Nakkertok Nordic (South)

Trails Skied: Lower Lit loop, Horseman's Pass, Pond Loops, Waterfall Trail, The Jump and Dave's Den, #2, Morrall Loop, Haycock Mine Loop, #1 heading to North.., Glide Wax: Blue, Grip Wax: K12, no K15, no K12...hmm..

Lovely afternoon for a ski. All primary, and most secondary trails had been groomed earlier in the day. Primary trails looked to be in great shape, but I headed off for a more single track adventure. Temperature was just dropping to zero when I arrived and there was a little new snow in the tracks. Tracks varied from skied in, to glazed, to powder depending where you were. Tricky classic waxing!

I ran into Martin Saidla on the climb up powerline. By the time we got to Weber pond we both had too much grip. Morrall loop and Haycock mine loops were in excellent shape and it looks like 1N headed to north has been groomed, though we didn't have time to for that sort of an adventure today. Instead we opted to come down #2..very nice old school trail, with a little hazard on Serpentine that is marked with a tripod and flagging tape. Being cautious you can ski through what looks like melt damage.

The warm spell and snow drought of the last few weeks hasn't done much damage, trails are in great shape. A little deep freeze should make them fast for Eastern's!













Gatineau park map


Nakkertok has a network of about 75km of skating, classical and backcountry trails at two locations just north of Ottawa in the Gatineau Hills.

Nakkertok South is the main attraction offering groomed skating and classic skiing, chalets, races and children's programming. There are lit trails for night skiing. Club membership, or a day-use fee required for skiing. Located 15 minutes from downtown Ottawa in Cantley, Quebec, Nakkertok South has a heated ski chalet with benches and tables, and places to store your gear. It's a great place to change your boots, warm-up, and socialize to meet other master skiers or club members. The trails at South are groomed for skating and classic skiing with a state-of-the-art Pisten Bully groomer. Two loops are lit at night. The trails at South form more or less a grid, extending for about 4 km north into the bush and slightly higher country. These offer enjoyable skiing, and are suitable for beginners, with the exception of a few short stretches.

Nakkertok North trails are quite demanding, and only occasionally groomed (Fridays). They offer a refreshing backcountry wilderness experience for those with good skiing skills. The trails at Nakkertok North are almost always quiet. The annual Nakkerloppet event in February is a great opportunity to discover these trails by making the North to South crossing.

Nakkertok Nordic