Cross-Country Skiing and the Annual Cariboo Nordic Marathon

Duration: 7 days, 6 nights
Dates: January 29- February 4, 2007
Locations: Vancouver and 108 Mile House
Skill Level: Moderate. Must be 55+ or considering retirement.
Capacity: 30 Seats Minimum: 17 Seats
Cost: Coming soon

To Register


Contact Elderhostel at 1-800-454-5768 and quote program #14458.

Description


From Vancouver, we travel to the Cariboo Region on BC’s Interior Plateau, the Nordic Ski Capital of the Canadian West. Reliable depths of dry snow on 150 kilometres of groomed, single and multi-tracked trails that wind through the 108 Mile Resort areas offer a splendid arena for new and experienced skiers. And, the ultimate event is the Annual Classic Nordic Marathon where skiers choose to participate in 10, 20, 30 or 50 km events. Join us and learn classical and skate styles in daily workshops from friendly, professional local ski instructors. Choose your ski equipment and learn about the types and styles of Nordic gear available, how to personalize the fit and the required maintenance. Then practice over gently rolling topography. Instructors ski with us and offer advice and suggestions to help beginner and experienced skiers perfect technique and develop a smooth, clean style. Register for the marathon distance of your choice and ski on multi-tracked trails to complete the course at your pace.

This program is designed for new and experienced skiers. Instructors demonstrate and discuss techniques, observe and assess skier’s abilities and offer individual assistance and advice. Ski at a non-competitive pace. Trails were chosen to offer extra loops for those who wish a challenge. Please have a medical check-up before attending this program. You will be required to sign a waiver. If you can walk easily, you can ski.


General Information

Start Location: Vancouver
End Location: Vancouver
Accomodations: Ramada Metrotown , 108 Resort
Required Equipment: Winter clothing. Skiing clothing. Gear is optional.
Required Skills: Basic cross-country skiing.
Required Documents: Passport AND photo ID and birth certificate (proof of citizenship) required for entry into Canada and reentry into the USA.
Required Inoculations:
Packing List: Bring comfortable walking/winter shoes and winter clothing
Luggage Limits: Please pack carefully as you are expected to handle your own luggage. We suggest that you use luggage with wheels. Laundry facilities located in or close to our hotels are available to refresh clothing and minimize bulky luggage.

Special Needs Information

Handicapped Rooms : Not available.
Ground Floor Rooms: Available upon request.
Elevators: Yes.
Walking Distances: Skiing distances vary.
Elevation: Variable.

General Itinerary


Independent arrivals City of Vancouver hotel, 1 night; 108 Resort, 5 nights; Independent departures from City of Vancouver.


Schedule

Day 1:

Independent arrival – Vancouver
Welcome, Program Orientation, Overnight

Day 2: Coach to 108 Resort
Field Stop: Drive through Hope & view carvings (washroom stop at info centre)
Field Stop: View of Hell’s Gate & Fraser Canyon
Lunch & Rest Stop at Lytton
Rest Stop: Horstings Farm or The Chasm
Check-in 108 Resort
Welcome to “100 Mile Nordics” Cariboo Marathon – Information & Requirements – Barrie Bolton
Dinner at the Resort (in meeting room after Welcome)
Evening: Gunners Ski Shop – Issue Ski Equipment
Optional: Ski on 99 Trails – lights to 9pm
Day 3: Breakfast at resort
AM Lecture: “Gear – Personalizing the Fit”
AM Lecture: “Care of Gear & Equipment”
Lunch at Resort
PM Field Trip: Let’s Go Ski! – Coach to 108 Trailhead - #2 & 1 or #10
Skills Evaluation – Group divided into new & experienced skiers - Barrie Bolton & guide
Dinner at Resort
Evening Lecture/Slide Show: “Gold Rush, Ranching & Recreation”

Day 4: Breakfast at resort
Coach to Trail Head – 99 Lodge
Ski Lecture: “Classic” Ski Techniques – skilled and novice groups
Pack Lunch
Let’s Go Ski! – 99 Lodge Trails – Barrie Bolton & guide
Dinner at the Resort
Free Evening: Enjoy Resort amenities – heated outdoor pool; sauna & whirlpool; fitness centre.
Day 5: Breakfast at resort
AM - Coach to Trail Head
Ski Lecture: “Skating” Ski Techniques – skilled and novice groups
Pack Lunch
Finish at 99 Mile Nordic Lodge & Register for tomorrows Marathon
Dinner at the Resort
Free Evening: Enjoy Resort amenities – heated outdoor pool; sauna & whirlpool; fitness centre.
Day 6: Breakfast at the resort
Coach to Start Location
Report to 10k – 20k or 30k (participant’s choice) registration booth & receive Race Number
9am - Line up and ski to finish line
Lunch served at 99 Lodge - Marathon
Afternoon – watch Marathon – Cheer our group!
Return to hotel for a swim in the pool
Dinner at resort
Evening: Wine & Cheese, Awards Presentation – Dance!
Day 7: Check-out & Coach to Vancouver
1pm drop off at Vancouver Airport
2pm drop off at Vancouver Hotel