Ski Pontiac is calling for volunteers to come out on Nov. 13 at 10 a.m. to help clean and prep the trails for the upcoming winter season. Volunteers can . . .

meet the organizers at 6 Pine Lodge Rd., Bristol and help out with tasks such as clearing brush and cutting dead limbs from trees to ensure the trail is safe to ski.

While the sun continues to grace the Pontiac and before the weather that we love and know so well leaves us bundled up on our sofas, Ski Pontiac is hoping to get as many people out to prep the trails.

The not-for-profit organization has received $42,899.00 in funding from the Development Projects program of the Regions and Rurality Fund (FRR), with the support of MRC Pontiac. Last fall, they launched a fundraiser to raise $7,000 as part of the project, “we’re pretty successful, actually,” said Ariane Cloutier, Director of Communications at Ski Pontiac. The funding was used to build a 3.5 km trail for everyone to enjoy at Pine Lodge Golf Club in Bristol, Quebec.

They were also able to build a boardwalk that crosses the marshy section near the golf course in order to make it easier and safer to walk through in the wintertime, said Cloutier.

All you need to participate is a pair of gloves, boots and a chainsaw, added Cloutier. Volunteers will be broken up into groups each with a lead to take them on the trails.

“Everybody’s welcome. If they enjoy being outdoors, they can pick up sticks,” said Cloutier.

Ski Pontiac offers over 10km of groomed trails with options for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and walking in Pontiac County. They are planning on bringing back some events that had been cancelled last year such as moonlight skis and having ski meet-ups to provide solo skiers with ski-buddies for those uncomfortable or not wanting to ski by themselves.

Snowshoes rentals are offered free of charge.

“We want to attract people to the area… we want to generate some tourism,” said Cloutier. “We all have a vested desire to see the Pontiac thrive.”

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