Ontario Cross Country Ski Events for 2026

With seemingly endless snow-covered forest and trail systems, Ontario is a hotbed for cross country skiing. Its varied geography and beautiful icy backdrops provide a blank canvas to fill with Nordic skiing adventures all winter long.

The range of cross country ski events within the province ensure that there are options for beginner trail enthusiasts, those looking for steep competition, and skiers just looking to be social. From open race days to gear swaps, meet-ups and official races, this list details all of the best 2025/2026 cross country skiing events in Ontario.

For updates, trail information, team news, and a comprehensive list of great skiing locations, visit Cross Country Ski Ontario.

December 2025 Events

Dec 13

Speed Camp, Temiskaming

The event brings kids and coaches together in a safe, well-supported environment, while still embracing the natural unpredictability of early-season conditions. Skiers from U12 to U18 are invited to take part, and coaches are encouraged to attend and work closely with the younger athletes.

Dec 28

Holiday Burnoff Chocolate Bar Race, North Bay

Hosted by North Bay Nordic, this year's much anticipated Holiday Burnoff Chocolate BarRace allows you to choose your technique and your distance. Be rewarded with a chocolate bar no matter what. Fun for all ages.

Dec 31

New Year’s Eve Lantern Ski and Social, Hiawatha Highlands, Sault Ste. Marie

This annual event, hosted by the Hiawatha Highlands Ski Club in Sault Ste. Marie, brings cross country skiers together for an early-season social ski. Ski the 4-kilometre-long Pinder Trail through the dark of night as it is lit up entirely by lantern light. This event is open to all ages and skill levels. 

January 2026 Events

Jan 2-4

Ontario OCUP Event, Thunder Bay

Hosted by the Lappe Nordic Ski Club, this OCUP event takes place through their 30 kilometres of groomed classic and skate trails. See the full schedule of events for the OCUP season here.

Jan 3-9

Club Exchange Week, Bruce Ski Club, Hepworth

From January 3 to 9, 2026, members of the Sauble Ski Club, Owen Sound Ski Club and Glenelg Nordic Ski Club are able to use the facilities at the Bruce Ski Club in Hepworth for free.

Jan 4-Feb 22

Adult Learn To Ski programs, Hardwood Ski & Bike, Oro

From January 4 to February 22, Hardwood Ski & Bike offers four-session introductory clinics to cross country skiing. Small group instruction allows skiers to get comfortable with the basic skills. Each package includes trail passes, rentals and four 1.5-hour lessons.

Jan 11

The Sounder Ski Tour, Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre, Parry Sound

Whether you are a recreational skier or race veteran, the Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre invites everyone to participate in the 2026 Sounder Ski Tour.

Jan 12

Woolly Hippo Loppet, Walden Cross Country, Naughton

This annual event at the Naughton Trail Centre promises a full day of cross country skiing fun for every age and skill level. The event is a freestyle loppet with distances ranging from 350 metres to 15 kilometres. Come participate in a race, win a draw prize, and enjoy free refreshments, snacks and a comfy heated wax hut.

Jan 12-16

Club Exchange Week, Owen Sound Ski Club, Massie Hills

From January 12 to 16, members of the Sauble Ski Club, Glenelg Nordic Ski Club, and Bruce Ski Club are able to use the facilities at the Owen Sound Ski Club for free.

Jan 15, 25 & Feb 22

Adult Biathlon Program Intro Clinic, Hardwood Ski & Bike, Oro Medonte

Offered by Hardwood Ski and Bike, this introductory three-hour clinic is offered three times throughout the 2026 winter season. Participants will learn to hone their skills as marksmen in this unique course. This program focuses on the combination of competitive Nordic skiing and target shooting, so you will spend some time skiing on the nearby trails, and some time learning the proper procedures for safe and accurate rifle use. Only air rifles are used.

Jan 17

Sauble Winterfest, Sauble Beach Cross Country Ski Club, Sauble Falls 

The Sauble Ski Club has a heated chalet with 18 kilometres of cross country ski trails and 14 kilometres of snowshoe trails. Winterfest offers skiers the chance to take part in a day of free skiing, snowshoeing, community and hot food.

Jan 18

World Snow Day, Walden Cross Country, Naughton

Enjoy a day of food, warm drinks, meals and activities at the Walden Cross Country Ski Club. Free hot chocolate and pancakes, access to trails, scavenger hunts and more.

