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COLUMN: Gift basket of fun activities

Although not holidays for many, Christmas often provides people a chance to relax with family in some fun physical activities.

Although not holidays for many, the Christmas break often provides people a chance to relax with family and friends in some fun physical activities.

Thankfully, Nelson has a gift basket of fun things to share.

For the hardy outdoor types the local downhill and XC ski clubs and facilities provide a more than stunning backdrop to picture perfect winter time fun.

Both Whitewater and Nelson Nordic ski facilities are open over Christmas with special packages available for visiting guests to take advantage of.

Whitewater lift hours for Silverking/Summit Chair are 8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Christmas day. Call 250-352-SNOW (7669) for conditions and weather forecast.

For trail conditions and operating time for Nelson Nordic club call 250-354-4292. The trails are open seven days a week including Christmas. Check both websites for more details.

Those looking for a more controlled weather indoor experience options are plentiful as well.

The Savoy Bowling Lanes are open over the school holidays to keep the kids busy before and after Christmas. Public bowl is open from 2-8 p.m. or 10 p.m. most days with lanes closed for Christmas Eve, Christmas and Boxing Day

Please checknelsonsports.ca/bowling for exact schedule details or call 250-352-7467 for bookings.

The Nelson and District Community Complex and Civic ice arenas are a perfect way as well to share some winter fun with your skating family. To book private ice time for a family or office shinny game or skate call 250-354-4386 and ask for Kristine, or email krye@rdck.bc.ca.

Looking beyond the overeating month of December, January offers many opportunities to shake off the affects of too much gravy and too many sweets. Here’s a couple or three to get you started.

Canskate is a great way to introduce your future figure skater, hockey player,  speed skater or pleasure skater to the great sport of ice skating. Canskate is open to children four years old and up.  The Nelson Figure Skating Club is now registering children for their January 6 to March 13 session. Download a registration form at nelsonfigureskatingclub.ca or call 250-352-6510 for more information.

Selkirk College, in partnership with the NDCC, is starting the ever beloved game of Pickleball (no real food included). Sessions start January 7 to March 11 on Tuesdays (3 to 4:30 p.m.) and Sundays (5:30 to 7 p.m.) at Mary Hall Gymnasium. Drop-in is $5 for the public (or sign in with your NDCC pass), and is free for Selkirk College students. Equipment and basic instruction is provided, just wear indoor gym shoes, and comfortable clothing. For more info please contact Kim Barker at 250-505-1325 at kbarker@selkirk.ca or call Rebecca Wheeler 250-354-4386 (ext. 5107) or at rwheeler@rdck.bc.ca.

For others looking for a healthy start to the New Year, Tai Chi is starting January 7 and 8.  Tai Chi is a gentle form using breathing, moving and relaxing to strengthen muscles and bones, clear the mind and gradually relieve stress and tension.

These classes accommodate adults of all ages and fitness levels, providing individual attention as needed.  On January 8 it runs at 9:30 a.m. or 6:20  p.m. in Nelson at the Kootenai Pilates Studio. On January 7 it takes place at 9:45 a.m. in Balfour at Balfour Hall. For inquiries or to register please contact Sandra at 250-551-0866 or at sandra@qi-taichi.ca or see qi-taichi.ca.