Tuesday, December 24, 2019
Tuesday, October 8, 2019
Gatineau Park XC Ski Pass
It's time to buy a Gatineau park ski pass for cross country skiing this coming winter season. Contact me if you need a discount code.
Monday, April 1, 2019
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
Renaud Cabin
On March 10, 6 of us went to P19 for a trip to Renaud Cabin. It took us an hour to reach P19 from our carpooling location at Scott and Parkdale.
There was some fresh snow and the trails weren't groomed, with windblown snow accumulating high at some places. Both classic and skate skiing looked difficult.
We divided into two groups: the skating group went to visit Lusk Cabin and would meet with the classic group at Renaud Cabin after visiting Taylor Lake.
Skiing was difficult but still fun. I went with classic group and reached Taylor Lake. There had been a lot of snow this season and some structures were covered in 1m of snow. Went back to Renaud Cabin and we met up with the skating group and had lunch. I was told skating up Lusk Cabin was not easy because of ungroomed fresh snow. We chatted about skiing while eating.
After lunch, we skied back to P19 with ease in skier created tracks.
There was some fresh snow and the trails weren't groomed, with windblown snow accumulating high at some places. Both classic and skate skiing looked difficult.
We divided into two groups: the skating group went to visit Lusk Cabin and would meet with the classic group at Renaud Cabin after visiting Taylor Lake.
Skiing was difficult but still fun. I went with classic group and reached Taylor Lake. There had been a lot of snow this season and some structures were covered in 1m of snow. Went back to Renaud Cabin and we met up with the skating group and had lunch. I was told skating up Lusk Cabin was not easy because of ungroomed fresh snow. We chatted about skiing while eating.
After lunch, we skied back to P19 with ease in skier created tracks.
Wednesday, February 20, 2019
51-km Race at Gatineau Loppet 2019
The idea
World Loppet Ski Federation organizes long distance .cross country (xc) skiing races around the world, 16 in total. Gatineau Loppet is the only Loppet racing event in Canada, proclaimed to be the Greatest International Cross Country Ski Event in Canada. This year is the 41st annual Gatineau Loppet held in Gatineau Park, right in our backyard across Ottawa River.
The idea of skiing 51 km in Gatineau Loppet came to me in late 2018. My friend Jack told me he participated in the 27-km race in Gatineau Loppet before. Cross country skiing for 51 km was both fascinating and daunting to me.
I tried skate ski once in 2016, followed by a few outings in winter 2016-2017. Winter of 2017-2018 was the first season I skied regularly in Gatineau park, with total distance of 280 km. I fell in love with xc skiing, for its winter beauty, freedom, fresh air, power and stride.
Skiing to Fire Tower in Gatineau Park was a challenge last year, a 40-km round trip over some difficult terrain. My first attempt in Feb. 2018 was a 9-hour ordeal, having to break trails after heavy snowfall with non gliding skis. Nevertheless it was a memorable skiing experience. A month later, I skied to Fire Tower again in half the time, with well-groomed trails and good weather.
Subconsciously I was looking for a new xc skiing challenge in this season. Knowing I would spend more time in Gatineau Park, and knowing I need to improve my skiing ability and skills, the seed of the Gatineau Loppet 51km race started to grow.
I love outdoor sports. Though I do not run, I admire the marathoners. To me, xc skiing 51-km is like running marathon. Having skied 40 km in last season, I felt I should be able to ski 51 km this winter. Moreover, Gatineau Loppet is super friendly to register, with no stringent qualification screening like Boston Qualification.
On the other hand, the idea might be a bit stretched. This winter is my third year skate skiing, and I was slow. I am not an athletic person. Loving outdoors, absolutely! To compete with other (international) skiers, not really. I had never participated in any race in my life. The racers in Gatineau Loppet range from elite skiers to beginners.
Nevertheless, I rationalized and convinced myself that my goal in the race is to complete the 51-km distance skiing, regardless if I would finish the dead last.
So I marked December 16, 2018 on the calendar, the early bird registration deadline for 2019 Gatineau Loppet. It was the date to make up my mind.
A fitness project
Like running a marathon, long distance xc ski racing requires meticulous preparation and methodical training. In 2017, I started a fitness project to bike 10,000 km in a calendar year. I bike commuted to work, rode in day trips during weekends, flew a folding bike on my business travel to ride in other cities. Finally I rolled across the 10,000 km mark in early December. In winter season of 2017-2018, I started another project to swim 1,000 meters under 20 min. With a City of Ottawa annual swimming pass, I hit the city pools doing 1,000m or 2,000m lane swim 2 to 3 times a week. By mid Feb. 2018, I swam 1000m freestyle in 19:53, reaching my goal after several months of training. The Gatineau Loppet project is no different. Intuitively I understood its preparation includes equipment, skills, physical and mental strength.
It may be a cliche, but equipment is the simplest preparation compared with others. In early December my family went to a ski equipment sale to outfit my wife and son with new xc skis gears. Seizing the opportunity, I upgraded my skate ski and boots to mid performance level. The new skis and boots immediately impressed me with faster speed and better control in my first outing.
Being a high output winter sport, xc skiing requires particularly technical clothing. In previous ski seasons, I primarily resorted to winter biking clothing for xc skiing. However winter biking clothing is not optimized to manage the body heat and sweat generated during xc skiing. So during Christmas break, I acquired xc ski pants and jackets. After wearing various combination of clothing in different temperatures, I concluded that I also needed to dress less during xc skiing. For xc skiing in temperature down to -15C, a base layer and a relatively thin soft shell jacket would be sufficient. It is worth noting that my beloved Gore Tex clothing failed to provide adequate breathability for xc skiing.
Keeping hands and feet warm yet not sweaty during xc skiing is not straightforward. I had to experiment with different accessories, hats, gloves, socks, neck warmer and face masks, to find the best material, thickness and their combination for xc skiing in various temperature range.
For safety, I carry extra cloth in cold weather -10C or below, a down puffer or an extra mid layer. I bought a small and light waist pack specifically for the race, just large enough for the extra cloth and miscellaneous items. The race organization would set up many rest stations along the race course, with warm drinks and snack bars.
The last equipment upgrade is a pair of carbon ski poles. The light weight of the carbon poles helps substantially with pole swing, which a skate skier performs thousands of times in a race.