Jan 19-26

Club Exchange Week, Glenelg Nordic Ski Club, Markdale

From January 19 to 26, members of the Sauble Ski Club, Bruce Ski Club and Owen Sound Ski Club are able to use the facilities at the Glenelg Nordic Ski Club for free. 

Jan 25

Muskoka Loppet, Arrowhead Nordic Ski Club, Huntsville

This classic cross country race takes place in the beautiful scenic forests of Arrowhead Provincial Park in Huntsville. The race is open to all skill levels and ages, and promotes the simple act of competitive cross country skiing in a supportive environment.

Jan 25

Midland Loppet, Mountainview Nordic Centre, Midland

Open to all age categories and skill levels, the Midland Loppet invites cross country skiers to participate in 1.5-, 3-, 5-, 9- or 15-kilometre skate and classic distance races. Come spend the day enjoying what the Mountainview Ski Centre has to offer, then warm up with a hot beverage. 

Jan 26

Night Lights Race Series - Skate Race, Sudbury

This event combines the excitement of racing with the thrill of skiing under the stars, as racers of all ages and skill levels compete against each other in this race series hosted by Walden Cross Country.

Jan 28

Women of Winter, Huntsville

Hosted by Arrowhead Nordic Ski Club in Arrowhead Provincial Park, this annual ski event is open to women of all ages and skill levels. The event involves a meet and greet with coffee and muffins for participants and instructors, a group lesson, a talk from a keynote speaker, a group lunch, and an afternoon filled with activities like fat biking, snowshoe yoga, guided snowshoe hiking and ice skating on the Arrowhead Skate Trail.

Jan 31

Moonlight Ski, Glenelg, Markdale

Come experience what some call a magical evening of moonlit cross country skiing, community and one big pot luck meal. The Glenelg Nordic Club invites skiers to explore the 25 kilometres of groomed trackset trails at night, before gathering for a warm meal afterwards. Bring your potluck contribution and your skis and enjoy this tradition.

Jan 31

Opeongo Classic Loppet, Opeongo Hills Nordic Ski Club, Brudenell

The Opeongo Hills Nordic Ski Club will host the 9th annual Opeongo Loppet on January 31, 2026, on the hilly terrain of their groomed trails in the little hamlet of Brundell. Consisting of loops throughout the club’s trail system, the races offered range from 2.5-kilometre children’s events to adult 20-kilometre races. Register here.

Snow-Feb 28

Adult Learn to Race/ Learn to Loppet Clinic, Hardwood Ski and Bike, Oro Medonte,

This course is intended to help adult and experienced skiers in their journey towards growth. This course will help experienced skiers 35+ to become better at racing and at overall competition, and will cover: technique, waxing, route planning, mental skills and nutrition. 

February 2026 Events

Feb 1

Winterlude Triathlon, Ottawa

Known in the community as the “most Canadian event around,” this triathlon in Ottawa is for those with an intense love of winter sports. The race combines a unique mixture of winter running, cross country skiing and ice skating (on the Rideau), to make up one of the most unique winter competitions around. The race distances are: 8-kilometre skate, 5-kilomtre run, 6-kilometre ski. You can compete alone, or you can enter with a team. Enjoy added bonuses like: on-course nutrition, pro photography and post-race hot chocolate.

Feb 1

Women On Skis, Parry Sound

Stay tuned for more info on this community event celebrating women and winter and hosted at the Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre.

Feb 1

Community Classic Ski Race, Hepworth

Held at the Sawmill Nordic Centre in Hepworth, the Bruce Ski Club hosts this annual ski race for categories: U8, U12, U16, U18 and open. Races range from one kilometre to 11 kilometres, and take participants through 13 kilometres of groomed classic and skate trails at the Sawmill Ski.

Feb 2-7

2026 Nordic Canada Selection Trials and OCUP U14, Searchmont

A part of the OCUP race series, this race takes place at Searchmont Resort near Sault Ste. Marie and will host a series of racers. The week will include a series of training days, and races include: one-kilometre free sprints, 3.75-kilometre to 20-kilometre classics, and 7.5-kilometre to 10-kilometre freestyles.

Feb 6

Muskoka Elementary School Race, Arrowhead Nordic Ski Club, Huntsville

This race is for the young ones! Taking place at Arrowhead Provincial Park, this classic-style cross country race is open to grades one through eight, with distances ranging from one to three kilometres. Rentals are available at the provincial park.

