The Pemberton Valley Trails Association (PVTA) said this year’s cross-country ski season was completely saved by a kind gesture from a local business.
The association previously brought groomed tracks first to Beer Farmers and more recently classic and skate tracks to Big Sky Golf Course. Recently, it became clear a previously donated snowmobile used for cross-country ski grooming would not survive the 2024 season. The organization turned to the local community, who did not disappoint. Some offered temporary technical solutions for the sled, or generously donated money towards a new vehicle. Others volunteered to groom the trails themselves to kick-start the season.
Thankfully, Backcountry Motorsports performed a “Christmas miracle” and saved the season. The team offered PVTA access to a Polaris 4-stroke corporate demo machine for the 2024 winter season entirely free of charge.
PTVA has been blessed by kind acts of kindness from the community since its cross-country ski program first started in 2020. Executive director, Allison Gilchrist, said its first donated sled started a series of heart-warming gestures.
“As a small non-profit charity, we rely on the support of the community to maintain the trails,” said Gilchrist. “We are so grateful to the team at Backcountry Motorsports for helping to make sure our cross-country ski program can go ahead as planned this year—once the conditions are right. Currently, Big Sky Golf Club generously offers the community the use of its facilities and donates staff time for grooming to provide an exceptional experience for cross-country skiers”
Backcountry Motorsports’ owner, Andrew McBride, said they were eager to keep the fun going this season.
“We try and support the local community whenever the opportunity presents itself and it's within our capability,” said McBride. “The Pemberton Valley Trails Association is an awesome local asset for the community and our support of them runs deeper than just the XC Ski track.”
PTVA is eternally grateful to local companies for keeping the program going, but a more permanent solution is needed.
“We are glad that together with Big Sky Golf Course and Backcountry Motorsports we can offer the community access to one of their favourite cross-country ski tracks this winter,” said Gilchrist. But the organization is still in need of a permanent, tow-capable, working sled that partners can use with PVTA’s grooming equipment next season and beyond.
The association is eager to make sure this the trails are open for many years to come.
“We know that many people in Pemberton value these winter trails—our next step is to find a permanent tow-capable solution, whether that be through a grant, donation or a formal partnership, so we can offer this program for years to come,” said Gillchrist. “We hope the community will join us in finding one.”
Businesses or community members who may be interested are encouraged to get in touch with PVTA at [email protected]. PVTA also welcomes donations of any size from cross-country skiers and community members who would like to support the program. Read more at pembertontrails.com/give-back.html.
