Cross-Country Skiing in Toronto, Caledon, Barrie
Where To Ski in Vaughan, King City, Mansfield, Albion Hil, Horseshoe
Oct 7, 2009
Cross-country or Nordic skiing is easy to learn, once the skier becomes accustomed to the feel of cross country skis. Those who have downhill skied will find cross-country skis much thinner than alpine skis at approximately five centimetres wide. The skis are designed to distribute the weight of the skier and improve speed. The toe of the boot is attached to the ski while the heel remains free.
Cross-country skiing not only provides a more vigorous workout compared to downhill skiing, but it costs substantially less. Once cross-country skiers purchase skis, boots and poles, they are set to go. Nordic ski trail fees, much less than alpine ski passes, typically cost $10-$15 per day. The following resorts and conservation areas are close to Toronto and provide great destinations for beginners and experienced cross-country skiers alike:
Cross-Country Skiing Toronto
- Kortright Centre for Conservation, 9550 Pine Valley Drive, Vaughan, 905-832-2289, has 16 kilometres of groomed cross-country ski trails amidst ecosystems that include rivers, forests, meadows, valleys and marshes. Maple Syrup Festival in the winter. Adults $6, Children up to 15 Free. Parking $4 per car. Open Mon-Fri 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sat-Sun, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Seneca College Nordic Ski Centre, 13990 Dufferin Street (north of King Road), King City, 905-833-3333 X5169, has 14 kilometres of groomed cross-country trails, washroom facilities, Adults $6, Children Parking $2. Open weekends only.
- Dagmar Resort, 1220 Lakeridge Road (Durham 23), Ashburn, 905-649-2002, located between Ajax and Whitby, has 25 kilometres of cross-country ski trails. Adults $16, ski, boots and pole rental $27. Open Mon-Fri 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sat-Sun 9 a.m. to 4:30.
Cross-Country Skiing Caledon
- Albion Hills Conservation Area, 16500 Hwy 50 (eight kilometres north of Bolton), Palgrave, 1-800-838-9921offers 27 kilometres of groomed cross-country ski trails that run through the forest and provide a spectacular view of Caledon Hills. Skis, boots and pole rentals $19.75. Adults $14, Children $8. Open Mon-Fri 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sat-Sun 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Cross-Country Skiing Barrie
- Hardwood Hills, 402 Old Barrie Road, Oro, 1-800-387-3775, has groomed cross-country ski trails with six different loops from five kilometres up to 22 kilometres. Adults $21.50, Students 13-19 $19.00, Children 5-12 $13.50. Open Mon-Fri 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sat-Sun 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Horseshoe Resort, 1101 Horseshoe Valley Road, 1-800-461-5627, has 35 kilometres of Nordic ski trails that wind through the protected Copeland Forest. Open Mon-Sun 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Take Highway 400 one hour north of Toronto, then take Exit 117 East and turn right onto Horseshoe Valley Road.
Because cross-country skiing is still not as popular as downhill skiing, cross-country skiers will be pleased to find Nordic ski trails that are relatively free of crowds. Whether skiing at Horseshoe Resort or Hardwood Hills in Barrie, or staying closer to Toronto at Albion Hills, Dagmar Resort or Kortright Centre, cross-country skiers will enjoy an invigorating outdoor winter sport amidst tranquil and serendipitous scenery at minimal cost.
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