The end of July marked the halfway point of summer, a strange one to say the least.

After having to cancel our much-anticipated home National Championships, things have yet to return to normal and how things will look in the fall and more importantly the winter, have yet to be seen.  April, May, and June had athletes training on their own and all of us learning about new technologies like Zoom, GoToMeeting, and Skip the Dishes.  Virtual strength training, virtual yoga, and webinars were the new norm and finally, in late June we received clearance from ViaSport (Viasport oversees sport development in BC) that we could commence training as a group while following specific guidelines.  A return to sport policy was put into practice and so far, things are proceeding extremely well.  Our Junior race focussed athletes have been training as a group on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays, while our Masters HP athletes have been meeting on Wednesday evenings for double pole training on roller skis, followed up with some group intensity in Kal Park.  Masters have also been meeting regularly for evenings of cycling in Armstrong.  Our biathletes are back to shooting on Wednesday and Saturdays with strict protocol to adhere to as more equipment is needed in their environment.

While things are operating differently I believe the athletes are in better form than they were at the same time last season and next week’s second round of testing will confirm my suspicions.

As COVID has caused us to look inward into how we are all conducting ourselves, it provided some challenges in hosting traditional training camps.  Changes needed to occur in order for camps to happen.  Sovereign recently returned from our second annual Cathedral Camp that operated in the style of the family unit this year.  Athletes had to tent, cook, and congregate with their family while the daily training environment allowed them to be physically active and socially engaged.  Day 1 saw 48 Sovereigners make quick work of the 16km from the staging area up to 1500m to our camping at either Quiniscoe or Lake of the Woods situated at 2050m!  Day 2 followed the Diamond and Rim Trails taking in the Devil’s Woodpile, Smokey the Bear, and the Giant Cleft amassing in 22km of hiking with close to 1200m vertical.  Day 3 and the group was off to the Box Car loop totaling 17km and close to 1100m vertical.  Day 4 was the inevitable 16km hike out of Cathedral Provincial Park back down to the staging area to say goodbye to all of our hiking pals.  Cathedral camp was a huge success with lots of laughs, mountain lake swimming, fishing, smores, blisters, bug bites, and no wifi!!  It was extremely rewarding seeing the comradery amongst the Sovereign athletes but the change in fitness from last season has been remarkable.  Things look good for the winter…..fitness-wise.

 Next up, cycle camp.  Athletes will endure 200km in the saddle and ride from Coldstream to Penticton via the gravel roads and the KVR.  Stay tuned for the next update on this wild adventure.

On a winter programming note, while the goal is to grow the number of participants in our winter programs, a cap has been placed on all of our Skill Development Programs for the upcoming season to keep things manageable amidst COVID concerns.  Safety is paramount and remains our number one priority and we attest to offer programs to our members in a safe environment.

This cap on program numbers may be lifted should things make a turn for the better and things return back to normal.  As registration is limited and if you have yet to sign up please follow the link to do so: https://zone4.ca/register.asp?id=23896&lan=1&cartlevel=1

All in all, while we’ve had some hurdles thrown at us, it’s a good thing we all know how to jump! I remain optimistic for the winter ahead and while things may look and feel different than what we traditionally may have known, away from the lodge, skiing remains skiing…..beauty in motion, gliding amongst the white giants, enjoyment from ear to ear.

Stay healthy everyone.

Eric

Welcome to the 2020-21 season. For all club members participating in summer programs or for those who want to get a head start on planning and prep for next winter, our Youth and Masters Programs registrations are now online! We have introduced a payment plan option with 1/2 paid on registration and 1/2 paid on November 1st to help ease the burden of larger registration fees. We are so excited to have you join programs in 2020-21.

*Sovereign Lake will be offering an updated refund policy this winter. Refunds will be issued if necessary and will be provided based on the number of missed programming sessions.

Zone4 Registration Page Link: https://zone4.ca/register.asp?id=23896

PRESS RELEASE: April 8th, 2020

All trails at Sovereign are being tracked packed to eliminate the possibility to ski at this time. Please heed the requests of the government and limit any non-essential travel and activities at this time.

Take care and stay safe.

In support of Canadian efforts to minimize the transmission of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), Nordiq Canada in consultation with the local organizing committee at the Sovereign Lake Nordic Ski Club chose to cancel the 2020 Canadian Ski Championships, scheduled for March 25 to April 2. Nordiq Canada expressed gratitude for the significant amount of preparation work invested by the Organizing Committee – a volunteer group assembled with the Sovereign Lake Nordic Ski Club.

The safety and health of athletes, coaches, volunteers, and staff is, and always will be, of top priority. This decision was made in the best interest of our broader sport and local communities with regard to handling the situation we are all facing.

Having Sovereign Lake Nordic Club host the Nationals in 2021 was investigated, but Nordiq Canada explained they made an earlier commitment to Mont Ste Anne to be the host the 2021 Nationals and they felt it was in everyone’s best interest to honour that earlier commitment.

