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Ontario Cross-Country Ski Events 2019/2020

From loppets and races to ski swaps, demo days, and socials—if it’s on twin planks and track set, it’s on this list.

Update Coronavirus (COVID-19): Due to the Coronavirus, official measures are in effect that impact events as well as travel to and within Ontario. Learn more here

In response to recently announced government restrictions on gatherings, many of these events are postponed and/or cancelled. For updates please check the event websites or social pages by clicking on the links below. 

Whether you are an avid cross-country skier or a first-timer, there are plenty of fun and welcoming events happening near you. This is the most comprehensive list of ski loppets, open races, demo days, ski swaps, adult skills clinics, family days, and social ski events in Ontario.

Find more information on local programming and up-to-the-minute event beta through Ontario’s many fine cross-country ski clubs. Search clubs by map or list, sorted by city/region. And remember to check current trail conditions before planning your tour!

Upcoming Cross-Country Ski Events

cross-country skiers racing on a track

January 2020 Ontario Cross-Country Ski Events

5, Adult Learn to Loppet Clinic, Hardwood Ski and Bike, Oro Station, ON     
This clinic is open to all adult and master skiers. This is not a learn-to-ski clinic, but rather is designed for skiers who have some experience in skiing and/or racing who would like to improve their skills in order to do better in loppets and races. There will be instruction on training, technique, race planning, mental skills, and waxing. Lunch is included.
Sunday 9:30 am to 4 pm.
Cost: $250+HST including trail pass. $230+ HST Season’s Pass holder. 
Region: Bruce Grey Simcoe

5, Midland Loppet, Mountainview Nordic Centre, Midland, ON                     
Skiers of all ages, abilities, and technique are invited to this event, to enjoy the best trails that Mountainview Ski Center has to offer. Choose from 1.5 km, 3 km, 5 km, 9 km, or 15 km skate/classic distances. There will be snacks and hot drinks at the finish for all participants.
Sunday 10 am start.
Registration fee: $15-$35 
Region: Bruce Grey Simcoe

12, The Sounder Ski Tour, Georgian Nordic, Parry Sound, ON                         
This all-ages ski party is all about food, music, friends, awards, door prizes, and of course, skiing! You can ski a distance, you can ski for fitness, or you can ski to race. Participating in the Sounder Ski Tour allows you to join in with so many people who share a common interest in cross-country skiing, fitness, and ski friends. Events in classic and free technique, with different distances available.
Sunday 11 am to 5 pm. 
Region: Muskoka, Parry Sound and Algonquin Park

18, Sauble Winterfest, Sauble Beach Cross-Country Ski Club, Sauble Falls, ON 
The Sauble Ski Club boasts a heated chalet with 18 km of cross-country ski trails and 14 kilometres of snowshoe trails, passing through scenic forest east of the Rankin River. Winterfest participants enjoy free skiing and snowshoeing, hot dogs and hot apple cider at the trails (weather permitting). Suntrail Outfitters will be on site with free equipment to try.
Saturday January 26 
Region: Bruce Grey Simcoe

18, Sawmill Classic Ski Tour, Quetico Provincial Park, ON                           
Hosted by the Beaten Path Nordic Trails and Quetico Provincial Park staff, the Sawmill Lake Classic Tour is an old time traditional ski tour within Quetico Provincial Park. The narrow twisty trails will have skiers meandering through mixed forests along side the Pickerel River over creeks and through lowland bogs to a halfway point at Sawmill Lake. The tour is not a race, and if you carry your lunch and drinks on your back, you can enjoy them around an open fire before the last half of the loop back. There are 12-km and 24-km route options. Refreshing beverages and a fire will be waiting at the Heritage Pavilion (Visitor Centre).
Saturday 10 am to 4 pm
Cost: $20 
Region: Northwest Ontario

19, World Snow Day, Sawmill Nordic Centre, Hepworth, ON                     
Celebrate World Snow Day with free skiing at the Sawmill Nordic Centre and Colpoy’s Bay Ski Trails.
Sunday January 19 
Region: Bruce Grey Simcoe

19, Hiawatha SnowFest, Hiawatha Highlands, Sault Ste. Marie, ON                 
The 5th annual SnowFest includes winter activities for everyone and all abilities, including cross-country ski and fat bike loppets (mass participation event where distance and pace are self-choice), 5-km and 10-km snowshoe runs, guided and self-guided snowshoe tours, and cookie stations!
Sunday 10 am to 2 pm.
Cost: $15-$25 
Region: Algoma Country

