Update on Hiawatha

NEWS RELEASES

SOO FINNISH NORDIC SKI CLUB

*********************** The Hiawatha Highlands season pass sale ends this Monday, November 13.

Passes can be purchased at the following locations:

- Duke of Windsor (cash or cheque only)

- Source for Sports (cash or cheque only)

- John Rhodes Pool (credit card, debit, cash or cheque)

We also will be selling season passes at the Sports & Rec Showcase at the Steelback Centre this Sunday, November 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

*********************** Greetings from the volunteers, staff and management of the Hiawatha Highlands - a division of the Soo Finnish Nordic Ski Club.

We will be promoting cross-country skiing and snowshoeing throughout the communities in the Great Lakes region, responsible for the skiing and snowshoeing operations, and contributing to the over all development of the area.

We are very excited with the upcoming season.

With a brand new Piston Bully 100 Nordic Groomer and technical expertise for grooming and equipment maintenance, we are sure that everyone will enjoy this season of skiing.

Our snowshoe programs are expanding with additional equipment and staff.

This year we will be adding a snowshoe season pass that will include snowshoes when available, and can be booked one day in advance of use.

The season ski pass does include access to the snowshoe trail systems (snowshoe rental is extra for season ski pass holders).

Trail brushing and maintenance has been started by a dedicated team of volunteers.

In addition to their activity, we will be attending to trail quality and development by having additional staff starting in November 2006 and working through to October 2007.

Operating hours will be extended into the evenings, and we will be charging the new "any time of day" trail fee of $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and students plus tax.

The season ski pass will be a good value even if you only ski in the evenings.

As promised, we will be having photo ID cards for season passes this year!

Present your receipts to us at the Kinsmen Centre starting December 9 for your picture to be taken.

You must have your photo card pass to use the trails.

If you wish, simply come in and get it done before you head out for your ski or snowshoe.

Signage will be upgraded now through next fall, with all signs being replaced or modified, and additional ones where necessary.

The Mabel Lake system will be looked after, developed and monitored when conditions permit.

We will no longer be maintaining the Wishart Park trail.

Pets will be allowed on the Mabel Lake system.

For safety reasons we request that your pet is under control at all times.

Pets are not allowed on any other ski or snowshoe trails.

Thank-you for your consideration of others.

Season passes are available at the following locations from mid October until March:

- Duke of Windsor (cash or cheque only) - Source for Sports (cash or cheque only) - John Rhodes Pool (credit card, debit, cash or cheque)

Hiawatha Highlands would like to thank all season pass holders in advance for purchasing your pass.

We request that the pass be visible and available upon request whenever you attend.

Pass holders can help assist our trail personnel by being cooperative as we monitor and check for passes to help ensure that all who play must pay.

This effort of having all who play must pay will help to curb the need for price increases.

For more information please visit our websites at HiawathaHighlands.com and SooFinnishNordi.com

Calendar of events for 2006 to 2007

November 4: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Soo Finnish Nordic Ski Club Cross-Country Ski Swap Westminster Memorial Hall – 134 Brock Street Information: Vera McCron - 949-7142

November 12: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sports & Rec Showcase – Steelback Centre Information: Sault Sports Council - 759-5309

November 13: Last day for the Season Pass Discount

December 30: dusk until midnight Holiday Lantern Ski Ski the Lookout Trail by twinkling lantern light Delicious food, homemade treats and refreshments will be sold as a fundraiser for the Soo Finnish Nordic Ski Club from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

January 22 to 28 All Trails All Loops week

February 10: dusk until midnight Bon Soo Lantern Ski Ski the Lookout Trail by twinkling lantern light Delicious food, homemade treats and refreshments will be sold as a fundraiser for the Soo Finnish Nordic Ski Club from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

February 17 to 18 Hiawatha Invitational - Michigan Cup Race This event draws racers of all ages from far and wide and is one of the biggest events of the season. This year we will be hosting a first and only for Ontario, a Michigan Cup Race.

February 25 Mable Lake Loppet

Thank you to our great sponsors to date: Digital Webworks, Community Development Corporation of SSM & Area, Service Canada, and TheNorthViewTV.com

Special thanks to the property holders: Carol and Paul Naphan, Conservation Authority, Kinsmen Club, Mocking Bird Hill Farm, MNR

Fee structure for 2006 to 2007

[The first price denotes is the pre-season sale price, available until November 13, while the second price is the regular rate.]

Season pass

Senior - $100 - $140 Adult - $110 - $140 Student - $70 - $80 Family - $300 - $370 Snowshoe (pass & rental) - $80 - $90 Snowshoe - $45 - $45

Day and night pass (ski) Adult - $12 Senior - $10 Student - $10 Ski rental and pass - $20

Day and night snowshoe rates

Trail pass (all ages) - $5 Rental and pass (all ages) - $10

Please add 6 percent GST to all posted pricing

For more info call: 256-7258

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