President's message
It is a great pleasure for me to address you all as the new president of your club.
I would like to thank Doug Bowes-Lyon for his four years of stellar service as president. He built a strong board and coordinator structure, which with your help, I will continue. Doug maintains his key responsibilities of facilities management, fall trail clearing and winter trail grooming. He continues as a director and mentor to me.
The management of Viking is very much a team effort. We have a board of directors of ten people, and at least fourteen coordinators. I am pleased to welcome back all of last season's directors as well as Richard L'Heureux, who returns after a short absence. Richard is our new vice-president. I also welcome new directors, Jerry Drouin and Jean-Pierre Girard.
Of course we are all volunteers, and that’s how Viking operates. Whether you host, work at Loppet or the new Viking Challenge Trail Race, trail clear, assist at the programs, or whatever, your efforts are essential to the functioning of the club. Viking depends on its volunteers, so send in your membership renewals now, and complete the volunteering section.
I hope you have noticed that we have been putting news and information on our website as soon as it happens. I urge you all to monitor the "What's happening at Viking" page, (the home page which follows the “Welcome” page.) Please send a message to [email protected] if you have any ideas, concerns, requests or information. These emails come directly to me, and I forward them to the people responsible.
This is the first 'electronic only' edition of the newsletter, a controversial move, and I welcome your comments. The single predominant factor in this change was cost - printing, materials and postage. You will also note that the membership and program fees have been increased slightly. This extra income, together with the savings from the newsletter, will allow us to build up a reserve for the future replacement of our trail grooming equipment,
I would like to thank Doug Bowes-Lyon for his four years of stellar service as president. He built a strong board and coordinator structure, which with your help, I will continue. Doug maintains his key responsibilities of facilities management, fall trail clearing and winter trail grooming. He continues as a director and mentor to me.
The management of Viking is very much a team effort. We have a board of directors of ten people, and at least fourteen coordinators. I am pleased to welcome back all of last season's directors as well as Richard L'Heureux, who returns after a short absence. Richard is our new vice-president. I also welcome new directors, Jerry Drouin and Jean-Pierre Girard.
Of course we are all volunteers, and that’s how Viking operates. Whether you host, work at Loppet or the new Viking Challenge Trail Race, trail clear, assist at the programs, or whatever, your efforts are essential to the functioning of the club. Viking depends on its volunteers, so send in your membership renewals now, and complete the volunteering section.
I hope you have noticed that we have been putting news and information on our website as soon as it happens. I urge you all to monitor the "What's happening at Viking" page, (the home page which follows the “Welcome” page.) Please send a message to [email protected] if you have any ideas, concerns, requests or information. These emails come directly to me, and I forward them to the people responsible.
This is the first 'electronic only' edition of the newsletter, a controversial move, and I welcome your comments. The single predominant factor in this change was cost - printing, materials and postage. You will also note that the membership and program fees have been increased slightly. This extra income, together with the savings from the newsletter, will allow us to build up a reserve for the future replacement of our trail grooming equipment,
After two seasons of insufficient snow, the law of averages dictates that we are due for a very good winter.
Sincerely,
Gordon Cohen
Sincerely,
Gordon Cohen
A new platform, a new functioning
by Loïc Bellemare-Alford (e-newsletter editor)
The transition to a digital platform brings new features such as photo galleries, videos, and ease of use. But to enjoy this experience, you need to know how it works. So here are some tips that will may help you.
If any member is not comfortable with this electronic newsletter, and cannot download the PDF version, please write to [email protected] and we’ll mail you a hard copy in English or French.
Internet browsers
Before going any further, it is important to advise you that this newsletter has been optimized for use with Google Chrome. It should not however create any problems when viewed on Safari or Firefox.
The e-newsletter was developed with Google Chrome browser since it makes its updates automatically what keeps it at the cutting edge of technology. In addition it is completely free! You can download it here.
How It Works
The operation of the newsletter is very simple. Once you have opened the electronic newsletter, you can navigate through the menu named "e-Newsletter Articles". You can also use the buttons at the top of the page called "Previous" and "Next" to move from one page to another.