19, Families on Skis World Snow Day, Lappe Nordic Ski Centre, Thunder Bay, ON 
Come and try cross-country skiing. Includes fun ski-skill development stations, trail pass, equipment rentals, wax demos and help, tour of facility, saunas, and lunch for purchase. This event celebrates the federation International de Ski (FIS)'s World Snow Day. Registration available on www.lappenordic.ca.
Sunday 10 am to 2 pm 
Region: Thunder Bay

19, World Snow Day, Temiskaming Nordic, Temiskaming Shores, ON    Temiskaming Nordic offers 20 km of well-marked, groomed and track-set skate and classic ski trails in rolling esker terrain. The three beautiful trails offer varying levels of difficulty and length, making them enjoyable for beginner, intermediate and advanced level skiers.
Sunday January 19
Region: Northeastern Ontario

22, Women of Winter, Arrowhead Provincial Park, Huntsville, ON                       
A fun-filled day of winter activities in Arrowhead Provincial Park for women of all ages and abilities. After a morning meet and greet with coffee and snacks, participants can join group lessons for all skill levels, from never-ever to intermediate-advanced. Lunch is provided and includes a presentation by Guest Speaker and world adventurer, Katherine Subboch, sharing her hut-to-hut ski trip in Charlevoix, Quebec. Afternoon activities include fat biking, snowshoe yoga, guided ski tour of the Arrowhead trails, snowshoe hike, and ice skating on the Arrowhead Skate Trail.
Wednesday 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
Cost: $70 or $58 for Season Ski Pass Holders. After January 7, fees increase by $10. 
Region: Muskoka, Parry Sound and Algonquin Park

25, Family Ski Day, Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park, Kakabeka Falls, ON       
The Kamview Jackrabbits are heading to Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park ski trails (Luckens Drive off Hwy 590). Families are all encouraged to come for a ski and try out the beautiful trails. The amazing park staff will set up a campfire and Kamview Nordic Centre will provide snacks.
Saturday 10 am to 1 pm
Region: Northwest Ontario

25, 26, Beat the Mountain, Stokely Creek Lodge, Goulais River, ON               
This is the day to Beat King Mountain with a group of friends and family. All ages have made it to the top so make it a family affair. Stokely's famous chili and homemade cookies will be waiting for you when you reach the King Mountain cabin at the summit. You will crisscross Stokely Creek as it flows into Lake Superior, ascend along natural waterfalls frozen in time, or stand just a little back from the summit's edge on King Mountain as you survey the expanse of Lake Superior.
Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 4 pm.
Cost: $22 or $18 for season pass holders. 
Region: Algoma Country

26, Women on Skis, Georgian Nordic, Parry Sound, ON                                   
This annual event invites women to enjoy food, fun and camaraderie while learning tips from congenial and expert instructors out on the trails. Enjoy a delicious hot lunch and snacks, meet other skiing enthusiasts, and catch great door prizes. In the morning, participants join a small group lesson in either skate or classic technique, with instruction for first-timers, novice, intermediate or advanced skiers. After lunch, ski the trails, try out fat biking and snowshoeing, or learn to wax your skis. Nestled among acres of old-growth forest on the rugged Canadian Shield, the volunteer-run Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre offers 30+ km of trails open year-round.
Sunday 8:30 am to 4 pm
Cost: $50 for GNOAC members, $65 for non-members 
Region: Muskoka, Parry Sound and Algonquin Park

26, Muskoka Loppet, Arrowhead Provincial Park, Huntsville, ON            
Arrowhead Nordic Centre hosts this popular, all-ages annual loppet. This is a classic-style cross-country ski event. The distances are 5 km, 15 km or 30 km. Pre-registration is necessary.
Sunday January 26 
Region: Muskoka, Parry Sound and Algonquin Park

26, Kanata Nordic Pretzel Race, Kanata Nordic, Nepean, ON                       
Nearly 200 Ottawa area junior and masters nordic racers and their families participated in the 2019 Pretzel annual sprint races, and 2020 is sure to be just as exciting.
Sunday January 26
Region: Ottawa and Countryside

