Gatineau Park

Trails Skied: #51, #53, Glide Wax: Dibloc Blue LF, Grip Wax: Start racing green over Vauhti tar and base klister

After the thaw I judged it to be perfect day for fast easy gliding. Where better to go for fast rolling terrain that avoids challenging descents than the 51/53 loop: P17 > #53 > P19 > #51 > #53 > P17. Besides I've got the precedent of Ken's recent ski around the loop - I've always respected his judgement in choice of locales.

It was everything I was looking for. The tracksetting is as good as it could be given the conditions. The tracks were fast and hard. The snow varied from almost crushed to almost powder - the tracks were closer to powder close to Masham around the long loop - harder close to P17. It was just such easy skiing - some people were indulging themselves with double-poling. It was a great day - cold air, warm sun.

My wax survived the abrasive conditions. I started off with a thin layer of base klister; then ironed the tar into the klister base; then added kick wax on top.

Yesterday Jo-Ann posted a picture of vanishing snow from March 2004. As a counterpoint I've posted a picture, taken today, of the first signs of the end (a sunny bank beside #51). Not to panic - it's the judgement of this old guy that #51 is the first trail to lose its snow and this bank is the first on #51 to lose its snow. However, the end is nigh - we've probably only got 6 - 7 more weeks of skiing - let's not miss any opportunities.













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