While potential performance gain from equipment upgrade can be immediate, skills take longer to improve, and much longer to perfect. Being a relatively new skate skier, I felt I had to rely on my existing skills to get me through the race. But I needed to improve my skiing efficiency and natural flowing of body movement, as well to increase upper body strength. With only two months available for training, there was no time to make big adjustment. For example, one skate technique is touted as a powerful skiing skill all aspiring skiers need to master, but I quickly lost my natural body coordination whenever I tried it.
The ultimate goal of the Gatineau Loppet project is to increase my fitness level and have new experience of endurance racing. The time spent training for Gatineau Loppet would contribute to better performance in other sports and stronger body, tangible and long term benefits. So the 2019 Gatineau Loppet project had been approved😃.
I generally maintain a good base fitness level from years of daily cycling and various other outdoor sports. I successfully completed the Nepal Everest Base Camp trek in 2016 and Annapurna Circuit Trek in 2018, without training for a single day. I reckoned I could rely on this level of fitness to propel me through the race at Gatineau Loppet, after good training.
Keeping hands and feet warm yet not sweaty during xc skiing is not straightforward. I had to experiment with different accessories, hats, gloves, socks, neck warmer and face masks, to find the best material, thickness and their combination for xc skiing in various temperature range.
For safety, I carry extra cloth in cold weather -10C or below, a down puffer or an extra mid layer. I bought a small and light waist pack specifically for the race, just large enough for the extra cloth and miscellaneous items. The race organization would set up many rest stations along the race course, with warm drinks and snack bars.
The last equipment upgrade is a pair of carbon ski poles. The light weight of the carbon poles helps substantially with pole swing, which a skate skier performs thousands of times in a race.
While potential performance gain from equipment upgrade can be immediate, skills take longer to improve, and much longer to perfect. Being a relatively new skate skier, I felt I had to rely on my existing skills to get me through the race. But I needed to improve my skiing efficiency and natural flowing of body movement, as well to increase upper body strength. With only two months available for training, there was no time to make big adjustment. For example, one skate technique is touted as a powerful skiing skill all aspiring skiers need to master, but I quickly lost my natural body coordination whenever I tried it.
The ultimate goal of the Gatineau Loppet project is to increase my fitness level and have new experience of endurance racing. The time spent training for Gatineau Loppet would contribute to better performance in other sports and stronger body, tangible and long term benefits. So the 2019 Gatineau Loppet project had been approved😃.
Decision
I consulted Jack about my plan to participate Gatineau Loppet 51-km race, his advice was to start with the 27-km race first. It makes great sense to raise the bar gradually. But in my heart the 27-km ski race is inadequately challenging and unsatisfactory. I was keen to complete an endurance event.I generally maintain a good base fitness level from years of daily cycling and various other outdoor sports. I successfully completed the Nepal Everest Base Camp trek in 2016 and Annapurna Circuit Trek in 2018, without training for a single day. I reckoned I could rely on this level of fitness to propel me through the race at Gatineau Loppet, after good training.
The 51-km skate ski race has a time cut-off check point at km 31.5, which all skiers have to reach under 3.5 hours, or with an average speed of 8.5+ km/hour. Whether I would be able to make to the check point before the cut-off time became my main concern. Last winter, I averaged between 8-9 km/hour skate skiing, but I took long lunch breaks in warm huts. Long rest stop is not possible during Gatineau Loppet race, and on race day the weather could be bad. So I needed some assurance to help me decide.
December 16, 2018 was the early bird registration deadline for Gatineau Loppet. In the morning, I went to Gatineau Park to ski to McKinstry Hut, a 31 km return trip, to assess my skiing speed to determine if I should register the 51km race. To my pleasant surprise, I averaged 9.75 km/hr speed that day. This positive result greatly encouraged me, even though I was convinced the improvement was mostly attributable to the new skis. I registered the 51 km race in that evening, it's a go now!
December 16, 2018 was the early bird registration deadline for Gatineau Loppet. In the morning, I went to Gatineau Park to ski to McKinstry Hut, a 31 km return trip, to assess my skiing speed to determine if I should register the 51km race. To my pleasant surprise, I averaged 9.75 km/hr speed that day. This positive result greatly encouraged me, even though I was convinced the improvement was mostly attributable to the new skis. I registered the 51 km race in that evening, it's a go now!
I told friends and relatives about my plan to race in Gatineau Loppet, to solicit their understanding and support, and to motivate myself to train for the race. I knew I had a long way to go to be good enough for the race. I am grateful for encouragement and confidence from friends and relatives, and the support from my family.
Training
Training is the key to complete such a long distance race. I needed to train for both endurance and speed. Since my primary goal is to complete, I focused on endurance training first. I had two months between registration and the race day on Feb. 17, 2019 to devote to training. To concentrate on xc ski training, I gave up winter cycling, swimming and downhill skiing during the two months.
Not being athletic and with no sports training experience, I adopted an ad-hoc even intuitive training approach, simply to ski in Gatineau park as much as time allows. I gradually formulated my training approach of endurance before speed much later in the 2-month training window.
I started xc ski training just before Christmas, skiing in the heart of Gatineau Park, such as from P8 (Parking Lot #8) to Huron Hut and the Gatineau Loop (Gatineau Parkway, Fortune Lake Parkway, and Champlain Parkway), as well along Gatineau Parkway from P3. Each route is around 20km long, with a good amount of climbing.
During the weekends, I would go for longer ski trips, such as the 46-km trip to Fire Tower, and a few ski trips close to 40-km long in Gatineau Park.
I tried to ski in different weather, sunny and warm, freezing rain, biting cold of -20C. So I could cope with whatever weather on the racing day.
A special joy of xc skiing in Gatineau Park is to have rest breaks in warm huts, with wood burning fireplace perfect for toasting sandwiches.
After Christmas break, I skied in Gatineau park after work, 3 or 4 times a week. My office is conveniently located in Gatineau, 5 km from Gatineau Park. So P3 became my frequent xc ski start point in the weekdays.
In the two months of xc ski training, I skied 33 days for a total of 600 km.
After logging many km of skiing, I started to pay attention to speed. I have been using Strava, the most popular social app for runners and cyclists, for many years for all of my outdoor sports. In Gatineau Park, thousands of xc skiers use Strava to track their ski runs. It's convenient for me to compare my PR (Personal Record) time and speed with others' PR on many trails in Gatineau Park, as an indication of my relative standing against other skiers.
