Training at New Zealand Snow Farm’ by para athlete Natalie Wilkie

This summer I had the amazing opportunity to travel to New Zealand for two weeks of summer skiing with the National Para Nordic Ski Team. We stayed at the Snow Farm where we could literally ski out right from our door, on skis already waxed by the techs and ready to go. The ski trails were awesome, and especially on clear days, when the views were incredible. The skiing was absolutely gorgeous when you could see the hills of snow and mountains all around.

The trails were groomed daily and the temperature usually wavered around zero, which made for some great rub ski conditions and no Klister! I had many productive technique sessions with my very capable coaches, alongside teammates who helped turn the snowy bad-wax days into fun.

I skied every morning and most afternoons, usually logging between 3-4 hours every day.

The Snow Farm lodge was very nice to stay at. We woke up every morning to a beautiful sunrise, ate breakfast, then headed outside to hit the ski trails. We even had a jacuzzi tub in our bathroom.

The food we ate at the lodge buffet was delicious. There was a chef who cooked us three meals every day, and it was all so good that I always left feeling like I'd eaten way too much.

We shared the trails with teams of dog sledders, and one of the highlights of the trip was visiting with all the energetic sled dogs after they had finished for the day.

I was so sad when it was time to go home but I was excited to jump back into summer again. All in all, it was a beautiful trip that I think back to often. I can't wait to return next year!

Natalie Wilke
Larch Hills Nordic Society
National/BC Para Nordic Team

2019 World Para Nordic Skiing Championships
Caledonia Nordic Centre, Prince George BC
February 15-24, 2019
https://www.caledonianordic.com/events/2019-world-para-nordic-skiing-championships

..