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Canada's top skiers hope to master 'world-class' Hardwood trails

'A lot of racers are staying this weekend in Barrie and Orillia. They are eating at our local restaurants; it’s a great thing for the area,' says race director

The 2023 Canadian and Ontario Masters Nordic Championships in conjunction with the Annual Fischer Loppet is being hosted by Hardwood Ski and Bike this weekend.

The event, that has been taking place since the 1970s, is held in different venues across the country every year.

The Oro-Medonte facility is the perfect place to host the event, says Glenn Meeuwisse, who serves as race director.

“Hardwood Ski and Bike is a world-class venue,” he said. “It’s got some of the best trails, waxing facilities, retail and food services, and an indoor chalet.”

The masters category is for racers who are 30 years old or older; the oldest participant in this weekend’s events is 84, Meeuwisse noted.

“The people who are racing take it seriously,” said Meeuwisse, adding a lot of the top racers in this weekend’s competition are former members of the Canadian National Team. “A lot of them will be going to the World Masters Championships in two weeks.”

While the races are quite serious and competitive, Meeuwisse says the charm of the event is the social element.

“All the best masters skiers from across Canada are getting together,” he said. “It’s kind of like an annual reunion.”

After the races conclude on each day of the event, skiers are treated to a happy hour, some awards, and social time. The event kicked off on Thursday and runs until the banquet on Saturday evening.

“There are a lot of skiers here from Newfoundland, right to British Columbia,” Meeuwisse said. “Over the weekend, we’ll have upwards of 300 racers here.”

Having the 2023 Canadian and Ontario Masters Nordic Championships in Oro-Medonte is a “great” thing for the community, Meeuwisse says.

“A lot of racers are staying this weekend in Barrie and Orillia,” he said. “They are eating at our local restaurants; it’s a great thing for the area.”

While Simcoe County has experienced a mild winter this year, Meeuwisse says the conditions at Hardwood Ski and Bike are perfect right now.

“We have the best ski conditions that we’ve had all year right now,” he said. “Three weeks ago we were a little worried, but now we have some new snow, the temperatures are colder, and it’s actually pristine conditions.”

Meeuwisse encourages community members to come out to watch and cheer on local athletes who are participating.

During the 10-kilometre skate race on Thursday, two Orillia athletes shined the brightest. Sean Mercer was the fastest skier overall, and Michael Gordon finished fourth overall and was the fastest in his category.

“This is their home course,” Meeuwisse said. “If they get a home course advantage by people coming out to  cheer them on, that would be a good thing.”

You can see the full schedule of this weekend’s events here.


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Tyler Evans

About the Author: Tyler Evans

Tyler Evans got his start in the news business when he was just 15-years-old and now serves as a video producer and reporter with OrilliaMatters
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