26, Woolly Hippo Loppet, Walden Cross Country, Naughton, ON               
Hosted by Walden Cross Country at the Naughton Trail Centre, this all-ages fun freestyle loppet features course distances of 3 km, 5 km, and 15 km.
Sunday 11 am start.
Cost: $10-$25 
Region: Sudbury

TBD, Mono Nordic Ladies Day, Mono, ON                                                               
Join Mono Nordic for a day of activity, socializing, and good food. Skiers of all levels are welcome, including those who have never skied before. A fully catered lunch, rental equipment (Skate & Classic), and lessons are included in the cost, though you’re welcome to use your own equipment and skip the lesson if you prefer. Don’t forget to head over to the fire pit for hot apple cider!
8:30 am to 2 pm
Cost: $30
Region: York Durham Headwaters

February 2020 Ontario Cross-Country Ski Events

1, Silver Spoon Ski-Fest, Deep River Cross-Country Ski Club, Deep River, ON    Started in 1973, this annual tradition brings together both competitive and recreational cross-country skiers. All ages can enjoy courses from 0.5 km to 15 km along beautiful wooded trails. Races are mostly classic, with some skating sprints. The event is hosted by the Deep River Cross-Country Ski Club (DRXC), located between Ottawa and North Bay on the shores of the Ottawa River. A traditional buffet dinner is held at the Bear’s Den restaurant in Deep River following the races.
Saturday 9 am to 6 pm 
Cost: $15-$30 
Region: Haliburton Highlands to the Ottawa Valley

1, Winterlude Triathlon, Ottawa, ON                                                                 
Come join hundreds of winter enthusiasts and participate in a truly unique event. This great event is one of the oldest Winterlude activities and exemplifies what winter in the Nation’s Capital is all about—ice skating on the Rideau Canal, cross-country skiing, and running. Distances include an 8-km skate, 5-km run and 6-km ski. The ski is on the City of Ottawa ski course at the Terry Fox Facility. Individual and relay options.
Saturday 8 am start.
Cost: $80-$105 Individual, $95-$125 Relay Team.
Region: Ottawa and Countryside

1, Superbowl Weekend Hut to Hut, Stokely Creek Lodge, Goulais River, ON 
This year's Hut to Hut will feature two of  Stokely's most spectacular snowshoe highlights, the Frozen Water Falls Trail and the Ice Cliffs. First, ski in to the Haken Lien Cabin. After a homemade Stokely muffin and hot chocolate, join Bob (snowshoe trail developer) as you snowshoe to the frozen waterfall and the ice cliffs on the south view. Then return to Haken Lien Cabin for a picnic lunch, before skiing back to the Lodge. This will be a rewarding day of scenery, exercise, food, and friends.
Saturday 9 am to 4 pm.
Cost: $40 or $25 for season pass holders. 
Region: Algoma Country

1, Moonlight Ski, Glenelg Nordic Ski Club, Markdale, ON                               
Bring your potluck offering and enjoy a magical moonlit skiing experience! GNSC is a volunteer-run club devoted to cross-country skiing near Markdale, Ontario, in Grey County. The club offers about 25 km of regularly groomed and trackset trails, located in Grey County Forest #24, and on nearby private lands. Non-members can purchase day passes for a reasonable fee at the registration boxes located at the main parking lot or at the entrance to the James Trails.
Saturday 7 pm 
Region: Bruce Grey Simcoe

2, Opeongo Classic Loppet, Opeongo Hills Nordic Ski Club, Brudenell, ON   
The Opeongo Loppet is a classic technique, all ages event with distances of 2.5 km, 5 km, 10 km and 20 km. Opeongo Nordic is a non-profit, volunteer-operated cross-country ski club offering groomed classic and skate ski trails over rolling wilderness terrain. The 5 km distance is over rolling terrain. The 10-km course is over rolling and hilly intermediate terrain. The 20-km course is two loops of the 10-km course. After the loppet, hot chili and garlic buns will be served for racers (included in the fee) and volunteers.
Sign-in Sunday 8:30 am to 10 am. Mass start at 11 am. 
Region: Haliburton Highlands to the Ottawa Valley

