Gatineau Park
Trails Skied: #24, #40, #1 (blue), Glide Wax: Swix LF10, Grip Wax: fish scales
The sequel:
As reported by Jo-Ann I skied yesterday, via Fischer Crown waxless, to the intersection of #1 blue and the old #10. I could have done the additional 1km+ to the tower without problem.
Up to the Wolf Ridge I found conditions difficult - more grunt than glory - for which the waxless worked well. At the Wolf Ridge the world changed with complete coverage and a good base; the snow of two days ago had not been skied on so the surface was undisturbed. It would have been a delight to skate to the tower - but I was rooted to the inelegant Crowns.
With the drop in temperature the snow will gain new life with excellent fast skating conditions from Wolf to the tower - the problem is that the routes (#40, Blanchet, #1, whatever) to Wolf will be icy and deteriorated.
For me the pain of the access is going to outweigh the joy of the skate. Personally I’m going to opt for summer wax and leave the trails to that rampaging grouse.
Bon été tout le monde.
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).
