Mt. Shasta Nordic purchases a snow cat groomer
11.01.2011

This winter season, the trails of the Mt. Shasta Nordic Center will be groomed by a snow cat groomer recently purchased by the Mt. Shasta Nordic Ski Organization.

“This is an incredible achievement for the community, a milestone for the non-profit organization, and the tangible result of collaborative forces that worked together in support of our community-supported Mt. Shasta Nordic Center”, says Laurel Harkness, Mt. Shasta Nordic, Executive Director.

A successful fundraising campaign by Mt. Shasta Nordic raised $22,000 within the community over the last year. That, combined with $50,000 in grant support from the McConnell Foundation and the USFS Resource Advisory Committee will go toward the purchase of the machine. The remaining $15,000 of the purchase will be funded through organizational reserves and continued fundraising. To donate to the Snow Cat Groomer Fund, go to: www.mtshastanordic.org

The machine, a factory-reconditioned Bombardier 180 previously owned by Tahoe XC, is scheduled to be delivered in time for the beginning of the ski season. “This machine has limited hours on it, is fully equipped, and we have every reason to believe that we will be able to put it to good use for 15 years or more”.

The Mt. Shasta Ski Park continues to provide support to Mt. Shasta Nordic, and this year their support includes fuel, maintenance, and storage of the new groomer. “This is in addition to the Ski Park’s annual support of our facility, road, and parking lot,” states Harkness. “Mt. Shasta Nordic is very fortunate to have the strong and generous support of the Mt. Shasta Ski Park.”

“With the acquisition of a snow cat groomer, our goal now is to deliver consistent and optimally groomed conditions to the public each day that the Nordic Center is open,” says Harkness. “That is six days a week of freshly groomed trails.”

Updated grooming conditions will be available daily at (530)926-2142 , facebook, or online at www.mtshastanordic.org.

The Mt. Shasta Nordic Center is renowned for its community-feel, outstanding terrain, and unparalleled views. “Out-of-town visitors love it here”, states Harkness, “Our staff is top-notch, and the easy trails right at the trailhead help build confidence of beginners.”

The Mt. Shasta Nordic Center hosts many programs, community groups, and school groups throughout the season. “There is diversity on the trails, people of all-ages and all-abilities,” explains Harkness. “Good access to Nordic skiing and snowshoeing are essential to helping keep this community active and healthy in winter.”

To become a member of Mt. Shasta Nordic and support the continued operation of the Mt. Shasta Nordic Center, go to www.mtshastanordic.org.

More about Mt. Shasta Nordic:
The Mt. Shasta Nordic Center features 20 km of groomed winter trails for XC skiing and snowshoeing. There is a warming hut at the trailhead, and rentals and lessons available. The Nordic Center is open 9am until 4pm every day except Tuesdays.

The Mt. Shasta Nordic Center is operated by Mt. Shasta Nordic under a special use permit from the USFS. Mt. Shasta Nordic is a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 2006, with the intent to create, enhance, and preserve Nordic skiing opportunities for all ages and abilities.

The Mount Shasta Nordic Center is located approximately 10 miles off of Interstate 5 near Mount Shasta City. From Interstate 5, exit onto Highway 89 South which is marked as the exit to McCloud. After 6.5 miles on Highway 89, turn left (north) on Ski Park Hwy. After 3.5 miles look for the Mt. Shasta Nordic Center parking lot on the left (one mile before the Mt. Shasta Ski Park).

Press contact:
www.mtshastanordic.org
Laurel Harkness, Executive Director, (530)859-9168
info@mtshastanordic.org

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