2, Weber Loppet, Nakkertok South Nordic Centre, Gatineau, QC                     
The National Capital’s premiere mass participation cross-country ski event of the year. This is not a race, but there are some timed cut-off points. The Weber Loppet is a 26-km classic cross-country ski tour through the rolling hills of Val des Monts and Cantley. All trails are double track set, professionally groomed, and catering to an intermediate or better skier. Entry fee includes all day use fees, shuttle bus from Nakkertok South to Nakkertok North, a mid-point feed station, a fabulous post event hot lunch, and various participation prizes.
Sunday 8 am to 4 pm
Region: Ottawa and Countryside

8, 9, Canadian Ski Marathon, Lachute and Gatineau, QC                                   
The world’s longest cross-country ski tour, covering 160 km of ski trails, caters to about 2,500 skiers annually. Ski as little as 12 km or the whole 160 km; you set the pace. The CSM is North America’s longest and oldest Nordic ski tour. Unlike most ski events, there are no winners or losers in the Canadian Ski Marathon: it is not a race. The event offers something for everyone, regardless of age, endurance or ability. Tourers and families who ski less than the full distance make up about half the participants. Each skier can select his/her own level of challenge. The CSM takes place on a trail that is only groomed once per year in the Lachute – Montebello – Mont Tremblant & Gatineau region, Québec. The trail winds through mostly privately owned land in the picturesque western Laurentian Mountains. There is an overnight stop in Montebello, home of the famous Château Montebello, one of the largest log-built hotels in the world.
Saturday & Sunday, February 8–9 
Region: Ottawa and Countryside

8, Awesome Adult Afternoon Ski Lessons, Sawmill Nordic Centre, Hepworth, ON 
This is a fun annual event at Sawmill Trails. Ski lessons for all skill levels at Sawmill Nordic Centre. Proceeds from this event go to support Georgian Bay Nordic, a youth cross-country ski race team.
Saturday 12 pm to 4 pm.
Cost: $55 or $40 Early Bird 
Region: Bruce Grey Simcoe

9, Suntrail Special Cross-Country Ski Race, Sawmill Nordic Centre, Hepworth, ON 
The Suntrail Special is an all-ages freestyle technique event hosted on the trails at Sawmill Nordic Centre. Event distances are 0.8 km to 10 km, depending on participant age.
Sunday 10 am start.
Cost: $8-$15 
Region: Bruce Grey Simcoe

9, Women on Skis, Lappe Nordic Ski Centre, Thunder Bay, ON                   
Outdoor fun and fitness, improve your ski technique, enjoy healthy homemade lunch, great draw prizes, and more. No previous experience necessary.
Sunday February 9
Region: Thunder Bay

15, 16, Gatineau Loppet, Gatineau Park, QC                                                             Join Canada’s biggest cross-country ski event in Gatineau Park: more than 3,000 skiers—experts and amateurs, coming from 20 different countries—will take part. Eight cross-country ski courses will be presented for the 42nd edition of the Gatineau Loppet on Saturday February 15 and Sunday February 16. Courses from 2 km to 51 km in classic and free technique satisfy all types of skiers. Note that two linear races of 51 km will be the main features. The two courses will cut through Gatineau Park north to south amidst enchanting landscapes.
Saturday & Sunday, February 15–16 
Region: Ottawa and Countryside

16, Blue Sky Loppet and Chocolate Race, North Bay Nordic Ski Club, North Bay, ON                                                                                                                  
Open to all ages and lovers of chocolate! Classic or skate distances from 0.8 km to 9 km. Loppet distances of 3 km, 9 km, and 18 km.
Sunday February 16.
Cost: $2 Member, $5 Non-member 
Region: Northeastern Ontario

17, Family Day Ski Party, Walden Cross Country, Naughton, ON               
Hosted by Walden Cross Country on the Walden Trails near Sudbury, Ontario. Bring the whole family out to enjoy kid-friendly instruction, obstacle courses, bonfire, fee hot dogs and s’mores, and more!
Monday 11 am to 3 pm.
Cost: $70 Family of 3 (includes trail pass and rental packages). 
Region: Sudbury

17, Family Ski Day, Mono Nordic Ski Club, Mono, ON                                     
Mono Nordic Ski Club and the Town of Mono invite families from Dufferin County and Northern Caledon to celebrate Family Day with a day of free cross-country skiing. With free trail access, equipment rentals, and introductory ski instruction available for families from the Headwaters region, it’s a great opportunity to try skiing for the first time or rediscover an activity from your past. Free apple cider on the trail and more food and drinks at the pavilion café for a small fee.
Monday 9 am to 4 pm 
Region: York Durham Headwaters

