December 23, 2024 - Alf’s Summit Trail and Masters Loop honor the contributions of Alfred (Alf) Parsons. Since becoming member of The Menihek Nordic Ski Club around 1980, Alf has demonstrated his skill as a competitive racer as well as playing an important role in the club’s operations.

He has raced in Masters Ski events held locally, nationally and around the world. Alf is a familiar sight at the Labrador Games and has won many accolades there. He has been inducted into the NL Sport Hall of Fame and CCNL Hall of Fame. Over the years, Alf has mentored upcoming youth athletes who have gone on to become successful ski racers.

Alf has used his racing experience to become the club’s technical expert for ski equipment and waxing. He has shared his extensive knowledge with MNSC members so they can improve their skiing performance. In addition, Alf is the club’s groomer operator and keeps the trails in perfect condition for skiers. He has been grooming the Great Labrador Lappet course for decades. Due to weather conditions in some event years, Alf has been known to groom the course multiple times to ensure optimal racing conditions. Despite being up through the night, he still competes in the longer distance events. Alf also oversees the maintenance of the PistenBully groomer throughout the winter.

Alf has been a dedicated volunteer in numerous ways. Every year, he has chopped and stacked the club’s firewood to keep the chalet warm in the winter. Alf performs annual trail maintenance prior to the beginning of the ski season which allows skiers to get an early start. He helped Victor Hamlyn with the installation of the lights on Vella’s and Jody’s Trails. Alf was instrumental in assisting with the design of the Masters Loop (now called Jody’s Trail), the new 7.5 km Trail, New Birches and Alf’s Summit. Alf’s Summit has a distance of 3.2 km and is rated suitable for advanced skiers.