Tag: Cross-Country Skiing

5 ways to stay active in the cold

Brrr! Temperatures are dropping, and winter’s icy grip is almost upon us.

We bet you’re feeling just about ready to tuck into a nice, long winter’s hibernation. Not so fast! Outdoor activity is important for our mental and physical health all year long. Getting outside is good for you even when the weather is not ideal.

Ontario Parks has 26 parks open in the winter. Each park offers plenty of ways for you to get active in the chilly months.

Here are some great ways to stay healthy, and enjoy winter!

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At the finish line!

Banner photo: Dan Ventrudo, via The Chronicle-Journal.

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park hosted a hugely successful cross-country ski festival on Saturday, March 3, 2018.

The 41st annual Sleeping Giant Loppet attracted close to 800 skiers. They were supported by 200 volunteers, and another 100 friends and family cheering them on.

Continue reading At the finish line!

The Cross Quetico Tour: a true winter adventure

Every March, cross-country skiers of all abilities descend on Quetico Provincial Park and the nearby town of Atikokan for the Cross Quetico Tour.

Normally known for its world-class wilderness canoeing opportunities, Quetico’s interconnected waterways become a winter venue for a ski adventure like no other.

Continue reading The Cross Quetico Tour: a true winter adventure

Trails set for Sleeping Giant Loppet

Today’s post comes from Peter Gallagher, coordinator of the annual Sleeping Giant Loppet.

Ready, set, ski!

Recent heavy snowfalls and warmer temperatures in the Thunder Bay area have combined to create fantastic conditions for cross-country skiing.

The full 50 km loop at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is ready and machine-groomed for both classic and skate techniques.

With the 41st annual Sleeping Giant Loppet scheduled for Saturday, March 3, 2018, skiers will be preparing to race in this iconic event.

Continue reading Trails set for Sleeping Giant Loppet

Skiing Quetico’s frozen wilderness

Today’s post comes from Quetico Provincial Park‘s Superintendent, Trevor Gibb.

The smell of crisp clean pine and spruce trees. The sight of fresh moose, wolf, otter and hare tracks zigging and zagging across the path in front of you. The chirp of a chickadee. The crunch of the bright white snow and the gentle bite of the winter air on your cheeks.

This is cross-country skiing in a wilderness park. This is what winter is all about.

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Tips from a trail manager: prepping for the perfect cross-country ski day

Ready for a day of cross country skiing? Preparing your skis properly can make a big difference in whether you have a fun outing – or a frustrating one.

Peter Crooks, the trail manager for Kamview Nordic Ski Centre in Thunder Bay, has been cross-country skiing for nearly half a century.

Here are his top 7 tips on how to “read” the snow and use the right waxes for your classic skis:

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How to get your kids to love cross-country skiing

Did you know 19 of our parks have cross-country trails, about half of them groomed?

Cross-country skiing is a great way for families to get outdoors and enjoy the winter together! It’s less expensive and safer than alpine skiing, it helps keep kids fit, and it’s a skill they’ll have their entire life.

Here are our top seven tips for getting kids hooked on cross-country skiing:

Continue reading How to get your kids to love cross-country skiing

Fun for all at the Sleeping Giant Loppet

Today’s post comes from Peter Gallagher, coordinator of the annual Sleeping Giant Loppet.

Looking to ski your winter blues away?

Why not attend the largest event in any Ontario provincial park?

The annual Sleeping Giant Loppet is a mass participation cross-country skiing festival on the spectacular trail system of Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.

The Loppet is a longstanding winter tradition for many northwestern Ontario families. Mark your calendars: the 41st edition of the event is on March 3, 2018!

Continue reading Fun for all at the Sleeping Giant Loppet