About Laurentian Nordic

Why We're Here

To provide to the citizens of the City of Greater Sudbury an opportunity to participate in a healthy community through the provision of nordic ski programs, e.g. equipment, trails, group instruction, individual training plans.

To promote the growth and development of recreational and racing ski programs in order to promote a lifelong healthy lifestyle for the citizens of the City of Greater Sudbury.

To develop ski programs in co-operation with the Northern Ontario Division of Cross Country Ontario and Nordiq Canada.

To facilitate growth of nordic skiing through partnerships with other recreational organizations whose mandate is in keeping with the objects of the Laurentian Nordic Ski Club.

Laurentian Nordic Ski Club (LNSC) is a not-for-profit, volunteer run, incorporated community club composed of 300+ members operating out of the Laurentian University Trails, which we develop and maintain on a voluntary, year-round basis.

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Our Story

Geographically, we are situated on the Laurentian University campus, with a groomed ski link/connection to the nearby BioSki Cross-Country Ski & Snowshoe Club.

A presence in the Sudbury community for four decades, LNSC is in a growth phase! Over the past few years, we have:

added a lighted loop for nighttime skiing;
completed significant trail development and enhancements;
invested in modern trail-grooming equipment;
grown our membership base;
re-vamped our website for improved club awareness, communication and outreach;
invested in our development programs
trained coaches and officials

We look forward to seeing you on the trails!

History

Written with assistance from Laura Williams, Bob Hanson and Chris Gore

Laurentian Nordic Ski Club (LNSC) was founded in 1981 by a group of runners who were interested in cross-country skiing during the winter months. At that time classic skiing dominated the sport, but marathon skating was beginning to gain popularity. The sport continued to grow in Sudbury and in 1988 Bob Hanson started the Jackrabbit program to get kids out on skis. There were over 100 kids registered for the first season, and it was a challenge to find enough leaders!

In the early 2000s Laurentian Nordic Ski Club was the home club for Sofie Manarin on the Canadian Junior National Team and Devon Kershaw, long-time Canadian National Ski Team member. Devon went on to compete in World Cups and several Winter Olympic Games. In 2011, Devon and teammate Alex Harvey won the gold during the team sprint event at the Oslo World Championships.

Sadly, Sofie Manarin passed away in 2001 after a cycling accident. The following year, the 2.5km Sofie’s Loop trail was developed by the club and the annual Sofie Manarin Nickel Loppet (formerly the Nickel Loppet) was renamed in remembrance of this young talented athlete.

Up until 2010 Laurentian Nordic Ski Club worked in collaboration with Laurentian University to maintain the ski trails. After the groomer shed was built, LNSC took over total maintenance of the ski trails and has an operating agreement with the University for facility use.

The Robert D’Aloisio Lighted Trail encompassing the Gully and Shed loops was constructed in 2019 in memory of Robert D’Aloisio, a long-time LNSC member who enjoyed evening skis on the trails. This generous donation by the D’Aloisio family has enabled members to enjoy the trails after dark.

To this day, LNSC is a non-profit, volunteer-run ski club that offers various youth development and racing programs. Over the years LNSC has hosted Ontario high school OFSAA, Ontario University Athletics Championships, and Ontario Cup races.