The menu
We know it can be frustrating to have to navigate through all the pages to find the article you want. To avoid such frustrations, we have a menu that allows you to quickly get to the article you are interested in. To use it, simply click on "e-Newsletter Articles" at the top of the page and select the article. We also offer separate versions in French and English to avoid page clutter.
Additional functions in the newsletter
In the top left-hand side (blue box), there is an option to download the newsletter in PDF format and it is possible to change the language.
If any member is not comfortable with this electronic newsletter, and cannot download the PDF version, please write to [email protected] and we’ll mail you a hard copy in English or French.
Internet browsers
Before going any further, it is important to advise you that this newsletter has been optimized for use with Google Chrome. It should not however create any problems when viewed on Safari or Firefox.
The e-newsletter was developed with Google Chrome browser since it makes its updates automatically what keeps it at the cutting edge of technology. In addition it is completely free! You can download it here.
How It Works
The operation of the newsletter is very simple. Once you have opened the electronic newsletter, you can navigate through the menu named "e-Newsletter Articles". You can also use the buttons at the top of the page called "Previous" and "Next" to move from one page to another.
The menu
We know it can be frustrating to have to navigate through all the pages to find the article you want. To avoid such frustrations, we have a menu that allows you to quickly get to the article you are interested in. To use it, simply click on "e-Newsletter Articles" at the top of the page and select the article. We also offer separate versions in French and English to avoid page clutter.
Additional functions in the newsletter
In the top left-hand side (blue box), there is an option to download the newsletter in PDF format and it is possible to change the language.
The pictures, photo galleries and videos
To ensure quick page loading, photo images appear in miniature. However you can click on a picture of interest and see it instantly appear in a larger format.
Photo galleries and videos are also available through the newsletter. Most of the photo galleries start automatically but it is possible to stop them at any time and move forward or backward through the images. To show theses features, simply pass your mouse over the images. Several images also have links to the site where they were taken.
Quick navigation and page loadings
Realizing that not all e-newsletter readers necessarily enjoy access to high speed Internet connections, the e-newsletter pages have been optimized for the most rapid download possible.
Sharing is easy!
If you wish to share The Viking e-newsletter with others, simply go to the bottom left-hand corner where there are Addthis buttons for conveying to other numerous other commonly shared digital platforms.
Much more than just sharing!
Beside sharing the e-newletter, the Addthis buttons allow you to print the page, bookmark it, translate and more. To show utilize these features, just click on the orange icon with a "+" white.
We are also mobile
For those who want to view the newsletter on their mobile phones or tablets, it is possible to visit the vikingmobile.weebly.com/#page32 for an interface adapted to this type of display. This page will allow you to download a PDF version of the newsletter and to keep with you and read it no matter where you are.
If you own an Ipad with ios5 you can view the newsletter on the normal site. If you own another tablet, we recommend that you use the mobile version.
Comments, suggestions and errors
Just as our President said in his message, your comments are very important to us and so we have a button to the right of the e-newsletter named "Comments". This button can be used to send us your comments, suggestions, or advise of any errors. This comment feedback feature allows you to submit a comment and then to come back immediately to where you left off reading.
Just as our President said in his message, your comments are very important to us and so we have a button to the right of the e-newsletter named "Comments". This button can be used to send us your comments, suggestions, or advise of any errors. This comment feedback feature allows you to submit a comment and then to come back immediately to where you left off reading.
Calendar of Events
|
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Saturday, January 7, 2012 Saturday, January 7, 2012 Sunday, January 8, 2012 Sunday, January 8, 2012 Saturday, February 4, 2012 Sunday, February 5th, 2012 Saturday/Sunday, February 11/12, 2012 Friday-Sunday, February 17-19, 2012 Sunday, February 26, 2012 |
Start of informal Thursday tours
Start of family Bunnyrabbit, Jackrabbit and Challenge programs Start of formal Saturday tours Start of adult Basic and Intermediate ski courses New Members Orientation Day Club Social & Dinner Viking hosts tours for the Beavertails Nordic Ski Club Canadian Ski Marathon Gatineau Loppet Morin-Heights/Viking Ski Loppet |
Hosting
Audrey Speck has agreed to serve again as our Hosting Coordinator. Please send her your preferred dates before someone else grabs them: [email protected]. No emails to Audrey until November 24th please. Before that date please send your hosting requests to [email protected]
What is the hosting program?