17, Family Ski Day, Sauble Beach Cross-Country Ski Club, Sauble Falls, ON   
The Sauble Ski Club boasts a heated chalet with 18 km of cross-country ski trails and 14 km of snowshoe trails, passing through scenic forest east of the Rankin River. On Family Day, enjoy free skiing and snowshoeing, hot dogs, apple cider and marshmallow roast (weather permitting). 
Monday February 17 
Region: Bruce Grey Simcoe

17, Snow Day, Kanata Nordic, Nepean, ON                                                           Embrace winter with a free day of cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, orienteering, games, and more.
Monday February 17 
Region: Ottawa and Countryside

23, Mountainview Nordic Ski Cross, Mountainview Nordic Centre, Midland, ON  
All-ages sprint races with a twist⁠—climb up, race down, all in, elbows out! The course will include features such as jumps, banked turns, and rollers. The jumps are all designed to be roll-over/tabletops. It won’t be as fast, but you can slow down and ski over them. Still adverse to jumping? New to the idea? Check out the beginner division where you’ll ski a toned down course. All entries are guaranteed three runs: time trial qualifier + single elimination format, with consolation heats. Enjoy spring skiing with music, fun times, draw prizes, and high-octane racing!
Sign-in Sunday 9:30 am
Registration fee: $25-$30 
Region: Bruce Grey Simcoe

29, PSR Loppet, Porcupine Ski Runners, Timmins, ON                                     
The 40th annual Porcupine Ski Runners Loppet is an all-ages, social event with ski and snowshoe races. Last year, the loppet welcomed a record 147 participants. Races are skate or classic, with distance options of 1 km, 3 km, 8 km, or 20 km, as well as a 3 km snowshoe poker run.
Saturday 11 am to 1:30 pm.
Cost: $20 Adults, $10 Youth or Snowshoe Poker Run. 
Region: Northeastern Ontario

29, Lappe ‘Lympics, Lappe Nordic Ski Centre, Thunder Bay, ON                   
Save the date! More info coming soon. 
Saturday February 29. 
Region: Thunder Bay

March 2020 Ontario Cross-Country Ski Events

7, Sleeping Giant Loppet, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, ON                 

Woman and child showing metals from x-c ski race

Proud winners. 

The 43rd annual Sleeping Giant Loppet is a mass participation ski festival that offers fun for the whole family and challenges competitive athletes. The Loppet takes place in the beautiful wilderness setting of Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. It features multiple events with distances for skiers of all levels and abilities. The 8-km Mini-Loppet is perfect for families, children and rookies. If you're ready to increase your distance or work on your speed, then the rolling 20 km Marie Louise Lake loop is for you. The popular 35-km Tour is a relaxed event that takes in the scenic vistas and challenging terrain of the storied Burma Trail. For the ultimate challenge, register for the Loppet's flagship event, the 50-km Classic, Skate or Skiathlon distance. The 50-km is perfect for elite skiers vying for one of the generous prize packages or citizen racers looking for a Personal Best.
Saturday 9 am to 7:30 pm.
Cost: $30-$80 Adult. $25-$30 Student. $10-$30 Child/Youth. 
Region: Thunder Bay

7, Stokely's Tour De Trails, Stokely Creek Lodge, Goulais River, ON             
Tour De Trails is a great day to celebrate winter with family and friends. All the ski and snowshoe trails will be groomed and all the huts will be warmed with glowing fires. Choose your route and enjoy a Stokely gourmet packed lunch at a hut of your choosing. Weather permitting, a ski trail sparkling with snow will be groomed on Walker and Bone lakes. At the end of the day, when you get to the end of the trail, celebrate around a table overflowing with desserts. Outspoken Brewery will also be hosting a beer tasting. Gary Oak, a Stokely veteran skier, will lead a group on the "Ski to all 6 Huts In One Day Challenge." If you want to join his team, let Stokely know when you register.
Saturday 9 am start.
Cost: TBA 
Region: Algoma Country

16, 17, March Break Kids Camp, Lappe Nordic Ski Centre, Thunder Bay, ON 
Two days of fun, games, outside play, and skiing for kids aged 8–12.
Monday & Tuesday, March 16–17. 
Region: Thunder Bay 