Before I registered Gatineau Loppet race, my skiing PR on most trails in Gatineau park ranked in the bottom 25% on Strava, many in the bottom 10%. This was when my average speed was in 8-9 km/hour range. This was not too devastating for new skiers as Strava users tend to be a little more advanced skiers. But such speed would likely subject me to being shut out in the 51-km race. So my hope was to improve my speed to be at least in the middle pack in Strava ranking, i.e. 50% of PR among all skiers in most trails in Gatineau Park. In particular, since I ski most often from P3 in Gatineau Park, the 7.8 km section from P3 to the T-junction between Gatineau Parkway and Champlain Parkway serves as a good bench mark for speed. This section includes a couple climbs, notably the Pink Hill. My first ski over this 7.8-km section in early Jan. 2019 was 47 minutes. The time for 50% ranking on Strava for this section is 38 minute, which became my performance target. In the month where I trained for speed and endurance, the time to complete this section got shorter and shorter. A week before the race, I skied this section in just 35 minute. My ranking improved from the bottom 25% to the top 40%. I was exhilarated knowing I achieved my speed training goal with a good margin, in a short period of time.
The only other cross training I did during the two months was speed skating, which shares common stride and balancing with skate skiing. Ottawa's Rideau canal is world famous for being the largest outdoor rink in the world. Cruising on Rideau canal on speed skates can only be experienced in person. I was able to speed skate on canal 10 times during the training window. Ironically, it looks like the xc ski training enhanced my speed skating much more than the other way around. My time to skate from one end of the canal to the other was shortened by 10%, with overall standing from #9 last year to #4 this year without much speed skating training this year.
Three weeks before the race, I tried to ski on the actual race course at least once to familiarize myself with terrain and trail condition. The 51-km ski race course winds its way from P17 in the northern Gatineau Park to its southern end, over many trails in the park.
In the last week before the race, I started to estimate my race time in detail. My guess of the finish time more than a month earlier was 5 hours. By now I had skied on all sections of the race course, and I knew the terrain. In addition, my average skiing speed had been improved from 11-12 km/hour to 12-13 km/hour. I was able to estimate with more data and confidence during the last week, factoring in my actual speed and time on every section of the race course, plus estimated break time at each rest station. The estimate is 4 hours 36 min. It turns out to be remarkably close to my official race time of 4 hours 31 min.
My training ended a week before the race. I had two short skiing during the final week to condition my muscles.
The day before the race, I skied the easiest trail in Gatineau park between P8 and P9 to cheer for the skiers competing in the Gatineau Loppet 51-km classic race, and to finally assess my readiness to the race. The snow was silky smooth, near perfect. Even though I was in cautious mode and trying to preserve energy, I still skied with speed of 14.8 km/hour from P8 to P9 with slight uphill, and speed of 18.8 km/hour from P9 back to P8 with slight downhill, both new personal records. I truly felt I was ready for the race on the next day.
I started xc ski training just before Christmas, skiing in the heart of Gatineau Park, such as from P8 (Parking Lot #8) to Huron Hut and the Gatineau Loop (Gatineau Parkway, Fortune Lake Parkway, and Champlain Parkway), as well along Gatineau Parkway from P3. Each route is around 20km long, with a good amount of climbing.
I tried to ski in different weather, sunny and warm, freezing rain, biting cold of -20C. So I could cope with whatever weather on the racing day.
A special joy of xc skiing in Gatineau Park is to have rest breaks in warm huts, with wood burning fireplace perfect for toasting sandwiches.
After Christmas break, I skied in Gatineau park after work, 3 or 4 times a week. My office is conveniently located in Gatineau, 5 km from Gatineau Park. So P3 became my frequent xc ski start point in the weekdays.
In the two months of xc ski training, I skied 33 days for a total of 600 km.
After logging many km of skiing, I started to pay attention to speed. I have been using Strava, the most popular social app for runners and cyclists, for many years for all of my outdoor sports. In Gatineau Park, thousands of xc skiers use Strava to track their ski runs. It's convenient for me to compare my PR (Personal Record) time and speed with others' PR on many trails in Gatineau Park, as an indication of my relative standing against other skiers.
Before I registered Gatineau Loppet race, my skiing PR on most trails in Gatineau park ranked in the bottom 25% on Strava, many in the bottom 10%. This was when my average speed was in 8-9 km/hour range. This was not too devastating for new skiers as Strava users tend to be a little more advanced skiers. But such speed would likely subject me to being shut out in the 51-km race. So my hope was to improve my speed to be at least in the middle pack in Strava ranking, i.e. 50% of PR among all skiers in most trails in Gatineau Park. In particular, since I ski most often from P3 in Gatineau Park, the 7.8 km section from P3 to the T-junction between Gatineau Parkway and Champlain Parkway serves as a good bench mark for speed. This section includes a couple climbs, notably the Pink Hill. My first ski over this 7.8-km section in early Jan. 2019 was 47 minutes. The time for 50% ranking on Strava for this section is 38 minute, which became my performance target. In the month where I trained for speed and endurance, the time to complete this section got shorter and shorter. A week before the race, I skied this section in just 35 minute. My ranking improved from the bottom 25% to the top 40%. I was exhilarated knowing I achieved my speed training goal with a good margin, in a short period of time.
The only other cross training I did during the two months was speed skating, which shares common stride and balancing with skate skiing. Ottawa's Rideau canal is world famous for being the largest outdoor rink in the world. Cruising on Rideau canal on speed skates can only be experienced in person. I was able to speed skate on canal 10 times during the training window. Ironically, it looks like the xc ski training enhanced my speed skating much more than the other way around. My time to skate from one end of the canal to the other was shortened by 10%, with overall standing from #9 last year to #4 this year without much speed skating training this year.
Three weeks before the race, I tried to ski on the actual race course at least once to familiarize myself with terrain and trail condition. The 51-km ski race course winds its way from P17 in the northern Gatineau Park to its southern end, over many trails in the park.
In the last week before the race, I started to estimate my race time in detail. My guess of the finish time more than a month earlier was 5 hours. By now I had skied on all sections of the race course, and I knew the terrain. In addition, my average skiing speed had been improved from 11-12 km/hour to 12-13 km/hour. I was able to estimate with more data and confidence during the last week, factoring in my actual speed and time on every section of the race course, plus estimated break time at each rest station. The estimate is 4 hours 36 min. It turns out to be remarkably close to my official race time of 4 hours 31 min.
My training ended a week before the race. I had two short skiing during the final week to condition my muscles.
