Cross-Country Skiing in Saskatchewan
The historic canoe routes of Saskatchewan draw people from around the world to travel its multitude of rivers, etched in the fur trade history. However, a canoe is not the only way to experience it nor is summer the only season.
The lakes add a welcome relief to the undulating trails of Northern Saskatchewan
Cross-country skiing in Saskatchewan is certainly a departure from the large groups of people found in the major ski centers, such as Banff and Jasper. In Saskatchewan, this is replaced with quiet and solitary ski trails that wind their way through forests, coulees and Canadian history.
In southern Saskatchewan, hwy. 13 spans the province east to west. Known as the Red Coat Trail, it follows the route of the Great March of 1874, when the NWMP marched west to halt the illegal whiskey trade. These days the Red Coat Trail transports more skiers than whiskey traders and their destination is Moose Mountain Provincial Park.
Roughly 250 kilometres (150 miles) southeast of Regina, and 125 kilometres (75 miles) north of the U.S. border, Moose Mountain offers approximately 50 kilometres (30 miles) of groomed ski trails. Situated on the highest plateau in the southeast, Beaver Lake and Youell Lake are excellent ski trails for novice skiers. The Riding Academy Trails, just west of Fish Creek Campground, consist of 45 kilometres (27 miles) of looped trails that will challenge even the most experienced skier. Several shelters are provided and are equipped with woodstoves, to warm up or boil up some water for hot chocolate, if you wish. Ski equipment is available to rent, but you should call ahead to confirm.
A skier sports the souvenirs of a skiing in cold weather - lots of frost and ice!
This part of Saskatchewan was also home to the Sioux Chief, Sitting Bull, and his 5,000 followers following the Battle of the Little Big Horn in 1876. Following hwy 13 west, travellers will see signs for hwy. 18 and Wood Mountain Post Provincial Park, offering reconstructed buildings, displays and interpretive displays of the NWMP and the Sioux Indians.
Heading northwest of Regina, the traveller will find the Louis Riel Highway. Formerly hwy. 11, the entire 364 kilometres (218 miles) route to Prince Albert is named after the leader of the North-West Rebellion of 1885. Approximately 90 kilometres (54 miles) north of Saskatoon is the community of Duck Lake and the site of the first battle of the North-West Rebellion, the last armed conflict on Canadian soil. Riel and his followers surrendered two months later, in Batoche. Today, historic sites mark the past battles, but 10 minutes north, on the Louis Riel Highway, exist a series of ski trails that weave through the same countryside that harboured and hid Riel and his men over 115 years ago.
The higher you go- the faster you come down!
Eb's Trails began over 25 years ago by Eberhard Fass and today is the responsibility of the Nordic Ski Club Saskatoon. Nestled in the Nisbet Forest, Eb's Trails are a series of classic ski trails far removed from the amenities and services of provincial parks. The two trail entrances are on the west side of the Louis Riel Highway (the first is just north of the "Prince Albert 39 km") sign and the second entrance is just two kilometres (1.2 miles) north. Each entrance has a warm-up hut located 100 metres from the trail entrance.The trail system consists of 42 kilometres (25 miles) of sheltered classic ski trails, connected by intersecting loops and signs. The N1 Trail is the longest loop at 13 kilometres (7.8 miles), followed by 10 additional trails that snake through the Nisbet Forest. The Nisbet is a mixed wood forest covering a rolling, and at times, hilly countryside that provides a challenging course for skiers from novice to expert. However, skiers can often find themselves alone on this trail system, and since the ski trails are remote and not patrolled, skiers should dress and pack accordingly.
The start line of La Ronge's Saskaloppet
At the northern terminus of The Louis Riel Highway is the city of Prince Albert. The Can-AM Highway (hwy. 2) continues northward to the town of La Ronge and some of the finest cross-country skiing in western Canada.
The Saskaloppet Ski Trails make their way through approximately 60 kilometres (36 miles) of boreal forest, Precambrian Shield and fur trade history. The ski trails accommodate both classic and skate skiers and five overnight huts have been built along the trail system. The huts are supplied with wood stoves (not designed for cooking) and wood. Although these trails are well groomed, caution is strongly advised due to the remoteness of the area. The trail system has two starting points. The most widely used is the Nutpoint Campground located five kilometres (three miles) east of downtown La Ronge. The five kilometres (three miles) of campground loops are lit for night skiing (skate and classic) and the main trail appears on the left side of the main campground road. The second starting point is roughly 20 kilometres (12 miles) north of La Ronge, along hwy.102. The Don Allen Ski Trails are a series of loops of varying length that provide skiers with steep hills, sharp turns and beautiful scenery. These trails are challenging and were the site of the '95 Western Canadian Ski Championships. Access to the main ski trail (the Saskaloppet Trail) is across hwy.102. There are two trails, roughly 50 metres (55 yards) apart and either trail returns you to the Nutpoint Campgrounnd, a distance of roughly 22 kilometres (13 miles). The Annual Saskaloppet Ski Event is held each year in the first week of March and often has over 400 participants skiing events from the 80 km overnighter down to the eight km course for youngsters.
With his backpack and bedroll in place an overnight skier competes in the Saskaloppet
Sidebar:
Airline Companies (serving Regina/Saskatoon)
Westjet Airlines Ltd. (800) 538-5696
Air Canada Jazz (888) 247-2262
Transwest Airlines (serving La Ronge) (800) 667-9356
Moose Mountain Provincial Park: Tel: (306) 577-2600
Accommodations:
Kenosee Inn Resort Hotel
Box 300, Carlyle, SK S0C 0R0
Tel: (306)- 577-2099
Website: www.kenoseeinn.com
Kenosee Mini Mart and Motel
Box 130, Kenosee Lake, SK. S0C 2S0
(306)-577-2264
(Ski equipment available for rent)
Eb's Trails Tel: (306)-242-1928
Comfort Inn (Prince Albert)
(800)-228-5150
Website: www.choicehotels.ca
Marlboro Inn
(800)-661-7666
Website: www.marlboropa.com
La Ronge (Saskaloppet) Ski Trails: Tel: (306) 425-4234 or (800)-772-4064
La Ronge Motor Hotel and Outdoor Adventure Company
1120 La Ronge Ave. (Downtown)
Box 39, La Ronge, SK. S0J 1L0
Tel: (800)-332-6735 or (306)-425-2190
Website: www.Irhotel.sk.ca
The Harbour Inn
1327 La Ronge Ave.
Box 1140, La Ronge, SK. S0J 1L0
Tel: (800)-667-4097 or (306)-425-3262
Website: www.harbour-realty.com
Tourism Saskatchewan
1922 Park St. Regina, SK
Canada, S4P 3V7
Tel: (877)-237-2273
Website: www.sasktourism.com
