those who want to snowshoe along scenic groomed trails are also welcome for the same fee.
In the parking lot, there is a 17 feet diameter yurt with a wood burning stove that acts as a warming and socializing area. It is known as Diane’s Yurt in honour of Diane Brown and provides a place to change boots and meet people.
The Opeongo Hills Nordic Club is run by volunteers who clear and groom trails and organize events.
“We have new faces every year, which is phenomenal and we have our regular diehards who show up every year, no matter what,” Jorgensen said, of the club’s many volunteers.
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