Gatineau Park
Trails Skied: Fortune Pkwy, Champlain Pkwy, #1, #1B, #3, #9, #24, #20, Glide Wax: some, Grip Wax: none
Excellent morning of spring skiing. Still lots of snow and it was washed clean by yesterday's rain. Parkway and Ridge groomed up nicely. Grooming stopped at the far end of 24 but the snow had warmed up enough that I skied up to the wolf bench with no problems.
Upon return I jumped off onto the bogs for some great crust cruising. Linked through the woods and ponds to get over to 20 and 9. Skated these bc trails but the crust held firm so I did no damage to the "classic only" trails. Crust started to fade by 1030 so it was back to the groomers.
Saw most of the usual suspects out skiing so they know it was a great day already... but get out there if you can!
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).