16, 17, 18, 19, 20, March Break, Walden Cross Country, Naughton, ON   
Weekday activities for parents and kids ages 6–14. Each morning between 11 am and 12:30 pm, staff and volunteers lead activities including: ski lessons, guided skis, games on skis, orienteering, and Easter egg hunt.
Monday to Friday 11 am to 12:30 pm.
Cost: Trail pass & equipment rental (11-12:30 only) $15 Adults, $7 Kids. 
Region: Sudbury

21, Cross Quetico Lakes Tour, Quetico Provincial Park, Atitkokan, ON           
The Cross Quetico Lakes Tour is hosted by the Beaten Path Nordic Trails in collaboration with Ontario Parks. It is an all day ski tour on the frozen lakes and portages of pristine Quetico Provincial Park, on the Trans-Canada Trail and the Path of the Paddle. Doors open at 6:15 a.m. Saturday morning at the Little Falls Community Centre for a light breakfast, followed by a 7 am shuttle to route starts. Optional routes vary with conditions—choose from three routes of roughly 35 km, 45 km or 60 km. This year a shorter route (8–16 km) is also included in Dawson Trail Campground. Participants must be able to ski all day over varied terrain, much of it in a non-groomed wilderness park. Following the ski tour, join for a dinner social and outdoor film festival.
Saturday 7 am to 6 pm.
Cost: $60 Full Tour, $40 Short Tour. 
Region: Northwest Ontario

22, Temiskaming Loppet, Temiskaming Nordic, Temiskaming Shores, ON  Temiskaming Nordic offers 20 km of well-marked, groomed and track-set skate and classic ski trails in rolling esker terrain. The three beautiful trails offer varying levels of difficulty and length, making them enjoyable for beginner, intermediate and advanced level skiers.
Sunday March 22. 
Region: Northeastern Ontario

22, Winter Triathlon, Kamview Nordic Centre, Thunder Bay, ON                 
Hosted by Thunder Bay Nordic Trails, the second annual winter triathlon will feature cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking. More info coming soon.
Sunday 8 am to 5 pm. 
Region: Thunder Bay

28, Bruno's Cup, Kamview Nordic Centre, Thunder Bay, ON                       
Hosted by Thunder Bay Nordic Trails, Bruno’s Cup is a fun biathlon (cross-country ski and target shooting) event for the whole family. More info coming soon.
Saturday March 28. 
Region: Thunder Bay

Families cross-country skiing on trails.

PAST ONTARIO CROSS-COUNTRY SKI EVENTS - 2019/2020 Season

TBD, 24 and 8 Hours SkiLay, Lappe Nordic Ski Centre, Thunder Bay, ON         An annual fundraising event that is fun for everyone! Test your endurance and willpower at Lappe’s epic 24 and 8-hour relay. Ski solo or in teams in an 8-hour or 24-hour relay. Try to beat the solo records set by Werner Schwar at 407.8 km and Kelly Henry at 284.8 km, join the Team 500 km club, or try to beat the fundraising records set by some of the local Jackrabbit kids. Region: Thunder Bay

December 2019 Ontario Cross-Country Ski Events

7, The Distance Challenge, Lappe Nordic Ski Centre, Thunder Bay, ON           
Ski as many kilometres as you can in a day, at your leisure any time between 8 am and 8 pm. There is no cost to register; however, participants must have a trail pass (season’s pass or a day pass). You may ski on any of the Lappe Ski Centre trails that have enough snow the day of the event; however you are responsible for counting your own kilometres. Choice of technique is up to you. Recognition on the Distance Challenge plaque for those who ski 25 km, 50 km, 75 km or 100 km. Saturday 8 am to 8 pm. Region: Thunder Bay

14, Yuletide Blast 2019, Highlands Nordic, Duntroon, ON                                   
All-ages freestyle fun race with trail distances of 2 to 7.5 km at Highlands Nordic centre on the Niagara Escarpment. Saturday 10:30 am.  Cost: $15-$20.  Region: Bruce Grey Simcoe

14, Women on Skis, Hiawatha Highlands, Sault Ste. Marie, ON                     
Come out for a fun learn-to-ski clinic and social for women (ages 16+). Join friends or meet new ones for this three-hour clinic for beginner and intermediate nordic (cross-country) skiers of both classic and skate techniques. This clinic will help to your build confidence on flat terrain, tackle hills and control speed going down hills. Learn to save energy and ski more efficiently. Also, learn the basics of waxing your skis. Saturday 1 pm to 4 pm. Cost: $35.  Region: Algoma Country

