Gatineau Park

Trails Skied: #8, #17, #31, Glide Wax: , Grip Wax:

Yesterday I was on a perfectly groomed Trail 36. Today I did the ungroomed loop of 8 and 17. Some observations:
1) Ungroomed trails have variable widths, being wider in the steepest pitches. If you feel like the snowplow channel is too narrow for you to slow down, you can step one or both skis out of the track into deep snow, try a one-sided snowplow, or do a face-plant at the bottom of the hill.
2) It helps to know the trail intimately. You can carry speed into a blind corner if you know the trail is benign on the other side. If the corner is followed by a pitch with trees, and you come into it with too much speed, you are toast.
3) If you are skiing alone, let others know where you are going. I did not see another skier in the hour on this loop. If you get into trouble, it is good for somebody to notice your absence before you become a Popsicle.













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