Lots Happening at GNOAC!
Skiing! Paddling! Biking! And so much more!
Read on to hear about:
- Notes from the Burrow
- New Maps and a new Map App!
- Club Development and the Future Fund
- Jackrabbit registration is open
- Winter season memberships (skiing, snowshoeing and fat-biking) - Volunteering Survey and call for Volunteers
- Summer Paddling happenings
- Challenge the Shield Races - Registration is Open!
- The Sounder Ski Tour 2025 - Registration opens soon!
- 3 Christmas Gift ideas - You're welcome!
As always, check out our website for all things Georgian Nordic! https://gnoac.com/about-georgian-nordic/
See you on the trails!
And now, a word from our President!
Georgian Nordic - Feeling Proud
Before COVID, Georgian Nordic undertook a strategic planning session. It was that session that brought forward the impetus to fully embrace becoming a year round Outdoor Activity Centre as part of a reflection on the success of having bike trails. The pace of the club in terms of its development and change since is really quite remarkable. We have purchased new land, realigned the snowmobile trail, reconfigured trails and trail directions to bring renewed coherence to the trails system and now we have raised close to our $1 million capital campaign goal in a little under a year
The why and benefit of all this can’t be clearer than being at the trail head on a Saturday afternoon in the fall and witnessing trail traffic that rivals regular winter traffic. Seeing Parry Sound Bikes and their Thursday night group mountain bike rides or witnessing eight youth building small jumps on the same hill that ski-kids build jumps are fine reminders of the value of this facility for social gatherings. Challenge the Shield in its orienteering adventures, the Parry Sound High School Geo Venture activities, High School Cross Country Races, Parry Sound Forest School, Biosphere Mushroom Forays, and Bimaajitoon Search and Rescue practices are all excellent examples of the facility we aspired to become.
And yet, we are still, at a core, laser focused on providing high quality ski experiences. In just a few months of ownership, a new large tractor and excavator have allowed us to move dirt and level trails, improve drainage and widen some of the newer trails. Just tonight, we took delivery of a new Mueller Snow Tiller that will allow us to replace frozen track sets and groom skate zones in troubling weather conditions and provide the right equipment to host higher level ski races should we aspire to do so.
The new garage is 90% complete and the pavilion pad is poured and ready for construction. On top of all that, when all is said and done, the facility will be fully accessible with automatic door openers to the Chalet, Pavillion and Outdoor washroom with the rear deck being accessible off the grade of the stadium. Para Nordic athletes that attend races will now have appropriate facilities and our facilities will ensure a much more inclusive space.
This is a huge difference for our community and facility and there is a large thanks owed not only to our amazing funders, sponsors and donors but also to volunteers and current and past directors for having a clear vision and working hard toward it – thank you.
Greg
Some of our new equipment!
Things just became a whole lot easier!
Thank You!
A great big thank you to Georgian Nordic's generous Future Fund funders and sponsors! With grants from the Northern Ontario Heritage Foundation and the Federal Economic Development Agency, along with generous local sponsors,
we have been able to move forward with our Pavillion and Garage construction this fall! BUT, we aren't quite there yet. In order to fully complete our project, GNOAC is still looking to raise an additional $150,000 in our Future Fund over the next two years. Please consider joining these generous supporters. Have a look at our Future Fund page, share with friends who use the facility and consider making a donation today!
Getting Closer to our Vision!
It seems that every time you visit Georgian Nordic there's something new. New equipment, improved trails, walls have appeared, rocks have disappeared, the floor has been poured, a roof is up..... Here are some recent photos of the improvements in progress!
And here's our Goal!
Explore Georgian Nordic Trails with
New Maps and the Avenza App!
GNOAC has more than 60 km of combined ski, snowshoe, biking, and hiking trails and now thanks to new maps linked to the Avenza App they are easier to explore and navigate!
