Gatineau Park

Trails Skied: #1 (green) (#2 - #24), #2 (from #40 to #1), #24, #40, Glide Wax: , Grip Wax:

P12-#40->#24->#1->#2->#40
According to NCC website, P12 was a no go. I figured I'd give it a try given there's usually lots of snow left in that area. Well...
There is indeed plenty of snow left on the trails I skied. Given the overnight temperatures, Demsis could have at least groomed with lighter equipment. The snow was icy, rutty all the way up 40. #24 was a bit better if only because it's not as uphill and some sections had been softened by the sun. #2 was fine on the flat part - no fun on the downhill as it was icy and rutty yet again.
I came across 4 skiers and 10 hikers. I can't blame people for hiking that part of the park given conditions. They didn't really damage the trails.

I enjoyed my outing only because the park looked so pretty in the sun, and I had good chats with total strangers. On the other hand, I'm utterly disappointed by Demsis' (and the NCC's?) lack of judgment. They could have made the loop much more enjoyable, had they groomed. Oh well.
I'm looking forward to seeing the Nordix event. That'll be fun.
Will post more pics shortly.













Gatineau park map


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.

Gatineau park map

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).

Gatineau park map