Nakkertok Nordic (South)
Great skiing at Nakkertok yesterday afternoon. The trails were freshly tilled which made for easy skiing on primaries. The addition of the warm-up loop and play park under the power line was a great place for Bunnyrabbits and Jackrabbits to practice high speed turns, herringbone on hardpacked snow and of course most important; play. Many more kids stuck around after lessons this week to ski the bumps, climb up and race down the hills. Great to have a place that grooms for skiers!
Eastern's conditions will be fine. Its hard packed and with the cold and flurries we're predicted to get all week, not to mention the snow making that's already taken place, the trails will be firm but good. Look forward to seeing the final prep and all the action next weekend.
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.