The Maps
If you prefer, PDF copies of the trail maps can be downloaded here. Choose between seven different maps:
Nordic Skiing Trails Map (includes all seven ski routes)
Nordic Green Route Map (detailed green route map incl. Bunny and Partridge trails)
Nordic Red Route Map (detailed red route map incl. Bunny, Short Otter and Bear trails)
Nordic Blue Route Map (detailed blue route map incl. Bunny, Lynx and JackRabbit trails)
Winter Trails Map (map for snowshoeing and fatbiking)
Summer Trails Map (map for large trail hiking and mountain biking)
Single Track Trail Map (map for single track mountain biking)
The App
GNOAC has linked our maps with the free Avenza App. Avenza allows you to download one or more of our trail maps and then uses the GPS in your phone to track where you are! This easy to use App is a must have, especially if you are new to our trails!
Step 1: Download the Avenza app onto your phone
Step 2: Create a free Avenza account.
Step 3: Scan QR code below to access GNOAC trail maps or use this link.
Step 4: Download free GNOAC trail maps.
Step 5: Use your phone's GPS to track where you are on map while on the trails.
Step 6: Enjoy and explore the GNOAC trails.
Notes from the Burrow
If you have been on-site this past summer and fall you will have noticed all the new developments that are taking shape in and around the Burrow. Needless to say – we are pretty darn excited! Georgian Nordic has been increasingly the go-to location for school field trips, race events, and even birthday parties this fall. The new facilities will be a wonderful enhancement while we strive to maintain our club's rich history (stay tuned for our vintage Jackrabbit display!).
Once we are fully open for the ski season you will also notice fresh paint inside the Burrow, new display boards, an expansion of our rental fleet (thanks to a big donation this summer from TrySport), new ski boot shelving and equipment organization systems and of course fluctuating table locations as we await the big move-in to the new Pavillion. We thank you for your patience.
Carol Double will be joining us again this winter but this time as our new Assistant Burrow Manager. Welcome Carol! Michele and Carol will both be on site sometime in December; joined by familiar (and some new) faces in the Burrow as soon as we have enough snow and consistent temps for grooming. Please come by and say hello!
If you are interested in working a shift or two a week at the Burrow front desk, we are looking for a few more part-time/casual Burrow Attendants. (Please contact Michele for more info! manager@georgiannordic.com)
NEW GNOAC Volunteerism Committee
We are looking for a few more members who would like to be part of a new committee to help increase volunteerism and member engagement at Georgian Nordic. We'd love you to join us. Time commitment is minimal but so important. Please contact Michele for more info! (manager@georgiannordic.com)
We'd Like To Hear From You!
Love walking, skiing, biking and running our trails? Enjoyed the Night Ski? Have you or a family member participated in a ski race or trail race? Appreciate the new signage? Happy that leaning tree has been cut down? These things don't just happen. Our Volunteers make them happen. In fact, almost every improvement and every event at Georgian Nordic has happened because of our amazing volunteers. There are always volunteer opportunities - big and small, short term and long term - at Georgian Nordic . Please complete our Volunteer Survey by clicking on the button below and let us know how and when we can perhaps call on you to help out.
Sounder Ski Tour 2025
The 2025 Sounder Ski Tour will be on Sunday January 12, 2025. You can ski a distance, you can ski for fitness, or you can ski to race. Participating in the Sounder Ski Tour allows you to join in with so many people who share a common interest in cross country skiing, fitness, and ski friends.The first start is at 10:30 am. There is food, music, friends, awards, door prices, and skiing! It is a “Ski Party”
Registration for the Sounder will be online on Zone4.ca. Registration will open on December 5th. Deadline to register is Thursday January 9th. You can also be part of the action by volunteering at the event. We need marshals, timers, parking attendants… Contact Ghislain Henry at ghislain_henry@yahoo.ca
Georgian Nordic's Jackrabbit Program
We’re thrilled to announce that The Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Center will once again be the home of the Jackrabbits ski program for the 2025 winter season and registration is open!
Jackrabbits introduces kids aged three to nine to the joy of cross-country skiing, and, depending upon enrolment and volunteer numbers, we can also offer programs for kids 10 to 14.
Skiers in the Jackrabbit program learn the basics in a fun atmosphere that includes games, treats, and scavenger hunts. Every week has a different theme, like the always-popular crazy hat day or snack attack!
Jackrabbit registration is currently open but closes on December 13th, however, Early Bird registration as well as lower Club membership costs end November 30th, so don’t delay signing up!
The Jackrabbit program runs every Saturday from January 4, 2025 to March 1, 2025 from 10am to 12pm.