The day before the race, I skied the easiest trail in Gatineau park between P8 and P9 to cheer for the skiers competing in the Gatineau Loppet 51-km classic race, and to finally assess my readiness to the race. The snow was silky smooth, near perfect. Even though I was in cautious mode and trying to preserve energy, I still skied with speed of 14.8 km/hour from P8 to P9 with slight uphill, and speed of 18.8 km/hour from P9 back to P8 with slight downhill, both new personal records. I truly felt I was ready for the race on the next day.
The race
The race day approached almost with a bit festive atmosphere. I had always skied by myself, except one training run with Jack. A few days before the race, I was able to connect with the Toronto Chinese xc ski club, and found out that their whole club of 15 strong would descend to Gatineau Loppet, all race in at least one event. Their shared passion and rapport are enviable. I also pleasantly discovered a fellow Strava friend, Darwin, would compete in the 10-km race on the same day.I went to pick up the race kit Friday evening. The process was relaxing and efficient. There are 2,200 people participating in various races at this year's Gatineau Loppet from more than 20 countries, men, women, young racers, old folks. With such mixture and diversity, I did not feel out of place myself. The event was well planned and supported by army of volunteers.
It was great to meet the Toronto Chinese xc ski club members in person. Two of their members would compete the 51-km classic on Saturday and again the 51-km free style (skate ski) on Sunday. Another two would compete back to back in the classic and free style 27-km races.
Earlier in the week, I sent my skis to MEC for waxing. MEC did an excellent job, the waxing technician called me to explain what he did to support my upcoming Loppet race. The weather forecast early in the week predicted mild temperature on the racing day. So MEC applied a layer of blue wax on top of a green wax base layer, for performance and protection. However, on Friday the weather forecast changed, the temperature on racing day would plummeted to -18C in the morning. I was anxious whether a colder wax would be needed.
The Swix representative at the ski expo held in the Loppet registration area told me to apply an additional layer of light green wax for the cold temperature. I then dropped by Bushtukah store trying to buy the light green wax. A sale guy kindly reminded me that the snow temperature could be a few degree warmer than the air temperature during such temperature plunge, which meant the blue wax might be suitable for Sunday. I decided to stay put.
In the morning of the race day, Feb. 17, 2019, I got everything ready by 7:30, checking weather forecast, sorting out equipment, putting on ski clothing, double checking spare cloth and other items in waist pack, eating breakfast, going to bathroom. The routine was rehearsed in my head several times the night before.
By the time my wife drove me to P17, the start of the 51-km race, hundreds of people were busy making the final preparation. Some racers were running around the parking lot to warm up; others skiing laps in the small track adjacent to the staging area; volunteers collecting personal belongings from racers; organizer making many announcement over the PA system.
I met up with Ming Ma and Yi Wang, two skiers from Toronto xc ski club who just completed 51-km classic race the day before and ready to ski again today. They looked impressively fresh and relaxed. We were all placed in Wave D, the last wave of skiers to start. I was happy being placed to the last wave, no need to worry about being passed by too many fast skiers.
It was sunny, calm, and surprisingly comfortable with xc ski cloth at -15C. The weather looked to be perfect for xc skiing. I was debating whether I should put on an extra mid layer to fend off the cold in the morning, but the sun warmed up everything by 9am. I decided to bring my phone and listen to audio book during the race. I had been looking forward to the book The Tangled Tree, and I hesitated whether to waste the 5 hours block of time during the race. Surprisingly I wasn't nervous or even anxious.
All skiers in Wave D were instructed to line up in the wide staging trail behind the other waves, waiting for our turn to start. The initial race course winds its way in the open field before being catapulted into the forest. From my vintage point at the rear end of the trail, I could see hundreds of skiers from earlier waves competing their way towards initial lead, adrenaline started to build up.
Then it was our turn to start. The first 30m was over straight classic tracks, perhaps to allow reliable sensing of the timing chips strapped on our boots. Then the skate race started. Each of us was surrounded by many other skiers, trying to deal with the sharp turns in the winding way. No one seemed to make mad dash, perhaps why we were put in the last wave of the race.
From the race start at P17 to the first rest stop at P19 is 11.5 km section of trail #53, through forest with gentle rolling terrain. I discovered pleasantly I was able to follow the flow of skiers over this section, since I had expected to be quickly dropped by everyone. It was fun to ski with so many people, a new experience for me. I could follow skiers in front of me and not worry about setting my own pace. The overall pace suited my ski level rather well. The wax on my skis worked well most of the time, except in sections of trail with loose snow in the shade where the skis did not glide as much. Fortunately, the temperature rose sufficiently by late morning, and wax was not an issue. I fell once, when a guy passed me too closely and stepped his ski over mine. I managed to get up quickly and continued without too much disruption.
The sun started to shine brightly. I made a quick stop at the first water station at P19, to put on sun glasses. Race organization prepared warm Gatorade, water, and honey water for us. 👍 It took me 54 min to ski the first section, only 1 min slower than my planned time. I was happy my race was going according to my plan.
The race course continues from P19 to the next water station at Herridge, 10 km away along trail #50. It skirts along Lake Philippe for a while, then entered into forests again towards the junction between trail #50 and trail #36. The terrain is still gentle rolling. The open expanse of Lake Philippe made skiing enjoyable. The tightly packed group of skiers had thinned out by now. I could see 2 or 3 skiers 30 to 40 meters ahead of me, and a couple skiers behind me in similar distance. By now having skied 1/3 way, my thighs started to feel a bit sore, perhaps I was unknowingly nervous and pushed harder. It also suggests I didn't conduct enough intensive training.
Throughout this section, I hanged on with a few other skiers. Sometime I was ahead of them, sometimes I was behind. I stopped at Herridge station, trying to drink a few small cups of liquid and eat my own energy gels to refuel. My sister in law, who ran marathon, advised me to refuel with energy gels as they are easier to consume and digest. I was too preoccupied with other aspects of the race to notice how effective these energy gels actually are.
I arrived at Herridge 4 minute behind my plan, but I was not worried knowing I was making good progress towards the time cut-off check point at P11. My refuel stop at Herridge was 4 min long, one minute shorter than planned.
