FREE Mobile Ski Library Event – East St.Paul Rec Plex

Come chill with us at a free ski library in East St.Paul for another fantastic mobile ski library visit and fun for the whole family.

Who participates:

Everyone! All welcome. You, your friends, your family…your dog?

NOTE: Beginners very welcome. Tips provided. No experience necessary.

What:

Borrow skis for free and try out a ski trail made just for the occasion. Also kicksleds and snowshoes to try. Adaptive equipment is also available for folks with disabilities, some upon request. See m0re on that below.

Got skis already? Excellent. Bring them and bring a friend.

How?
This event is run by Winnipeg Trails, a local non-profit up to all kinds of fun things and made possible by the RM of East St.Paul!

The gear is largely thanks to hundreds of generous Winnipeggers, most of the equipment is donated and now lovingly maintained by Winnipeg Trails staff for your use!

What do I need to bring:

Warm clothes. Preferably in layers (outdoor winter activity can be warm!) Also bring a great attitude (or, well, whatever attitude you happen to have that day, but just be prepared to leave happy, because that’s the point.)  😊

Are there accessible washrooms, warm change areas, etc?

Typically, yes. Double check the location details on this page to be sure. Usually our mobile ski library visits are in partnership with a community centre for everyone’s comfort. Outdoor locations – once a staple of the pandemic-era early beginnings – are now rare. But from time to time we do host out in a park, so when they happen, you can expect a small fire pit and benches at minimum, and maybe even a visit from our horse trailer warming sauna…

Do I need to RSVP?
Yes please scroll down to the bottom and RSVP, that helps give us an idea of numbers to expect. If someone joins you at the last minute or you are just hearing about the event and its today, no worries, just come and tell folks to come along. The more the merrier.

Location and trail map:

Follow the signs and come see us near the entrance to the arena.

How to get there?

Google Maps is probably the best tool. Click here and choose your preferred mode of transportation.

Can I reserve ski boots or other equipment?

All equipment for the mobile ski library events is first come first serve. Come early if you are on a tight schedule and you must, but know that there is rarely a wait at most events thanks to the large amount of donated boots and skis from generous Winnipeggers!

I am a beginner, do you provide instruction?

We love it. Beginners make us very happy. That’s why we’re here. We’re happy to give the basic tips to everyone. It won’t take long to get anyone going and practicing.

Can kids come?

1000% You bet. We have lots of kids skis, and we like to design small loops in conjunction with the main loop to little tykes can cruise in view of mom or dad. We even have an pulk or ahkio which allows you to ski with a small infant in tow to try out.

Are their supports available for persons with disabilities?
Yes, we do our best! Our goal is to make all our winter events accessible to everyone. Our staff receive training on tips and tricks for different abilities (visual impairments, wheelchair users, etc..) and what we don’t know we are learning together!  We have staff who identify as disabled and some highly specialized staff who have participated at the highest levels in the Paralympics who are very keen to make sure everyone get out here.

If you have any questions – even basic ones such as navigating from the nearby bus stops, or Transit Plus, or simply want to make sure we have the right sit ski equipment for a given physical impairment, its a great idea to reach out as some of the info is specific and some of the equipment can be in high demand.

We would love to welcome you. To confirm adaptive equipment availability at this location or ask questions, please contact our accessibility specialist, Olex Korniiko, at [email protected].