26, Boxing Day Classic, Lappe Nordic Ski Centre, Thunder Bay, ON               
Come burn off the holiday turkey in this family-friendly race event, suitable for all ages and skill levels. Thursday December 26 Region: Thunder Bay

31, New Year's Eve Lantern Ski and Snowshoe Yoga, Hiawatha Highlands, Sault Ste. Marie, ON                                                                                         
Celebrate New Year’s Eve cross-country skiing the Pinder Trail lit by candle lanterns on this 4-km groomed classic. Bring a potluck snack to share. Enjoy non-alcoholic drinks and live music. Non-skiers can enjoy a beautiful walk on the trails with a certified yoga instructor who will lead participants snowshoeing with yoga poses along the way. Snowga (snowshoe yoga) runs from 7 pm to 8:30 pm. Tuesday 7 pm to 11 pm.  Cost: $12 Trail pass & rental, $5 Trail pass only.  Region: Algoma Country

November 2019 Ontario Cross-Country Ski Events

7, 8, 9, 10, Toronto Ski & Snowboard Show, Mississauga, ON                          The International Centre in Mississauga plays host for an expected 30,000 winter lovers to get informed about the latest-and-greatest products, consider travel opportunities, find great deals with the many retail exhibitors, or participate in Canada’s biggest ski and snowboard swap. This is a great show to gear up for winter, book your winter holiday or simply be surrounded by people who love the cooler months. Give roller skiing a try, or learn more about cross-country ski centres in Ontario. Open Thursday 3 pm to 10 pm, Friday 12 pm to 10 pm, Saturday 10 am to 8 pm, Sunday 10 am to 6 pm. Cost: $20 Adults, $12 Juniors and Seniors, $48 Family Pass. Region: Greater Toronto Region

17, Mono Nordic Open House & Ski Swap, Mono, ON                                      Each November, Mono Nordic Ski Club opens its doors as skiers get ready for the upcoming ski season. Learn more about the club, see a few familiar faces, or pick up some new or used gear & apparel from the ski swap or vendors. Hosted at the Monora Park Pavillion, the event includes a ski swap, ski wax and tuning, seasonal equipment rentals, silent auction, and bake sale. Sunday 9 am to 12 pm. Region: York Durham Headwaters

23, 24, Cross-Country Ski Expo, Porcupine Ski Runners, Timmins, ON          The Porcupine Ski Runners chalet hosts this annual new and used ski swap and sale. Open house events include chalet tours, waxing clinics, program registration, and a Saturday free Finnish pancake lunch. Saturday 8 am to 3 pm, Sunday 8 am to 3 pm. Region: Northeastern Ontario

30, Ski Swap, Georgian Nordic, Parry Sound, ON                                                 This is a ski swap where you can get rid of equipment you don’t need and find equipment you do. Saturday November 30 Region: Muskoka, Parry Sound and Algonquin Park

30, Open House and Ski Swap, Temiskaming Nordic, Temiskaming Shores, ON  Temiskaming Nordic offers 20 km of well-marked, groomed and track-set skate and classic ski trails in rolling esker terrain. The three beautiful trails offer varying levels of difficulty and length, making them enjoyable for beginner, intermediate and advanced level skiers. Come out for an opening day ski swap and open house, with waxing demonstrations, free ski pass and equipment rental. Saturday 12 pm to 3 pm. Region: Northeastern Ontario

October 2019 Ontario Cross-Country Ski Events

19, 20, Hardwood Ski and Bike Annual Ski Swap, Oro Station, ON                Every October, Hardwood Ski and Bike hosts Ontario’s largest cross-country ski equipment swap. Buy or sell cross-country skis, boots, poles, bindings, roller skis, and snowshoes. New and used equipment available at the swap and in the retail store. Open Saturday 9 am to 5 pm, Sunday 9 am to 3 pm. Region: Bruce Grey Simcoe

About Virginia Marshall

Virginia Marshall is a freelance outdoor adventure writer, photographer and editor with roots in Muskoka and Lake Superior. Read her work in Adventure Kayak, Canoeroots, Rapid, Paddling Magazine and Backroad Mapbooks.

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