It is 2 km from Herridge to the junction of #50 and #36, where a group of non-racing skiers cheered for us loudly. Later when the race moved on to southern Gatineau park, more people cheered for us. Trail #36 is reserved for classic skiing during the ski season except today when the Gatineau Loppet skate skiers traversed it to the southern Gatineau park. The trail is narrow and steep at places, occasionally opened up with peaceful view of expansive frozen Meech Lake. By this stage, the race has passed the half way point. I could hardly see other skiers in front or behind me when skiing in the forest. I started to feel some muscle fatigue, and thigh muscle soreness started to be more pronounced. When I reached to the base of a steep climb, I could see other skiers at top doing diagonal ski up the slope. A few times I would stop skate skiing on steep climb, and went uphill by stepping up the hill diagonally with skis, called herringbone. This technique is popular among beginners, being less demanding and more comfortable on muscle. Other skiers did the same thing, so I wasn't feeling embarrassed. Close to P11, I caught two skiers in front. As I tried to pass them, my left ski got lodged in the vertical snow bank along the narrow trail. In the next instant I was on ground already, with embarrassment, but the woman skier I tried to pass was too busy with her climbing to take a second look at me. I got up and continued, only to pass her 2 or 3 kilometers later.
I reached P11, the checkpoint station, in 2 hours 44 minutes, 3 min behind my plan. I was relieved, knowing I would surely complete the race today. So I took a 6 minute break to drink and refuel, twice as long as my planned break. After the race I used Strava to replay my racing progress, and found out other skiers spent less time at each stop, a lesson I surely need to learn.
From P11 to the next stop called Keogan the race course has the most climbing. This 5.5-km section follows trail #36 through forest, and then joins Fortune Lake Parkway with further climbing. There are a few short but steep climb in #36. Again I skied with a couple of skiers with the same pace along #36. Once I joined Fortune Lake Parkway, skiing became familiar. I climbed with steady pace, and managed to pass a few skiers along this long stretch of uphill. I felt my training had paid off handsomely. Before training for Gatineau Loppet, I was passed by most skiers on climbing. After the training, I pleasantly noticed I was able to pass other people on climb for a change.
I arrived at Keogan rest stop in 3 hour 18 minute, 3 minutes ahead of my plan. I took a 6 minute break to drink and refuel, again 3 minute longer than planned. There were more volunteers than the skiers stopping by at the rest station. I drank and refuel more to make volunteers and myself happy.
After leaving Keogan, I started to realize I had hope to finish the race within 4 hours 30 min. From Keogan to the next stop called Notch, the section is 9.5 km long, primarily along Champlain Parkway. There are several downhill descent, hugely welcome by all skiers. My leg and arm muscle felt tired, even though I still have ample energy to propel them. Along the long and wide trails, there were several skiers going at the same pace as mine. Occasionally someone in front of me would stop to shake his/her arms or legs, apparently to relax muscles or to regain senses, before going again. At one time, I felt a toe cramp was almost imminent. I slowed down to wiggle my foot inside the ski boot. Fortunately the cramp did not happen. I was likely 2 km/hour slower than my typical skiing speed, even though my skiing stride was still well formed.
The race organizer erected km distance sign along the race course at each km interval. Seeing I was close to finish, I decided to skip the last rest stop at Notch and try to beat the 4 hour 30 min time. It's only 6 km from Notch to the final finish.
My skiing over the final section was thankfully uneventful. I tried to ski faster, even gradually passed two or three other racers, but I could not ski as fast as I wished. With only 1 km to the final finish, a group of teenage racers flew by me, those young and fit bodies wrapped in tight racing suits cut through the air. I could almost hear the whistling sound as they passed. They must be racing the 10 km race. I wondered what I was doing at their age.
Within 500 meters to the finish, I tried to dash but only had strength to maintain a steady speed. Then I saw the big open field where the final finish is. Then the finish banner was just ahead of me, the PA system announced Edward Ling Liu from Ottawa to the crowd cheering. Then I saw the finish banner moving over my head, and I finished!
My official time of the 51-km free style race in Gatineau Loppet 2019 is 4 hours 31 minute 15 seconds, ranking 295 out of 345 skiers.
Below is what I wrote on my Strava entry for the race that evening. A brief summary of my experience in the race.
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
xcSkiing in Gatineau Park & Old Quarry Trail
I usually ski in Gatineau Park and Old Quarry Trail in Ottawa Green Belt (Skate & Classic). Xc skiing is fun. For a beginner of skate skiing, with the advice of Gatineau ski patrol, the first thing to learn is the offset ski climb hills. After a few hours practice, I could move my weight to one foot, while stretch the other foot naturally. The most important improvement on this step for me is balancing. Many thanks to Jack and the xcSkiing group for the suggestion of YouTube info and encouragement. Combined with other technic, I was able to reach 13.4 km/1h36m with almost two months of practicing from the end of December 2018 to the beginning of February 2019.
I am happy with the continuous skiing skill improvement over the last two months. With strength gained through skate skiing practice, my classic skiing has improved at the same time. The downhill skiing is also significantly improved, resulting with better control on the Black Diamond trails.
I prefer classes even tough I self practice mostly . I use Strava to encourage and motivate myself to go outdoor and skiing!
My health benefits are from xc skiing, with steonger heart, more body weight control and being active every day.
I am happy with the continuous skiing skill improvement over the last two months. With strength gained through skate skiing practice, my classic skiing has improved at the same time. The downhill skiing is also significantly improved, resulting with better control on the Black Diamond trails.
I prefer classes even tough I self practice mostly . I use Strava to encourage and motivate myself to go outdoor and skiing!
My health benefits are from xc skiing, with steonger heart, more body weight control and being active every day.
Saturday, February 2, 2019
滑雪在林间小道
今天渥太华又在下雪了, 和朋友一起在住宅小区附近的林间小道滑了二个小时的雪.
据官方信息渥太华今年元月有二十七天有雪,
我爱你-渥太华, 冬夏都会有神奇的景色,都会有适合的户外运动的地方.
Monday, January 28, 2019
Looking for Contributors
If you had a good trip and would like to share your experiences with your fellow skiers, you're more than welcome to write on xcSkiOttawa.Blogspot.ca. The main purpose is to show your fellow skiers where to ski including where to park and which trails to take. Maybe you think your trip is not significant but you'd be surprised how many people would love your information.
Just a few lines introducing the trails with pertinent information such as parking spot and a few pictures, you'd be helping out a lot of people! It's even better if you share how you enjoyed the skiing.
Let me know if you'd like to try. I will send you an invite if you send me your email address. Thanks in advance.
Just a few lines introducing the trails with pertinent information such as parking spot and a few pictures, you'd be helping out a lot of people! It's even better if you share how you enjoyed the skiing.
Let me know if you'd like to try. I will send you an invite if you send me your email address. Thanks in advance.
