With the purchase of a new trail groomer, Melfort's Rotary Park can offer families safe and accessible trails. (Submitted Photo / Martin Green)

By Rachel May

GroomFundMe

Melfort Cross Country Ski Club is helping to create safe trails for all

Dec 7, 2022 | 9:46 AM

Melfort Cross Country Ski Club is hoping to establish sustainable family programs and ski trails for the community.

With the purchase of a new trail groomer, the club will be able to provide safe and accessible trails for families at Melfort’s Rotary Park.

Martin Green, grant and fundraising coordinator for the Melfort Cross Country Ski Club Inc., told northeastNOW that the club also grooms trails near Gronlid, the Melfort Golf Course, and the Melfort Campground.

“It’s a volunteer club. So, it became almost impossible to manage all of that with just the one snowmobile and the one groomer that the club had.”

Despite the Gronlid trails remaining the premier route, when COVID began, the club noticed more people were interested in trails closer to home. This is what sparked the need for a new groomer for Rotary Park.

Health

Saskatchewan warned of helium supply cut because of Middle East war

21h ago

Out of this World

WATCH: Canadian Space Agency's first space to Earth video call with Jeremy Hansen

22h ago

Iran War

Iran calls on public to find 'enemy pilot' as U.S. continues frantic search

Apr 04, 2026

Green clarified that groomers are not pieces of machinery, but are pieces of equipment attached to the back of a snowmobile. This allows snow to be smoothed down and makes tracks for skiers to glide across.

With the demand increasing and hopes of encouraging families to get out and enjoy the sports, they have started a GoFundMe. This will help raise the money needed to ensure the trails are well-kept.

“We have decided that we need a groomer at each location. We are purchasing reasonably priced groomers from a company in Edmonton.”

Each groomer typically costs $10,000 but the club has instead opted for the more affordable $3,500 option.

Despite the fact that GoFundMe is where the club encourages people to donate, some local businesses have contributed privately.

“We have had a fairly strong local response from businesses like the Prairie North Co-Op. We’re about halfway to our goal.”

For those wanting to check out the sports, you can learn more about the membership and programs offered by visiting their website.

—

Rachel.May@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RachelMayFM