Sovereign Lake’s Organizing Committee wants to express disappointment in losing their opportunity to host Canada’s top Nordic skiers in their final race of the season. The event was carefully planned and we were ready to do an awesome job! The Race Organizers for Nationals 2020 received enthusiastic support from many local businesses, listed below, in providing cash and donations to make this event possible. We want to say Thank You!

We also want to express a huge thank you to the City of Vernon, and the Regional District of North Okanagan for stepping up and providing grant dollars to help make this event possible. We felt supported and we know we couldn’t make this event happen without all the support.

The Sovereign Lake Nordic Club Board has sorted out the next steps required to begin the Refund process. All athletes and coaches who registered for Nationals 2020 will be contacted by our Race Secretary and be refunded in accordance with the Refund Policy stated in the Race Notice. People who paid for Trail Passes and Banquet tickets will be refunded 100% of those purchases. The race registrations will firstly cover the administration costs and expenses incurred and then athletes will receive a percentage of their registration from the dollars remaining. All Sponsorship and Grant dollars will be reimbursed 100%.

Sovereign Lake Nordic Club Board is already working to make sure the energy behind hosting big events continues. They’re putting the Nationals 2020 disappointment behind them and actively working on hosting BC Provincial Champs in February 2021. This event is focused on our local provincial skiers and is the final competition for the season. Historically, the BC Champs attracts as many as 600 skiers in a 3-day event featuring both classic and skate technique races as well as an exciting Team Relay.

BC PARKS Press Release: March 20th (2PM)

Provincial parks are a great place for people in B.C. to get out and enjoy nature, while following the social distancing directives from British Columbia’s provincial health officer (PHO).

While BC Parks is bringing in some new novel coronavirus (COVID-19) protocols, people throughout B.C. will still be able to enjoy day-use parks as a positive way to connect to nature.

Some day-use services and facilities are currently available at the following provincial parks:

• Mount Seymour Provincial Park – access restricted to some lower-elevation trails. Parking and road access are closed.
• Cypress Provincial Park – access restricted to some lower-elevation trails. Parking and road access are closed.
• Goldstream Provincial Park
• Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
• Miracle Beach Provincial Park
• Wells Gray Provincial Park

“Nature provides the perfect environment to promote health and well-being,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. “We are following the advice of the provincial health officer to help people get outside, while ensuring they are following the PHO’s direction and guidance to stay healthy. Our government is taking every necessary step to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We look forward to a time when we can return to full operations at our provincial parks.”

People will continue to be able to day hike and recreate in most all other provincial parks. However, there will be a temporary suspension of services and facility closures as a result of the ongoing provincial response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Campgrounds and camping opportunities will be closed and existing reservations will be automatically refunded.

The temporary measures include the suspension of services at marine parks, visitor centres, nature houses, washrooms and day-use facilities. Provincial park visitors may continue to use trails and areas where accessible. Visitors should be aware parking lots in some parks may be closed and gated where necessary.

Provincial parks can attract large numbers, particularly those parks close to urban centres. Visitors should keep this in mind when choosing which park to visit. People are also reminded to keep at least two metres apart from each other during this time. In addition to social distancing, people may need to be extra patient and aware of their impact on the environment.

Full provincial park closures are also being implemented on a case-by-case basis, where required, to address concerns regarding health and safety. Visitors should be mindful that they are responsible for their own safety and that washroom facilities may not be available in most parks. They are asked to check the BC Parks website for any updates before heading out. Any changes to services at provincial parks will be posted to the BC Parks website: http://bcparks.ca

In alignment with Parks Canada, all campgrounds, camping opportunities and accommodations will be closed until at least April 30, 2020. Refunds will be provided to those with existing reservations during this time.

The Discover Camping reservation system has been suspended for all new reservations. No action is required for people with reservations to receive a refund. Refunds will be done automatically and are expected to take seven to 10 business days. A public notice will be issued once facilities are reopened and the system is able to accept new reservations.

Many tourism operators and other businesses have permits to offer services and trips within BC Parks. This closure may affect the availability of services provided by commercial operators permitted to operate in BC Parks. Park visitors are advised to check with them directly before visiting to determine if there have been any changes to their services.

BC Parks continues to monitor the COVID-19 outbreak closely and is following recommendations set out by the provincial health officer and minister of health to assess when to reopen facilities and services and return to full operations.

Learn More: 

For non-clinical information on COVID-19, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/COVID19

The latest information on COVID-19 protective measures is available through the BC Centre for Disease Control by calling 1 888-COVID19 or at: BCCDC.ca

BC Parks website: http://bcparks.ca

SOVEREIGN LAKE NORDIC CLUB CLOSING EFFECTIVE MARCH 20TH at 4PM