For the first time in more than a decade, Jasper has a cross-country ski club.

New president Dave MacDowell has joined Dwain Wacko, Anne Williams, Loni Klettl, Gilbert Wall and Art Jackson to form a board of directors for the new club.

“It’s worth becoming an official club. It helps us promote cross-country skiing in Jasper. We’d like to grow the activity and offer a body that will facilitate outings,” MacDowell said.

Several skiers have informal ski events planned, but this will help formalize the process, he said, and offer benefits such as insurance. The ski club is now registered with the national and provincial cross-country ski organizations.

The club wants to create a jackrabbits program to teach younger children how to ski, and will be offering free clinics for classic and skate skiers in February. They also want to run fun races for regional skiers.

MacDowell said there are cross-country opportunities that can improve in the park. He said the club will also act as a lobby group to help promote cross-country ski issues in the park.

A Facebook club generated 140 potential members for the club, and MacDowell said there are many visitors looking for alternatives to alpine skiing in the park.

MacDowell said Parks Canada focuses a great deal of resources on summer activities, but not as much in the wintertime. During the summer, trail crews and interpretative programs exist, but those aren’t continued in the winter.

“In the winter, there’s the same rate of activity, but not as much as a Parks presence,” MacDowell said. “Parks does a great job with the trails, but with a focus on increasing visitation. We want to build a great relationship with parks.”

The last club disbanded in the mid-nineties, MacDowell said. Past president Wacko said he was happy to see it start up again.

The club is also looking for instructors, which it is looking to train for free.

“We’re willing to pay for training if the participants are willing to teach children,” MacDowell said.

Memberships are available at the various ski shops in Jasper.