Gatineau Park

Trails Skied: Gatineau Pkwy, Champlain Pkwy, Glide Wax: CH8, Grip Wax:

I skated from P5 up the GP to Mica and then up the CP to Mulvihill, returning via the same route. It appeared that the skate lane had been groomed when the snow was still a bit wet, resulting in a fairly hard surface. Glide was great but my edges skittered at times, particular on slopes that had been exposed to the sun and then refrozen. Similarly the classic tracks were heavily glazed on these sections, giving bobsled run descents. In other places I hit a thin layer of fresh powder, which slowed everything down dramatically. Conditions were definitely better in shaded sections around Kingsmere than on south-facing hills near P5. In a few exposed locations I could see gray ice under the snow, suggesting that it won't be possible to keep grooming much longer unless fresh snow arrives. Overall it was an enjoyable ski. It's well worth getting out while skiing is still possible!













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