Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/201279
in their 60s skiing back from Graduation Hill with stories of a man at the bottom filming the festivities with a videocam. Ghoul is what comes to mind. But James is thrilled. "Maybe we'll be on YouTube," he suggests chirpily. "If I break my neck it's pretty much guaranteed, buddy." "Oh, come on, Daddy." Manning boasts 30 km of Nordic track, all of it lovingly groomed every morning by Jamie Downes in his snorting, fire-breathing Piston Bully snow cat. As well, 160 klicks of wilderness trails wending through forested alpine meadows, alongside creeks and across ponds afford spectacular views of urrounding peaks and the occasional s glimpse of a dizzying array of wildlife. According to Sigge Bjorklund, long-time owner of Sigge's Ski Haus in Vancouver and the man who pioneered cross-country skiing in Manning, these trails have been keeping the faithful fit for 50 years. An avid Nordic adventurer with 84 years notched on his ski pole, Sigge "Haven't Missed a Winter Yet" Bjorklund first started working out his glutes back in 1962 – "though the track wasn't as good then as it is now," he admitted when we chatted a few weeks ago. "It was made by a machine from Switzerland that was dragged behind a snowmobile." At the time, Bjorklund was still flogging ski equipment out the back door of his home, but after deeming the highway "downright dangerous to drive," he began running a weekend bus service to the park. Another veteran of the old days is Sakari Uunila, whose Manning credentials date back to the '70s, as I discovered during my pre-getaway research. In fact, Uunila still loves to get back to Manning at least once a year with the family for old-time's sake. "We went up for my birthday in March, for example, and it was fabulous. Nothing's changed. I hope it stays the same." Meanwhile, both cross-country veterans continue to suggest Manning for neophytes because six of its 10 trails are rated easy, two are medium and only two difficult. And one of the latter, noted Bjorklund, was Graduation Hill – ahem, straight ahead. Barely five minutes later, I'm at the base. I've aced it, of course. OK, maybe "aced" isn't exactly the right word. I sort of aced it. OK, I sort of fell. OK, I made a holy mess of it, but at least it won't be on YouTube; the guy with the camera must have hightailed it for the lodge, where we're headed. Because who knows? Maybe in five years Manning will be all high-speed quads and designer coffee to go. But for now, at least, all that glorious metre-deep powder isn't going anywhere fast. SKI RATES Season passes for Manning's downhill area: $500 for adults, plus taxes. Nordic ski passes: $250 annually, plus taxes. manningpark.com SLEEPS Room rates at the lodge start at $99 midweek; $149 on weekends (excluding taxes). manningpark.com HOMEWORK For first-person and historical accounts of Manning Park's past, check out a library copy of Reflections of the Past: Manning Park Memories (1991, B.C. Ministry of Lands and Parks). SKI with CAA Pick up the Groomed for Greatness ski guide at any CAA Manitoba Service Centre for inspiration when planning your dream ski vacation. Excludes alcohol. Dine-in only. Not valid with any other offers coupons or promotions. Excludes parties larger than 10 and corporate functions. East Side Mario's is a registered trade-mark. © 2013 Prime Restaurants Inc. ®Trade-mark CAA logo is owned by and use is granted by Canadian Automobile Association. p44-47_Manning Park.indd 47 GOING PL ACES >> w i n t e r 2 0 1 3 47 13-10-16 9:33 AM