Corner Brook -
A fresh blanket of snow is all it took for the green light to be given on the 2010 Christmas Races.
The annual nordic ski tradition, formerly known as Ye Old Christmas Races, will take place this weekend at Blow-Me-Down Trails on the outskirts of Corner Brook.
"This white gold falling from heavens is a blessing," Blow-Me-Down Trails area manager Shawn Leamon told The Western Star Wednesday as big snowflakes fell on the city.
On Wednesday, several members of the Avalon Nordic Ski Club enjoyed the trails by coming into the city a couple days early, even before the club had made the decision to go ahead with the races as planned.
"They're out there skiing having a ball. They have nothing out east at all," he said.
Leamon said it's amazing what a few hours of snowfall can do and he feels closing the trail system for a couple of days did wonders.
"The two days we did close was ideal because it didn't rut up or tear up the base," he said. "It's pretty good out there. Our base maintained over those mild days. It froze up good last night (Tuesday) and today they're in great shape again."
The weekend will see approximately 100 skiers hit the trails for a free technique race Saturday beginning at 11 a.m. and a classic race slated to get underway 10 a.m. Sunday at Blow-Me-Down Trails.
