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Sun on the snow, gently rolling hills, a sheltered path through forest glades. The Royal Mayfair Golf Club is absolutely the prettiest spot I’d ever skied in Edmonton.

“There’s no other place that comes close to this,” agreed ski racer Greg Nicholson, after he and newbie skier Marion Wolff joined the expedition.

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We were exploring because none of us realized the city-owned grounds of this exclusive, private club minutes from downtown were open to the public for skiing in the winter. The sign on the gate says “Members Only.” Even city staff didn’t know it was available until I shared the news on Twitter, and it’s not listed for skiing on maps.

Being open for skiing is the public benefit mandated in Mayfair’s $200,000-a-year lease agreement.

But is it really a public benefit if no one knows?

General manager Wade Hudyma says the club is in talks with the city to reopen the lease, hoping to get an extension before presenting shareholders with a renovation plan for the clubhouse next summer.

Sounds like the perfect time to rethink this.

In the meantime, staff plan to set tracks Friday; conditions should be perfect this weekend. The trail starts at the north edge of the parking lot. Skiers don’t get access to washrooms or restaurant at the club.