A dedicated group of volunteers are providing a valuable gift to local skiers this holiday season: the gift of warmth.
The Canmore Nordic Centre’s new warming hut will officially open to the public on Dec. 29.
“This is absolutely the most exciting volunteer project I’ve taken part in,” said volunteer Ken Davies. “It has been 100 per cent through the work of volunteers. That astounds me and speaks to how amazing this community is.”
The warming hut has been in Nordic Centre plans for years, but this summer a group of volunteers worked with the advisory council to push it ahead. Relying on donated equipment and labour, Davies said the construction project didn’t cost the province a cent.
Davies said the structure, which is solar powered and includes a gas fireplace, would probably cost about $200,000 to build, but volunteers did it for free.
“This is a legacy to the community. Nothing makes you feel better,” Davies said.
The main structure is located just off the Banff Trail ski track in the meadow, about 2.5 kilometres west of the Canmore Nordic Centre day lodge. It is propane heated with a gas fireplace, and uses passive solar design to maximize sunlight warmth. Solar panels are attached to the roof of the building for electrical needs. A separate building holds a composting toilet, which is being used as a trial for Alberta Parks.
“It can be a destination for recreational skiers to have a snack and hot chocolate. Its principle use is for the everyday skier,” Davies said. “You’re going to see people use it as a base, where they can ski to the meadow, warm up and ski some more.”
The lodge will be open until 9 p.m. at night, and will use timed locks for security. There are currently no plans to open the hut in summer.
Davies said the volunteer group still wants to raise an additional $30,000, which should cover maintenance and repair costs for the next 10 years. Donations are still being accepted through Friends of Kananaskis for the project, and a donation box is also located in the day lodge.
“Work will be done on a volunteer basis to keep the hut up to snuff. The Canmore Nordic Centre will help with security and garbage, but we will take care of the rest,” Davies said.
The official ribbon cutting will take place at 11:30 a.m. at the hut on Dec. 29, followed by a brief reception.
Since the first project proved to be successful, Davies said similar huts may be proposed elsewhere in Kananaskis Country.
“We would like to take this on and see how it goes. There are lots of areas in K-Country that could use huts like this,” Davies said.