Feb 6

Women’s Winter Wonderland, Oro Medonte

Presented by Hardwood Ski and Bike, this unique day of adventure is geared towards women of all ages and abilities who love outdoor winter activities. Choose from a range of exciting options to tailor your own perfect day based on your tastes. Activities include: skate and classic skiing, yoga, snowshoeing and fat biking. The event also includes a delicious lunch and an après social hour.

Feb 14

Bon Soo Lantern Ski, Sault Ste. Marie

Everyone is invited to come to the Hiawatha Highlands ski club to ski their lantern-lit Pinder Trail and celebrate Valentine’s Day. Explore the beautiful groomed tracks while the dark woods are illuminated by lanterns and the moon. This event takes place in celebration of the 2026 Bon Soo Winter Carnival, running February 13 to 21.

Feb 15

Suntrail Special Cross Country Ski Race, Hepworth

Sponsored by Georgian Bay Nordic, Bruce Ski Club, and Suntrail Source for Adventure, the Suntrail Special is an annual freestyle cross country race that takes place at the Sawmill Nordic Centre in Hepworth.

Feb 16

Family Day at Sauble Ski Club, Sauble Beach

Tucked between Sauble Falls and the Rankin River, the trails at the Sauble Ski Club are an excellent example of what small town Ontario has to offer during the winter. Family Day offers cross country skiers the chance to ski for free on the 18 kilometres of groomed trails the club has to offer. 

Feb 17

Night Lights Race Series - Skate Sprints, Sudbury

This event combines the excitement of racing with the thrill of skiing under the stars, as racers of all ages and skill levels compete against each other in this race series hosted by Walden Cross Country.

Feb 22

PSR Loppet, Timmins

The Porcupine Ski Runners in Timmins host the annual PSR Loppet every February. This race involves classic and skate events, as well as a three-kilometre Snowshoe Poker Run. Register for a 1.25-kilometre classic, a three-, eight-, or 20-kilometre classic/skate race, or sign up for the three-kilometre Snowshoe Poker Run. At the end of the day, enjoy hot beverages, lunch and on-site snacks. 

March 2026 Events

Mar 1

Team Sprints, Parry Sound

The 2026 team sprints will take place on March 1. This is an inclusive environment for cross country skiers to participate in a two-person team relay event at Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre in Parry Sound.

Mar 1

Blue Sky Loppet and Chocolate Bar Races, North Bay

Hosted by North Bay Nordic, the Blue Sky Loppet and Chocolate Bar races invite participants to race their professionally groomed cross country trails. The loppet distances are TBD in 2026, but have been nine- or 18-kilometre freestyle or classics in previous years, while the Chocolate Bar races are one- to three-kilometre sprints. As the name of the event suggests, winners will receive chocolate bars (sizes based on finishing times and places) and all skiers will hopefully experience a blue-sky day of racing.

Mar 3

Night Lights Race Series - Classic Headlamp Race, Sudbury

This event combines the excitement of racing with the thrill of skiing under the stars, as racers of all ages and skill levels compete against each other in this race series hosted by Walden Cross Country.

Mar 7

Hardwood Loppet, Oro Medonte

Located at Hardwood Ski and Bike, the Hardwood Loppet takes place over 40 kilometres of meticulously groomed ski trails in Oro Medonte. The race offers youth options for skiers who want to participate in 500-metre, 2.7-kilometre or five-kilometre races, as well as a non-competitive 15-kilometre race for any level of skier. The main events are the 15- and 30-kilometre skate or classic loppets.

Mar 7

Sleeping Giant Loppet, Thunder Bay

Come take part in an exciting, longstanding cross country ski event at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. The 45th annual Sleeping Giant Loppet is an event that welcomes skiers of all skill levels to compete. From eight-kilometre Jackrabbit races to mega hauls like the 50-kilometre race through the Burma Trail system, there is something for everyone. Choose from a range of skate/classic race events, or take part in their 35-kilometre non-competitive open event to take in the scenery in peace. Register here.

Mar 16-20

March Break Activities, Naughton

Bring your whole family to the Walden Cross Country ski club to enjoy a range of awesome winter activities at a discount, all week long. During March Break, take part in ski lessons, ski the trails, sip hot chocolate, go snowshoeing and search for hidden treasures in the beauty of the Northern Ontario trail systems.

Mar TBD

Beaver Freezer, Sault Ste. Marie

Hiawatha Highlands hosts the 2026 Beaver Freezer, a multidisciplinary winter race through the snowy park trail systems. Choose to cross country ski, fat bike or run for 14-, 24- or 42-kilometre races.

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