• 55 slots available
• Hosting involves opening and closing the club on a Saturday or Sundaythroughout the ski season, clearing snow off the walkway and balcony, directing traffic on Saturday mornings, welcoming visitors, selling day passes.
• We need four hosts on program Saturdays, and two on other weekend days from Christmas until the end of March.
Credit: 1 volunteering day
• Hosting involves opening and closing the club on a Saturday or Sundaythroughout the ski season, clearing snow off the walkway and balcony, directing traffic on Saturday mornings, welcoming visitors, selling day passes.
• We need four hosts on program Saturdays, and two on other weekend days from Christmas until the end of March.
Credit: 1 volunteering day
Touring
Crédit photo: Yves Kéroack
I am currently working on our touring program. Again we shall try to run a new tour on the Lac Pilon trails, near Esterel, probably on a Thursday, courtesy of friends of the Makkonens. I also hope to run backcountry tours at Plein air de Ste-Agathe-des-Monts, and on the Morin-Heights trails in the northern sector of the municipality (Viking West trail etc.) again probably on a Thursday.
I would appreciate some suggestions about our spring weekend "away". Although the Mt.Tremblant trips have been very successful, it may be time for a change. I eagerly await your replies.
If anyone would like to host a new tour, or be added to my weekly email bulletin, please let me know: [email protected].
I would appreciate some suggestions about our spring weekend "away". Although the Mt.Tremblant trips have been very successful, it may be time for a change. I eagerly await your replies.
If anyone would like to host a new tour, or be added to my weekly email bulletin, please let me know: [email protected].
Ski lessons for adults : a new approach for 2012
by Richard L’Heureux
This winter, for the fourth year since 2009, Viking Ski Club will offer ski lesson programs for its adult members. These lessons help skiers of all ages to ski with more ease on longer distances in all kinds of conditions.
Past years’ experience has shown that there can sometimes be much difference in the skiers’ level of experience, so it might be justified to tailor our programs accordingly.
Therefore, for this season, a first program will offer less experienced skiers an initiation to classic techniques: diagonal stride, double pole, one step double pole, uphill diagonal stride, herringbone technique, snowplow braking, snowplow turn.
After completing the program, skiers should be able to complete a 5 kilometres tour with ease.
The second program is for skiers of intermediate level who have already mastered the classic techniques but want to improve their skiing abilities. The program will review those classical techniques and help skiers to be more effective; it also includes an initiation to free skate skiing techniques. After completion of the program skiers should be able to complete a 15 – 20 kilometres tour with ease.
Programs of three lessons allow skiers to master the techniques taught. Each program is offered at a very competitive price of $75.
Individual lessons are also offered to skiers more oriented towards competition.
Ski lessons are given by qualified instructors, members of the Canadian Association of Nordic Ski Instructors (CANSI). Lessons start on January 8, 2012.
Viking Ski club also offers group training sessions to performance skiers preparing for the Canadian Ski Marathon or other competitions.
Past years’ experience has shown that there can sometimes be much difference in the skiers’ level of experience, so it might be justified to tailor our programs accordingly.
Therefore, for this season, a first program will offer less experienced skiers an initiation to classic techniques: diagonal stride, double pole, one step double pole, uphill diagonal stride, herringbone technique, snowplow braking, snowplow turn.
After completing the program, skiers should be able to complete a 5 kilometres tour with ease.
The second program is for skiers of intermediate level who have already mastered the classic techniques but want to improve their skiing abilities. The program will review those classical techniques and help skiers to be more effective; it also includes an initiation to free skate skiing techniques. After completion of the program skiers should be able to complete a 15 – 20 kilometres tour with ease.
Programs of three lessons allow skiers to master the techniques taught. Each program is offered at a very competitive price of $75.
Individual lessons are also offered to skiers more oriented towards competition.
Ski lessons are given by qualified instructors, members of the Canadian Association of Nordic Ski Instructors (CANSI). Lessons start on January 8, 2012.
Viking Ski club also offers group training sessions to performance skiers preparing for the Canadian Ski Marathon or other competitions.
