Winter is here again on the prairies. Whether you grew up here, or are experiencing an Alberta winter for the first time, enjoy time outdoors by going cross country skiing!
The Augustana Library, in partnership with Augustana Campus Recreation, is home to the Dr. Garry & Dorothy Gibson Nordic Ski Library. The ski library consists of 20 full sets of equipment, plus additional poles and boots. Anyone with a UAlberta ONEcard – students, staff, faculty and alumni – can borrow the equipment for 72 hour loan periods.
Augustana Campus is fortunate to be on the edge of 16 km of groomed cross country ski trails in Camrose. The Stoney Creek Valley Trails are maintained by the Camrose Ski Club, and its northernmost point is less than a block away from Augustana Campus. So you don’t need a vehicle to drive to trails – just pick up equipment and walk outside to begin. If you want to learn how to cross country ski, Augustana Campus Rec offers Learn-to-Ski sessions and Social Ski Meet-ups. Details can be found on the Campus Rec website, and their Instagram page.
If you decide to make the one hour drive from Edmonton to take advantage of Camrose’s trails and the Nordic Ski Library, please check the Augustana Library hours before coming. Ski equipment must be returned during library opening hours. You may also want to call ahead to confirm that your size is available.
In addition to cross country skis, the Augustana Library has snowshoes, hockey skates, and hockey helmets available to borrow. So when you’re not in the library studying, borrow some gear and get active this winter!