A view of the area where structures once stood. (Facebook/ La Ronge Nordic Ski Club)

By Nigel Maxwell

Community projects

Nordic Ski Club launches fundraiser to repair scorched trails

Oct 14, 2025 | 3:00 PM

Acknowledging sections of ski trails that now resemble the surface of the moon or a southern prairie golf course, a spokesperson for the La Ronge Nordic Ski Club says this year’s season will look a lot different.

Last June’s Pisew wildfire had a devastating impact on the 50 kilometer network of trails in the area that are maintained by the club and the provincial park. That includes the numerous structures along the trails such as warm up and check point huts and outhouses.

With heavier snowfall just around the corner, a team of volunteers has been working hard to make conditions as smooth as possible. Matt Mazurik told larongeNOW the total cost of damage was estimated to be in the six figures.

“Even though it’s a devastating loss, it is kind of an opportunity to kind of build back better,” he said, adding they can better insulate and fire proof the check point cabins.

A volunteer stops for a quick picture. (Facebook/ La Ronge Nordic Ski Club)

Riderville

Now for the Hard Part

Dec 10, 2025

Grey Cup!!!

Everything you wanted and more

Nov 21, 2025

open house

Surplus forecasted for 2026 La Ronge operating budget

Nov 17, 2025

Even prior to last year’s wildfire, the club had a registered fundraiser with the National Sport Trust Fund to raise funds for youth ski equipment and trail maintenance. By meeting their goal, additional funds were released which will assist now with the replacement of the numerous structures that were lost.

And while noting it will likely take about one or two years to complete the construction, Mazuril remains optimistic and said fire has a great ability to regenerate.

“Even a week or two after the fire, there were green shoots popping up,” he said.

Later this winter the club is also scheduled to host cross country ski provincials. While many of the buildings they need have been lost, Mazurik is confident they can still meet the requirements as a host community.

Anyone interested in contributing to the rebuilding efforts (building materials, trail reclamation) can receive a charitable tax receipt.

(Facebook/ La Ronge Nordic Ski Club)

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell