Gatineau Park
Trails Skied: Gatineau Pkwy, #5 (green), #15 (blue), #29 (alternative), #29 (shared), #35, Pink Lake Access, Glide Wax: , Grip Wax:
A very easy ski in the late afternoon. I was hoping to catch a nice sunset, but the clouds appeared just after I set out!! Skied from the Relais - down 29 to Asticou -up 5 - up 15 to Pink Lake and back on the parkway. The smaller trails were beautifully groomed, however I was a bit disappointed to find all the downhills snow-plowed to bits. (Having been spoiled by yesterday's exceptional trails, I had hoped to practice my very needy step turns today in similar conditions).
The Pink Lake hill was not in such good shape as the smaller trails, unfortunately. The tracks were shallow, and uneven. I opted for the center, which was hard and icy in spots. No fun there.
It was interesting to see snowmaking going on near the Relais. I assume this is for the Gatineau Loppet mas starts.
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Gatineau Park is ski paradise! The network of ski trails offer machine groomed skate skiing and classic skiing as well as little groomed backcountry trails. Multiple access points allow skiers to access a variety of terrain and scenery.
The NCC offers season or daily pay rates.
For suggestions on where to ski, excellent trail descriptions, photos and maps checkout Michael McGoldrick`s website about recreational xc-skiing in Canada`s National Capital Region (with an emphasis on the Gatineau Park).
