Nakkertok Nordic (South)
Excellent conditions for skate or classic today at Nakkertok. The snow was unifromly soft and transformed, so universal klister worked very well for grip everywhere all morning. Skate would have been fairly fast and free.
Even with our limited snow base the trails off the Nakkertrak are in very good condition. Trails #1, 2, 8, 10 are nice and wide flat and groomed with the big machine for the most part. Morral and Haycock and the connectors (#1, #4) out there were groomed with smaller machines but it was very effective. These secondary trails are more bumpy than mid-winter but still very skiable. The powerline route up to Morral is skiable, but less than ideal as there are more bare spots, bumps and water crossings.
There are stick and rocks here and there off the Nakkertrak so you have to beware of stepping on anything not white on those good skis, but in general you can now get out and explore >20km of trails. Another 30cm and they will be perfect.
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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.