Thursday, January 24, 2019
The 10 best regions for cross-country skiing in Canada
The 10 best regions for cross-country skiing in Canada
By Jackie Campbell
copied from https://cottagelife.com/outdoors/the-10-best-regions-for-cross-country-skiing-in-canada/
Updated: June 12, 2017
If you aren’t into a sport like downhill skiing or snowboarding, winter can feel pretty long and isolating.
But for those of you looking for a more serene alternative to these adrenaline-packed winter sports, there’s always cross-country skiing. Along with the opportunity to spot wildlife, there are also more recently introduced perks to the sport, such as fully-lit trails for night skiing and dog-friendly routes (just don’t forget your pet pass).
Because Canada is such a vast and relatively untouched country, the trail options here can seem endless. Whether you’re looking for a big getaway or a just a short day trip, there are literally thousands of trails waiting to be tracked. Head to one of the regions below to find some of the best.
The stretch of land that extends from Osoyoos, B.C., to beyond Vernon, B.C., has to be one of the most picturesque spots in the country, and wintertime is no exception. Vernon is home to the Silver Star Mountain Resort, which has ski-in/ski-out lodging, and a high altitude that makes it a top destination for anyone interested in enjoying the snow early in the season. Nearby Sovereign Lake is another popular spot, and combined with Silver Star, the area offers 100 kilometres of trails, ranging from beginner to World Cup levels.
Banff and Lake Louise are home to some of the more posh accommodations that come with ski culture. The nearby Fairmont Chateau and other high-quality hotels set against pristine mountain peaks command the skyline’s full attention. The high elevation makes the location great for early snowfall and, lucky for you, there is an extensive network of groomed and track-set cross-country trails to take advantage of all season long.
Algonquin Park is one of Ontario’s most popular year-round camping facilities, and there are three trail networks that run through some of the most picturesque areas of the park, half of which are groomed. The Leaf Lake Trail system is highly recommended, as it features some of the most beautiful stretches of the park and has trails that run from one to 30 kilometres in length.
Most of Newfoundland and Labrador’s cross-country ski facilities are in National Parks or run by clubs. Newfoundland’s most scenic parks, Gros Morne and Stag Lake, are both equipped with groomed cross-country ski trails. This April is the 40th Annual Great Labrador Loppet, an event that has skiers and snowboarders gliding, eating, drinking, and enjoying themselves from Fermont, Quebec, to Labrador City.
About a one-hour drive north of Toronto you’ll find Simcoe County, home to the Blue Mountains, Wasaga Beach, and countless cross-country ski trails. In fact, the Blue Mountains and the surrounding area is the third most popular ski region in Canada. Most trails within Simcoe County’s provincial parks and conservations areas can accommodate cross-country skiers, but if you’re looking for groomed trails, hit up the Hardwood Hills just north of Barrie or the Nordic Centre in Wasaga Beach.
Not surprisingly, Whistler Blackcomb is the most popular ski destination in the country, but the region isn’t all about those steep slopes. The entire coastal area surrounding Whistler is known for some of the deepest snowfalls in the country, with an annual average of more than 30 feet. Combining Whistler’s Olympic Park facilities with the nearby Callaghan Country, there are more than 90 kilometres of groomed trails that cater to all skill levels. Lost Lake Park has some of the most beautiful ski-side mountain views, and a 4 kilometre trail lit for night skiing.
There are more than 500 kilometres of trails in Northern Saskatchewan alone. Most of the province’s ski facilities are maintained by the parks departments, though reduced funding sometimes means the slack is picked up by volunteers, as is the case in Prince Albert National Park. With 150 kilometres of trails, the national park has the largest concentration of ski trails in the province.
Along with a world class winter festival, Gatineau also offers a huge variety of cross-country ski trails just outside the city. Gatineau Park has 185 kilometres of trails, 100 kilometres of which are groomed. Plus, there are 10 cabin-like warming huts along the routes, as well as trail patrollers for safety and to provide rentals on site. Trails vary from rigorous uphill workouts to leisurely cruises
.
Updated: June 12, 2017
If you aren’t into a sport like downhill skiing or snowboarding, winter can feel pretty long and isolating.
But for those of you looking for a more serene alternative to these adrenaline-packed winter sports, there’s always cross-country skiing. Along with the opportunity to spot wildlife, there are also more recently introduced perks to the sport, such as fully-lit trails for night skiing and dog-friendly routes (just don’t forget your pet pass).
Because Canada is such a vast and relatively untouched country, the trail options here can seem endless. Whether you’re looking for a big getaway or a just a short day trip, there are literally thousands of trails waiting to be tracked. Head to one of the regions below to find some of the best.
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
The stretch of land that extends from Osoyoos, B.C., to beyond Vernon, B.C., has to be one of the most picturesque spots in the country, and wintertime is no exception. Vernon is home to the Silver Star Mountain Resort, which has ski-in/ski-out lodging, and a high altitude that makes it a top destination for anyone interested in enjoying the snow early in the season. Nearby Sovereign Lake is another popular spot, and combined with Silver Star, the area offers 100 kilometres of trails, ranging from beginner to World Cup levels.
Banff and Lake Louise, Alberta
Banff and Lake Louise are home to some of the more posh accommodations that come with ski culture. The nearby Fairmont Chateau and other high-quality hotels set against pristine mountain peaks command the skyline’s full attention. The high elevation makes the location great for early snowfall and, lucky for you, there is an extensive network of groomed and track-set cross-country trails to take advantage of all season long.
Algonquin Park, Ontario
Algonquin Park is one of Ontario’s most popular year-round camping facilities, and there are three trail networks that run through some of the most picturesque areas of the park, half of which are groomed. The Leaf Lake Trail system is highly recommended, as it features some of the most beautiful stretches of the park and has trails that run from one to 30 kilometres in length.
Long Range Mountains, Newfoundland and Labrador
Most of Newfoundland and Labrador’s cross-country ski facilities are in National Parks or run by clubs. Newfoundland’s most scenic parks, Gros Morne and Stag Lake, are both equipped with groomed cross-country ski trails. This April is the 40th Annual Great Labrador Loppet, an event that has skiers and snowboarders gliding, eating, drinking, and enjoying themselves from Fermont, Quebec, to Labrador City.
Simcoe County, Ontario
About a one-hour drive north of Toronto you’ll find Simcoe County, home to the Blue Mountains, Wasaga Beach, and countless cross-country ski trails. In fact, the Blue Mountains and the surrounding area is the third most popular ski region in Canada. Most trails within Simcoe County’s provincial parks and conservations areas can accommodate cross-country skiers, but if you’re looking for groomed trails, hit up the Hardwood Hills just north of Barrie or the Nordic Centre in Wasaga Beach.
