The city of Airdrie has announced that a kilometre-long cross-country ski loop at Chinook Winds Regional Park is now open. The city cited that due to the recent snowfall, the track has been able to be set. 

Mayor Peter Brown said that this new amenity will not only help residents stay active but will also have a long-term positive impact on the community

“This initiative helps activate our existing city spaces and could potentially benefit our future sport tourism opportunities," he said. 

On June 22, 2021, Council endorsed the use of the legacy funds from the 2020 Alberta Winter Games to start an Airdrie Sport Council and develop a cross-country ski loop in partnership with the City.

The Airdrie Sport Council purchased cross-country ski equipment using $18,222.94 of legacy funds from the 2020 Alberta Winter Games and a $15,677 Community Initiatives Program grant from the provincial government. Legacy funding is a surplus from the games that includes funds raised from the community and public funds from the City and Province.

Grant Erickson, Chair of the Airdrie Sport Council said the goal was to increase opportunities for the community to come together through sport and facilitate growth in sport participation. 

“This really is the leading initiative to grow the sport in Airdrie that will be followed up by the upcoming formation of the Airdrie Nordic Club."

The Cross-country trail is open to the public from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day. Residents are urged to check the trail status for updates on the conditions of the trail.

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