What You Should Know
Cross-country skiing is one of winter’s most versatile sports. You can choose between a cardio-blasting skate ski at Hepworth’s Sawmill Ski Trails, a peaceful backcountry experience at Kolapore Uplands or a family-friendly groomed ski at Scenic Caves Nordic. Whatever your ideal experience, Grey County has the scenery, landscape and snow to make it happen.
To get started, you’ll need a set of cross country skis, poles, boots and winter clothing. It’s a good idea to pack a trail map, some snacks, water and even a thermos with a warm drink. You’ll likely want your camera too, as cross-country skiing allows you to access plenty of beautiful wilderness—areas that few people get to see in their snow-laden glory.
Before you head out, it’s important to know and respect winter trail etiquette. While some areas are suitable for both cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, it’s important not to snowshoe on groomed cross-country ski tracks. Local clubs are mainly volunteer-based and maintenance of these groomed tracks is hard work. Snowshoeing over track-set trails ruins them for skiers and even snowshoeing immediately beside the trail compromises where skiers pole plant. It’s best to stay well offside groomed trails and the nice thing about snowshoes is that you can easily go off-piste.