Whistler and Callaghan Country, British Columbia
Not surprisingly, Whistler Blackcomb is the most popular ski destination in the country, but the region isn’t all about those steep slopes. The entire coastal area surrounding Whistler is known for some of the deepest snowfalls in the country, with an annual average of more than 30 feet. Combining Whistler’s Olympic Park facilities with the nearby Callaghan Country, there are more than 90 kilometres of groomed trails that cater to all skill levels. Lost Lake Park has some of the most beautiful ski-side mountain views, and a 4 kilometre trail lit for night skiing.
Northern Saskatchewan
There are more than 500 kilometres of trails in Northern Saskatchewan alone. Most of the province’s ski facilities are maintained by the parks departments, though reduced funding sometimes means the slack is picked up by volunteers, as is the case in Prince Albert National Park. With 150 kilometres of trails, the national park has the largest concentration of ski trails in the province.
Gatineau, Quebec
Along with a world class winter festival, Gatineau also offers a huge variety of cross-country ski trails just outside the city. Gatineau Park has 185 kilometres of trails, 100 kilometres of which are groomed. Plus, there are 10 cabin-like warming huts along the routes, as well as trail patrollers for safety and to provide rentals on site. Trails vary from rigorous uphill workouts to leisurely cruises
.
Tuesday, January 22, 2019
25 of the Best Places to Go Cross-Country Skiing in Canada
This article is copied from:
https://www.explore-mag.com/Editors-Picks-25-of-the-Best-Places-to-Go-Cross-Country-Skiing-in-Canada
Fresh air, a great workout and a winter sport that won’t gouge your wallet? No longer just “skiing for people who don’t have access to mountains”, cross-country skiing is experiencing a surge in popularity as people realize how fun and versatile it is. No pow? No problem. Only have a couple of hours to spare? Get at it.
No matter where you live in Canada, there’s a cross-country skiing sweet spot near you. We’ve listed Explore Editor David Webb’s top groomed and backcountry picks in each region, so that you can get out there and get gliding. Spandex optional.
Before you venture into the backcountry...
For the ill-prepared or inexperienced, venturing into the backcounty can be dangerous. Now, factor in winter conditions. Rapidly changing weather and risk of avalanche post a constant danger. Be prepared.
Rules for backcountry safety:
- Be avalanche aware - check conditions before you leave. Know the warning signs and always remain in visual contact of your partners.
- Reliable communications: The trails listed below will lead you through areas of spotty-to-no cell coverage. SPOT Satellite GPS Messengers can send emergency responders your GPS coordinates so that you can easily be located in an emergency, even when you are well beyond cellular service. It can also let family and friends know you’re OK when you just want to check in. Better safe than sorry.
- Pack proper gear, wear layers and reflective clothing.
- Know when sunset is, especially if you do not intend to winter camp.
- Carry rescue equipment and know how to use it. If appropriate, know how to self-rescue from a crevasse.
- Never go alone and pick partners who have skills, fitness and experience.
- Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
Whitehorse Nordic Centre
Whitehorse, Yukon
Eighty-five kilometres of groomed track for classic and skate skiing and 20 kilometres of ungroomed single track are just some of the offerings at the Whitehorse Nordic Centre. Wax rooms, a sauna and change rooms are a few of the amenities on offer, along with equipment rentals and lessons. Drop by on Sunday afternoons from January to March for “Easy Like Sunday” — a volunteer-run warming tent complete with bonfire and hot chocolate.
Old Ingraham Trail
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
Richard McIntosh
The Yellowknife Ski Club maintains an impressive network of cross-country skiing, race and biathlon trails along the Old Ingraham Trail. The club also provides a chalet, lessons and a large canvas backcountry tent that is free for use by members. Check out the 2 kilometres of night-lit trails, and watch for northern lights.
Kluane National Park
Yukon
© Parks Canada / Fritz Mueller
With its stunning combination of lakes, rivers, forests and mountains (including Mt. Logan - Canada’s highest peak), it is easy to see why this park forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are six designated nordic trails in Kluane National Park, ranging in length from 5 to 85 kilometres. These are wilderness trails, and are not groomed. Amenities and accommodation are available at nearby Haines Junction.
Blachford Lake Lodge
Northwest Territories
Martina Gebarovska & Blachford Lake Lodge
In 2011, the wild, pristine beauty of Blachford Lake captured the imagination of royal couple William and Kate, who chose to spend a portion of their honeymoon there. In the winter it offers a different, sparkling-snow-and-northern-lights kind of beauty. With marked groomed and ungroomed trails to explore along the 17-kilometre-long lake, cross-country opportunities abound. Equipment rentals and guides are available for guests of Blachford Lake Lodge — royal or otherwise.
Akshayuk Pass
Baffin Island, Nunavut
Wendy Grater, Black Feather
Presided over by Mounts Asgard and Thor (one of the world’s tallest rock faces), and featuring river valleys and hanging glaciers, Akshayuk Pass is a stunning landscape of stark contrasts. The pass is a traditional Inuit travel corridor, and totals 105 kilometres of backcountry travel. This is a serious expedition that should only be undertaken by experienced backcountry skiers. Wintertime cold and darkness make this a great trip to try in the spring. Guided cross-country ski trips are available with The Great Canadian Adventure Company.
Ski Callaghan
Whistler, British Columbia
Comprising both Callaghan Country and the world-class Whistler Olympic Park, Ski Callaghanhas 130 kilometres of groomed and wilderness trails to offer classic and skate skiers. A single day pass grants access to both areas, as well as three day-huts. Equipment rentals and private and group lessons are available.
Mount Washington Alpine Resort
Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Mount Washington Alpine Resort
This Nordic Centre perched at the edge of beautiful Strathcona Provincial Park boasts 55 kilometres of trails that cover both resort and park land. Cross-country ski trails are machine groomed and offer excellent views. Pick up your trail pass or grab rentals and lessons at the full-service Raven Lodge.
Bulkley Valley Nordic Centre
Smithers, British Columbia
Located in B.C.’s snow belt, the Bulkley Valley enjoys a longer-than-average ski season and a healthy snowfall. Of the 45 kilometres of runs groomed for classic and skate skiing, 7 kilometres are dog-friendly and 5.5 kilometres are lit for night skiing. There is also a biathlon range. Bulkley Valley Nordic Centre's amenities include a day lodge and a waxing hut.
