Thanks to the generous support of government, corporate and individual sponsors, the trail lights are now operational at the Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club.

"The lights are on and we want everybody to come and help us celebrate," said club manager Mike Gladish.

With the completion of this project, lighted skiing is now possible over a five-kilometre section of the Mount McIntyre ski trails.

The club had plenty of support from the community, with funding provided by Lotteries Yukon, the territorial Community Development Fund and ski club members.

Corporate support was provided by FSC Architects, Yukon Electrical Co. Ltd., Yukon Energy and Arcrite Northern, the major contractor on the project.

"Again, it was the contribution of the local community that made this project a success," said Tom Ullyett, the ski club's president.

"The Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club appreciates the support from all project sponsors."

The trail lights, a fixture on the Whitehorse winter landscape for 35 years, required a major upgrade.

Some old light fixtures and equipment were re-used, while other materials were recycled from the Carcross Road and other Yukon projects.

To improve the system's efficiency, the circuits were redesigned and controls relocated to an easily-managed, central location.

A sensor was also added so the lights can be turned off automatically when the temperature is colder than -30 C, as it has been in recent days.

The total length of lit trails is made up of a three-kilometre loop to the south of Mt. Mac and a two-kilometre loop to the north.

The two loops plus the ski stadium are now interconnected and controlled with one unit located in the Wax Room.

To help celebrate the lights project, there will be a Poker Rally and a ski at 7 p.m. Jan. 7.

The rally will start at the Wax Room and there will be one hour to complete the course.

Details about the poker rally will be posted in the Wax Room and on the website.

All other skiers are invited to participate in the celebration by skiing the new "north" loop or the complete system.

Hot chocolate will be served from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Wax Room.