Oxbow celebrated this weekend as their first-ever cross-country ski trail was added to Bow Valley Park.  

The new trail is currently about a kilometer long, it goes around the jamboree stage, and the ball diamonds. 

Lane Nicholls, Rec Manager of the town of Oxbow, said that a trail groomer was purchased this year, with the help of a $5000 grant from the Saskatchewan Park Recreation Association through Sask lotteries. The Oxbow Rec board also put $1,500 into purchasing the groomer. 

The trails were then groomed with the help of Richard Lamontagne, from Absolute Locating who volunteered his time and ATV to help set the trail.  

“If we ever get more snow this year, we’re planning on extending it through the trails,” said Nicholls. 

Nicholls added that they are looking to purchase a couple more sets of skis that would be available to rent at the library. 

The lack of snow and unseasonably warm weather has had an impact on some other favourite winter activities in the area. 

“Last year our rink was up and running by now, which had a huge turnout,” said Nicholls. “Unfortunately, we still don’t have it going, just because it’s been so warm.”  

Despite the unpredictable weather, Oxbow's Winter Festival will be taking place on February 18th. 

The ski trail isn't the only recent addition to Oxbow, they have also added to the roster of summer activities. 

Last year they introduced disc golf at the park, which was a big success in the community.  

Oxbow's former pool location was turned into a two-net beach volleyball court at the end of last summer.  

"We are looking forward to our first summer with the Beach Volleyball Courts," said Nicholls. 

He noted, that Riley Singleton, the volleyball coach at the school, raised all the money and built the volleyball courts himself.