Gatineau Park
Trails Skied: #50, Glide Wax: LF7, Grip Wax:
Once out of the parking lot and the valley, the wind was not an issue. The snow was fine-grained and icy, with only a few granules of new snow in between the corduroy ridges. Skate conditions were firm and fast with just enough give to get an edge. There was usually a ridge about two feet inside of the classic tracks on one side or the other which reduced the width of the comfortable skating area. Classic tracks were firm and icy. In places there were quite a few conifer needles embedded in the skate lane and classic tracks. Conditions will be better after the next grooming.
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).
