Cross Country Skiing in Thunder Bay

If you’ve ever toyed with the idea of trying cross-country skiing, Thunder Bay is the place to do it. The city boasts world-class groomed trails, and it is easy to rent skis from the experts at Fresh Air.

“We are so blessed for the skiing we have in Thunder Bay and in Northwest Ontario. Locally, we have Kamview Nordic Centre - the largest cross country ski club in the country with over 35kms of groomed trail,” says Al Cranston of Fresh Air.

“We also have Lappe Nordic Centre, which is arguably one of the best racing centres in the country. Not to mention, over 50kms of trail at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park (home of the Sleeping Giant Loppet, formerly the Sibley Ski Tour) and trails out at Kakabeka.”

Cranston is the local guru when it comes to cross-country skis. He’s a local avid skier who’s been in the business of selling skis at Fresh Air for 40 years. He’s also “the guy” we locals turn to when it comes to understanding the basic technique of waxing skis for the right weather conditions. Cranston knows exactly what to do to help you glide and grip depending on the temperature.

“Ideal skiing is: it snowed yesterday, they groomed the trails, it’s -6 to -10 degrees out,” Cranston explains.

Every winter he offers free ski wax clinics for the two styles of cross-country skiing: Classic and Skate. Classic skiing involves a straighter front-to-back movement, while skate skiing is a faster, side-to-side gliding motion similar to ice-skating.

Regardless of the type of skis you choose, “all skis need an annual tune up and need to be hot waxed on the tip and tail for glide,” says Cranston. “A professional wax should last for about 100km or so, depending on how much you ski.”

Ski rentals cost $20 per day and are professionally waxed for glide. You do the grip wax yourself (they can tell you how). If you own skis, a professional wax at Fresh Air will cost you $12-15.

Combine the cost of a rental and approximately $20 for a day ski pass – you are looking at skiing for as little as $40 a day.

“Skiing is a sensation,” Cranston says. “When your skis fly across the snow, the silent smoothness is like putting your canoe in the calm water. It’s amazing just how quiet it is and it’s so beautiful after a fresh snowfall when the trees are laden with snow, when you have those magic days on your skis.”

Edited Body Text

If you’ve ever toyed with the idea of trying cross-country skiing, Thunder Bay is the place to do it. The city boasts world-class groomed trails, and it is easy to rent skis from the experts at Fresh Air.

“We are so blessed for the skiing we have in Thunder Bay and in Northwest Ontario. Locally, we have Kamview Nordic Centre - the largest cross country ski club in the country with over 35kms of groomed trail,” says Al Cranston of Fresh Air.

“We also have Lappe Nordic Centre, which is arguably one of the best racing centres in the country. Not to mention, over 50kms of trail at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park (home of the Sleeping Giant Loppet, formerly the Sibley Ski Tour) and trails out at Kakabeka.”

Cranston is the local guru when it comes to cross-country skis. He’s a local avid skier who’s been in the business of selling skis at Fresh Air for 40 years. He’s also “the guy” we locals turn to when it comes to understanding the basic technique of waxing skis for the right weather conditions. Cranston knows exactly what to do to help you glide and grip depending on the temperature.

“Ideal skiing is: it snowed yesterday, they groomed the trails, it’s -6 to -10 degrees out,” Cranston explains.

Every winter he offers free ski wax clinics for the two styles of cross-country skiing: Classic and Skate. Classic skiing involves a straighter front-to-back movement, while skate skiing is a faster, side-to-side gliding motion similar to ice-skating.

Regardless of the type of skis you choose, “all skis need an annual tune up and need to be hot waxed on the tip and tail for glide,” says Cranston. “A professional wax should last for about 100km or so, depending on how much you ski.”

Ski rentals cost $20 per day and are professionally waxed for glide. You do the grip wax yourself (they can tell you how). If you own skis, a professional wax at Fresh Air will cost you $12-15.

Combine the cost of a rental and approximately $20 for a day ski pass – you are looking at skiing for as little as $40 a day.

“Skiing is a sensation,” Cranston says. “When your skis fly across the snow, the silent smoothness is like putting your canoe in the calm water. It’s amazing just how quiet it is and it’s so beautiful after a fresh snowfall when the trees are laden with snow, when you have those magic days on your skis.”