Glenmore Cross Country Ski Trail Grooming Machine

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:48

I am sure that everyone interested in the future of cross country skiing in this Country will be delighted to learn that Bill Wilson, owner of the Glenmore Shop, Cafe and Ski School has taken the decision to make a huge contribution to the development of the sport in our area by purchasing a Bombardier Cross Country Trail Grooming Machine.  The machine will be sited at the Glenmore Shop and will be used to prepare trails agreed with the Forestry Commission around Glenmore.  This includes trails between the Shop and Badaguish as well as those in the forest above Loch Morlich.

This really is a very exciting development for our sport and it has the potential to revolutionise the quality of the cross country ski experience in our area, to the benefit of local enthusiasts, visitors, businesses and Clubs alike.  I have already met with Bill to express our enthusiasm for his project and to asure him of our support and willingnes to work with him in taking the project forward.  We have discussed a number of issues including funding, direct support for the grooming work and the possibility of running races on the new trails.  Bill has opened a website for anyone interested in watching the development of the project which can be seen by clicking on HERE.

Last winter saw some of the very best snow conditions for many years and yet at times the trails were too deep for enjoyable skiing, as any of us forced to plough our way along them will happily testify.  All being well we could now be looking forward to skiing on properly groomed trails around Glenmore to compare with those so familiar to anyone used to the delights of skiing in Scandinavia and other areas where the sport is popular.  We wish Bill every succes with his new venture and asure him of our willingness to support him as he takes this wonderful project forwards.

CBNSC SUMMER CAMP 2010

Sun, 15 Aug 2010 16:53

Well we really did manage to run our annual Summer Rollerski Camp once again in spite of some awful weather conditions at times and a Head Coach suffering from a Cold!  Well done to all who were able to take part.  You stuck at it well throughout and showed great spirit and enthuiasm when many others might well have been put off.  Ours is not a region nor a sport in which we can ever be guaranteed perfect weather conditions and it was terrific to see such a positive approach from everyone involved in the face of the challenges encountered.

The result was clear to see with everyone showing real improvement in technique and fitness as we now move forward to another winter season.  That in itself should be one of great interest as our Juniors continue to develop and become ever more promising Biathletes.  Two Club members have already been selected to represent Great Britain as Biathletes at the European Youth Olympics in the Czech Republic next February and we also hope to see others taking part in other training and events at home and abroad.  Scott Dixon also recently spent a week in London training with other promising athletes from different sports as a part of a British Olympic Association 'Generation 2018' Initiative.  Scott enjoyed this enormously and is already encouraging other younger members to work towards similar goals in the future.

Last week however it was back down to Earth with a Programme of activities that included, Shooting (Live firing and dry drills), rollerskiing on the track and up the Cairngorm Ski Road, Running, Video Analysis, Gym Training, Mountain Biking, a walk/jog with ski poles from Glenmore Lodge to the Cairngorm Car Park or beyond, with some making it to the Middle Station and others to the top of the Gun Barrel and three to the summit!  On the Final Day there was a 10 Lap Time Trial in very wet conditons producing some really excellent results, all rounded off with an afternoon kayaking on Loch Morlich, inevitably ending up in the water.  Quite a week!

Condition of the Cairngorm Ski Road

Thu, 5 Aug 2010 3:11

The Highland Nordic 'Cairngorm classic' rollerski race is scheduled to take place on Sunday 12th September. The event is also designated as the Scottish Rollerski Championship for 2010.  Highland Nordic Ski Club have now posted the following information on their website concerning the race:   Part of the course (from Glenmore to above the Sugar Bowl) has been resurfaced. There are fewer loose stones and potholes but the surface is slower than previous races. We still plan to run the races over the same courses. (July 2010)  

We have also skied the course ourselves on a number of occasions recently and whilst it is certainly not as smooth as we would have liked, it is skiable with a better line beginning to develop where car tyres have been driving.  Skate technique can still be practised above the Cire na Ciste turn-off but below this it is still best to stick to classic technique with barrel wheeled rollerskis or similar.

If you are out training independently please do be aware that the Ski Road is often very busy at this time of year with tourists and other visitors who may not be accustomed to the sight of rollerskiers on the road.  Try to choose a quiet time for your training and preferably please do wear a High-Visibility jacket and helmet.  It is also useful to have a support vehicle in attendance to provide additional safety cover for you.