This year's first snowfall has sent the golfers south, but the cross country skiers are getting ready to hit the track now.

Volunteer crews were out last weekend prepping the track for this winter at the Strathmore Golf Club explained Ed Meyer of Able Demolition Services, "We use snow grooming equipment, so we have a special ski-doo that pulls attachments that can pack the snow and roll it. When there is enough snow, we have what is called a track setter, it sets the two tracks for cross-country skis."

Meyer entered into a partnership with the Strathmore Golf Club to help create the track every season. He said that this track is the only one in this area, the next closest is Calgary, Canmore, or Kananaskis.

"My company does it as a volunteer thing, and we enjoy doing it. The deal I have with the golf course, is they look after part of the fuel and give us a place to do this. Then we essentially supply all equipment and manpower to do it," Meyer continued.

The Strathmore Golf Club is very grateful for the track as the sport has gained a following recently.

"We have a pretty good community of cross-country skiers, I have a sneaking suspicion that with COVID-19, and the limitations that it brings that we are going to have more than we ever had this year," explained Matt Link with the Strathmore Golf Club.

There is a $5 drop-in fee to use the track, or a $50 season pass available. Meyer explained that they have had a problem with people walking on the path and ruining the tracks before, but since it has grown in popularity, the issue has been resolved.

The track isn't open just yet, as it looks like a warm week of weather is ahead. More information can be found by calling the golf course at (403) 934-2299.