Programs
by Benita Stoyel
Photo credit: Yves Kéroack
This year the Program Coordinators from last year are back to continue building on what they have established in recent years; Carol Fiedler for Challenge, Elisa Rietzschel for biathlon and Isabel Sigouin for the Bunny and Jackrabbit programs.
The Challenge and Rabbit programs will be run similarly to previous years with the coordinators currently working on defining exact program and activity details for the season. Please see Carol's article on her plans for Challenge.
The biathlon program is still very much a work in progress. Whether the program will be held on a Saturday or Sunday will depend on the availability of the rifles the club has to rent. Let's hope that next year the club will have sufficient of its own equipment to be autonomous, including targets, stands, rifle carrying cases and storage lockers.
Jerry Drouin has joined the club's board of directors to work on the more significant issues facing the evolving biathlon program. In particular, this year the club is looking to raise funds necessary for the purchase of at least two more rifles to add to the two the club purchased last year. The program needs a minimum of 6 rifles, to be autonomous and offer quality programs. In order to raise these funds, Jerry and his family have been working VERY hard to set up the "Viking Challenge Cross Country Run" to be held on November 5. This run is a resurrection of a fund raising cross country run that the club used to have called the "Autumn Run". The work behind this run cannot be understated. From getting sponsors, medals, walking the course and identifying unacceptable obstacles, working on posters, hanging up posters, setting up a FaceBook for the run, sending out municipal notices and notices to clubs, schools and the list goes on… We are really hoping that this event will continue to be a club fund raiser for years to come so please come out and support us.
Other areas that Jerry has been working on are the setting up of storage lockers in Skip's hut and some needed repairs to the hut and to bridges on the racing trails. Relocation of the biathlon shooting range is also in the works.
The Challenge and Rabbit programs will be run similarly to previous years with the coordinators currently working on defining exact program and activity details for the season. Please see Carol's article on her plans for Challenge.
The biathlon program is still very much a work in progress. Whether the program will be held on a Saturday or Sunday will depend on the availability of the rifles the club has to rent. Let's hope that next year the club will have sufficient of its own equipment to be autonomous, including targets, stands, rifle carrying cases and storage lockers.
Jerry Drouin has joined the club's board of directors to work on the more significant issues facing the evolving biathlon program. In particular, this year the club is looking to raise funds necessary for the purchase of at least two more rifles to add to the two the club purchased last year. The program needs a minimum of 6 rifles, to be autonomous and offer quality programs. In order to raise these funds, Jerry and his family have been working VERY hard to set up the "Viking Challenge Cross Country Run" to be held on November 5. This run is a resurrection of a fund raising cross country run that the club used to have called the "Autumn Run". The work behind this run cannot be understated. From getting sponsors, medals, walking the course and identifying unacceptable obstacles, working on posters, hanging up posters, setting up a FaceBook for the run, sending out municipal notices and notices to clubs, schools and the list goes on… We are really hoping that this event will continue to be a club fund raiser for years to come so please come out and support us.
Other areas that Jerry has been working on are the setting up of storage lockers in Skip's hut and some needed repairs to the hut and to bridges on the racing trails. Relocation of the biathlon shooting range is also in the works.
The Challenge Program’s Extreme Team
by Carol Fiedler
Photo credit: Yves Kéroack
Attention young skiers, aged 12-17, in search of adventure and fun: the Challenge Program’s Extreme Team may be for you. Once again this season, instructor Rick Nesbitt will be leading a group of adolescent skiers who are eager to challenge themselves with long skis on various terrains. This five hour class will focus on refining ski skills while seeking adventure. As Rick puts it, the goal is, “to extract the most out of winter: the most trails, the most terrain, the most air, the most fun.”
The class will be held on Saturdays, during the Viking ski season, from 10:00 to 3:00, with a one hour break for lunch, often enjoyed on the trails.
The cost of the program is $220 if registered prior to December 1st, $240 thereafter. For more information, consult the Viking website, or contact the program coordinator, Carol Fiedler, 514-481-0101, [email protected].
The class will be held on Saturdays, during the Viking ski season, from 10:00 to 3:00, with a one hour break for lunch, often enjoyed on the trails.
The cost of the program is $220 if registered prior to December 1st, $240 thereafter. For more information, consult the Viking website, or contact the program coordinator, Carol Fiedler, 514-481-0101, [email protected].