Improvements are on the way to the hiking and nordic ski trail system at Nipissing University.
A $50,000 donation from the post-secondary school’s Alumni Advisory Board is also going towards setting up sustainable solutions to lengthen the cross-country ski season.
The work will include enhanced maintenance of the trails, upgraded trailhead and advanced signage.
Upgrades also include solar-powered lighting, a propane furnace and ventilation in the ski waxing trailer so it can also be used as a warming centre.
“The Nipissing University Alumni Advisory Board is pleased to be able to contribute funds towards the improvements of the campus trails at Nipissing University,” said NUAAB President, Lisa Snider. “The multi-use campus trails bring together current students, alumni and the North Bay community by providing the opportunity to get outside, be active and explore our beautiful surroundings. We hope that NUAAB’s donation will support necessary enhancements and improvements that will allow current and future generations to enjoy the campus trails for years to come.”
The trail system offers students and the community the opportunity to explore 20 kilometres of trails ranging in difficulty, including 5 km of groomed trails.
“The donation has impacted the Nipissing Lakers Nordic Ski Team by lengthening our on-snow season. Significant work done on drainage and trail bed surfacing means that our varsity student-athletes can get on snow earlier in the season, and keep skiing later,” said Dr. Toivo Koivukoski, Associate Professor and Nordic Cross Country Ski Coach. “The campus trails give a decisive advantage to our Nipissing Lakers Nordic Ski Team and the upgrades will improve our future chances of winning bids to host ski races and events on the trails.”
Maps of the campus trail system can be viewed here.