Lake Louise area
Banff National Park, Alberta
Banff Lake Louise Tourism / Paul Zizka Photography
Lake Louise is a vision to behold in any season. In winter, the area nestled in Alberta’s snow belt is also home to some excellent cross-country skiing. With 70 kilometres of track-set trails covering varied terrain in a serene wilderness setting, the Lake Louise area is not to be missed. Rentals are available, and there are two full-service ski shops nearby.
Canmore Nordic Centre
Canmore, Alberta
Ric Rowan
Operating as both a training and a recreational facility, the Canmore Nordic Centre boasts an early-season trail that opens in October, for those who just can’t wait to get their laps in. Sixty-five kilometres of groomed, machine-made and natural trails take skate and classic skiers through a meadow that offers views of Canmore, the Bow Valley and the Rockies. Wax rooms are available and a full-service ski shop is on-site for those needing rentals, lessons, tours or waxing.
Elk Island National Park
Alberta
Nordic skiing at Elk Island National Park is a truly Canadian wilderness experience. Follow multi-use trails across frozen lakes and through aspen and spruce groves. Keep a lookout for bull elk and moose. Keep in mind that trails are not track-set. When you’re done, pay a visit to the visitor’s centre or unwind at the cafe.
Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park
Alberta - Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan Parks
Extending from the southeast of Alberta into the southwest of Saskatchewan, Cypress Hillsoffers over 57 kilometres of groomed and natural trails, spread out over several locations. For an extended stay, huts and winter camping are available in the park. Beginners can find rentals and lessons at Cypress Hills Resort in Saskatchewan, or at Elkwater in Alberta.
Prince Albert National Park
Saskatchewan
© Parks Canada / Kevin Hogarth
With trailheads in the Waskesiu townsite, Prince Albert National Park's cross-country skiing trail network is comprised of six easy and moderate volunteer-groomed and natural trails. Equipment rentals are available in Waskesiu.
White Butte Recreation Area
Regina, Saskatchewan
Courtesy of the Regina Ski Club
Just 20 minutes from Regina, the White Butte Recreation Area offers 13 kilometres of groomed trails that meander among trees and over rolling hills. There is a warming hut and an outdoor toilet on-site. Trails are groomed for classic and skate skiing. Proving itself a hype-worthy cross-country ski destination, White Butte Recreation Area snagged a 2006 Ski Trax Magazine Trax Trail Award.
Riding Mountain National Park
Manitoba
© Parks Canada / LankBeach Productions
With 10 volunteer-maintained cross-country ski trails scattered throughout the park, Riding Mountain is the perfect place to spy birds and wildlife (wolves, elk and bison inhabit the park). Stay late and you might catch aurora borealis putting on a show. Trails are groomed and ungroomed.
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
Ontario
Nestled in the boreal forest near Lake Superior, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park offers lake views and wildlife spotting (moose, wolves, foxes and lynx all inhabit the area) along its 50 kilometres of groomed trails. Trails can be found for beginner to advanced classic and skate skiers.
Algonquin Provincial Park
Ontario
The first provincial park in Ontario, and one of the largest, Algonquin boasts 7,630 square kilometres of lakes, deciduous and coniferous trees, and wildlife including wolves, white-tailed deer and moose. The park also contains 110 kilometres of cross-country ski trails. There are three groomed and track-set trail systems (with shelters and washrooms) and one wilderness trail system.
Sir John A. Macdonald Winter Trail
Ottawa, Ontario
The Sir John A. Macdonald Winter Trail opened in February of 2016 to much fanfare. With a total of 16 kilometres of track-set classic and skate trails extending along the Ottawa River shoreline, there’s a lot to like. This multi-use trail also caters to snowshoers, walkers and snow bikers, and is transit accessible.
Chic-Choc Mountains
Gaspe Peninsula, Quebec
Canadian Tourism Commission
Alpine tundra and taiga terrain dominate the Chic-Chocs on the Gaspe Peninsula, giving the area a wide-open, expansive feel. Three track-set, classic-only trails, and 190 kilometres of backcountry trails provide ample opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and the views. Equipment rentals are available and 17 backcountry huts span the trail network if you need to warm up or plan on staying overnight.
Parc national d'Aiguebelle
Quebec
Mathieu Dupuis for Sépaq
Parc national d’Aiguebelle’s 30 kilometres of marked backcountry trails take skiers among frozen lakes, thick forest and rocky faces. Eleven rustic shelters dot the park, and moose and wolves are year-round inhabitants.
Brookvale Provincial Ski Park
Brookvale, Prince Edward Island
Tourism PEI | Brian Simpson
With 24.5 kilometres of groomed recreational trails and 7.5 kilometres of competitive and biathlon trails, Brookvale Ski Park caters to beginners and elite athletes alike. Amenities include equipment rentals, waxing huts, a lodge and a biathlon range.
Fundy National Park
New Brunswick
Located along New Brunswick’s wild Atlantic coast, Fundy National Park boasts the world’s highest tides. It also contains 40 kilometres of groomed trails that are usually maintained by volunteers from the Chignecto Ski Club. But from January to March, 2017, in honour of Canada 150, Parks Canada will not only be maintaining the cross-country skiing trails, they will also be renting out the 5 yurts, 2 rustic cabins and 10 oTENTniks that are usually unavailable in the winter season. Book your yurt early!
Kouchibouguac National Park
New Brunswick
© Parks Canada / Chris Reardon
Kouchibouguac has more going for it than its name. Fifteen kilometres of groomed classic and skate skiing trails, a waxing hut and seven other shelters provide skiers with all the necessary amenities for a fun day out. Equipment rentals are available from Thursday through Monday.
Ski Tuonela
Nova Scotia
Chris Law | Ski Tuonela
Ski Tuonela is a unique property, an hour’s drive from Sydney. Eighteen kilometres of trails and a graded Telemark ski hill offer skiers plenty to do. A “ski village,” including a chalet, several cabins and saunas, is located 4 kilometres by ski from the parking lot on the Cabot Trail.
Fogo Island
Newfoundland & Labrador
Fogo Island is the largest island on the Newfoundland-Labrador Coast. Its subarctic landscape and remoteness have led the Flat Earth Society to the conclusion that the island’s Brimstone Head is one of Earth’s four corners. Herds of caribou roam the island’s boreal forest, and in the spring, migrating icebergs pass by, through the so-called “Iceberg Alley."
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