Snowshoe club ready to welcome new members
Though the prairie weather has been more unpredictable than ever this winter season, the Winnipeg Beach Snowshoe Club managed to start off the new year right when 21 participants went out for their first adventure of the season on Jan. 21.
“It was such a beautiful day, sunny and warm,” said Pat Nuspl, creator and enthusiast of the group, which she and her husband, Ron Nuspl, founded during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
The couple had been looking for an activity that was safe and still brought the community together.
The snowshoeing group became something that anyone could participate in, including people of various ages, experience levels and familiarity with the area.
“We welcome anyone that wants to give it a try. Anyone can do it immediately and not feel left behind,” Nuspl said.
There is, however, ideal weather for snowshoeing.
“We were waiting for snow patiently,” Nuspl said. “We only realized we had enough snow a week ago.”
This left them with not much time to prepare, but they were determined to get the season started, seeing as they can often start in December or even November, some years.
Though a sticky layer of snow on the ground may be just right for a rousing snowball fight with friends, or the creation of a happy-looking snowman for the front yard, snowshoers prefer fresh, fluffy snow. If the weather is too cold, it is not pleasant for the party, and if the weather gets warmer than -15 C, snow will stick to the shoes.
“We don’t know what kind of season we’re going to have,” Nuspl said in response to the temperature fluctuating between frigid winter lows and spring-like highs.
Luckily, the wind off the lake tends to blow snow onto old tracks and make the trail a bit nicer, she said.
The group ventures out every Sunday at 1 p.m. through the Winnipeg Beach Provincial Park, if the weather permits.
Their walk lasts for about an hour, but the route is designed so that anyone can shorten the trek for themselves if they need to. As time goes on, people tend to get more conditioned and go a bit longer.
“It’s kind of a come and go club,” Nuspl said. “Every year we get a few more people coming out on a regular basis.”
Snowshoes are available to borrow at no cost as long as participants notify the club ahead of time. The group meets in Winnipeg Beach at the far south end of Main Street, past the Provincial Park office and sign, at the campground entrance. Anyone with an interest in having a laid-back, snowy adventure can contact Pat Nuspl at (204)-389-2303, sandyhooksoap@gmail.com, or visit the Winnipeg Beach Snowshoe Club Facebook page.
By Staff