To register your child for Jackrabbits follow the links on the Georgian Nordic webpage:
We are also always looking for VOLUNTEERS. If you are interested in helping out in any way (coaching, being in charge of hot chocolate, volunteer coordinating, etc) please email gnsccjackrabbit@gmail.com.
Christmas Gift Idea #1
Two options for Gifting with GNOAC. 1) Consider gifting that someone special a Gift Card for Georgian Nordic - they can use it towards a membership, a day pass, equipment rentals or GNOAC clothing! Contact Michele at: info@georigannordic.com for more information. 2) Consider making a donation on behalf of yourself or a loved one! Donations of all amounts are appreciated and will support our goals to build the pavilion and the garage, purchase and maintain equipment, as well as trail improvements. Donate today or as a gift for someone!
Christmas Gift Idea #2
GNOAC technical clothing is available - jackets, vests, tights, ski pants, hats and buffs! Drop us a line pre-season to inquire and for sizing - the sooner the better in case we need to submit another order! Contact Michele: manager@georgiannordic.com
Christmas Gift Idea #3
Want to Ski? Want to Snowshoe? Want to Fatbike?
Get the membership that suits your activities! (Early Membership Fees apply until November 30th).
Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre is a not-for-profit organization. All membership revenues and day use fees support our club with every dollar going into overhead, insurance, events, junior ski programs, equipment, and trail maintenance/development, so we greatly appreciate your support! We are continually adding more trails to the network and work hard to plan and pre position materials for our trail-enhancement projects.
Thank you for your support! Visit our website and purchase your membership today!
https://gnoac.com/gnoac-membership/
Paddling with Georgian Nordic
As the paddling season winds down and we pack away our boats, paddles, and gear, it's time to welcome the crisp days of winter. Now, we turn to skis and snowshoes, embracing the changing season with open arms. For paddlers, cross-training isn't just a necessity - it's a powerful advantage. The strength, endurance, and technique honed on the water make the transition to snow seamless.
Coach Gord Cole: A Leader on the Water
Few embody the spirit of paddling like Coach Gord Cole. With a lifetime of paddling experience - from exploring remote waterways to competing in countless races - his passion is both infectious and inspiring. Whether paddling recreationally with his wife, Nicki, or mentoring others, Gord motivates us all to pick up a paddle and explore. His dedication and leadership are the backbone of the Georgian Nordic Paddling Club (GNP), ensuring our community continues to grow and thrive.
Audra's Marathon Success and World Championship Adventures – Read more here
Ewan: Paddler and Skier in the Making – Read more here Philip: A New Member Making Waves – Read more here
Parry Sound 50: A Celebration of Paddling – Read more here
Check out our page on the Georgian Nordic website: https://gnoac.com/paddling/ You can also follow us on FaceBook and on Instagram
Challenge the Shield
Challenge the Shield Adventure Running and Adventure Racing are returning to Georgian Nordic in 2025!
What’s an Adventure Race you ask?
It’s a team-based challenge that includes paddling, mountain biking, and trekking. Popularized by the recent Mark Wahlberg and Simu Liu movie "Arthur the King", Adventure Racing blends teamwork, the great outdoors, and an exhilarating day of exploration. Two opportunities to either participate or volunteer in adventure running and racing will be available in 2025 in the Parry Sound region through the Challenge the Shield series!
May 4th - Challenge the Shield Adventure Run. Choose between a 3-hour or 6- hour option. This event is all on foot. Running, trekking, and orienteering.
September 7th - Challenge the Shield 6-hour Adventure Race. This is the perfect entry-level introduction to adventure racing with paddling, mountain biking, trekking and an optional swim run.
Registration is open for both events and entry is limited to 80 teams of 2. Both of these races sold out in 2024, so we advise registering early! GNOAC members can use the GNOAC50 code for 50% off the entry fee.
Visit: ChallengeTheShield.ca for more information on these events. Interested in Volunteering for either of these races or becoming a Sponsor? E-mail: ChallengeTheShield365@gmail.com
Skiing! Paddling! Biking! Simply Having Fun!
Come on out to the GNOAC in winter, spring, summer or fall! Bring your friends and family, get outdoors and try something new!
Beaver Tales Newsletter
Produced by: Starr Waddington
Edited by: Starr Waddington
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