Gatineau Park
Trails Skied: #1 (green) (#2 - #24), #2 (from #40 to #1), #24, #33, #40, Glide Wax: Toko cold powder over graphite, Grip Wax: Swix green over base of Vauhti tar -10 to -30
I dared to challenge predictions of the apocalypse that would result if I stuck any body part outside. However, I didn't see or feel anything that would suggest an apocalypse; instead, I had a very pleasant and comfortable classic ski:
P12 => #40=> #33 => #2 north => bench at #21 => #2 => #1 => #24 => #40 => P12
MacDonald (#40) is getting hard and worn out on the downhills. #33 has been walked on with significant craters on the hills where the walkers broke through the base - #40 and #2 have also been walked on but the base is less damaged. #1, #24, and #40 between #24 and #33 had a hard base covered with about 2 cm of snow and were a classic delight. #1 looked to be equally good for skating.
I expect that tracksetting tonight should improve #40 considerably.
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).
