CATALDO — The Panhandle Nordic Club was graced with plenty of fresh snow for their annual Best Hand Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Fundraiser on Saturday.

Dozens of attendees young and old came together in a shared love of snow sports to enjoy the freshly groomed trails on the Fourth of July Pass Recreation Area.

They collected poker cards from event organizers as they progressed through the approximately 5-mile loop. The poker hands were traded in for prizes from local businesses later in the day.

“It’s great to just get out in nature,” said attendee Jeff Kyle, with his baby, Liv, secured to his back.

The fundraiser allows the PNC to continue their stewardship of the recreation area each year. They’ve done so in partnership with the Coeur d’Alene River Ranger District since 1988. The group also collects money through grants and parking permit sales.

Aside from grooming the area trails to keep them in shape for snow sports, PNC volunteers also help with downed tree removal and equipment maintenance year-round.

For PNC members, the fundraiser is more about connections made than funds raised.

“Part of the goal is to teach people the sport of cross-country skiing,” said longtime member John Lee.

“It’s about the people that come, and the laughing and talking we do with them,” added Susan Lee.  

    Dozens trekked on the trails of the Fourth of July Pass Recreation Area during Saturday's fundraiser benefitting the Panhandle Nordic Club.
  

    Longtime Panhandle Nordic Club members, from left: Betty Schneider, John Lee, Susan Lee, Don Garringer, Greg Lewis and Mary Ayers.