Winter doesn’t mean it’s time to hibernate. From swooshing down the hill on skis or a toboggan, tramping through a frosty forest on snowshoes or zipping around a skating loop, if you’re a lover of outdoor activity, the drop in temperatures signals a whole new lineup of possible activities.
Winter is far from the favourite season for most farmers, but winter recreation can help take some of the sting out of the season.
If skiing is your sport, check out new locations for a little more interest and excitement.
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Downhill enthusiasts have several choices. Asessippi Ski Resort, located in Manitoba’s Parkland near Russell, holds the title of the province’s biggest ski resort with 26 runs, while Holiday Mountain, near La Rivière in the province’s south, is a historical favourite and boasts 11.
But Manitobans might be surprised at just how many other alpine ski areas also operate across our flatland province. In the east, Falcon Ridge Ski Slopes sits within Whiteshell Provincial Park for anyone headed on a weekend getaway to the Canadian Shield (Nordic trails are also on offer). Springhill Winter Sports Park, just north of the province’s capital, is an easy drive for anyone in the Winnipeg region. Minnedosa sports Ski Valley as a local option for Brandon, Neepawa and surrounding regions. Farther north, Thunder Hill Ski area north of Benito in the Swan River Valley has opened their new Co-op Ski Chalet and, near Thompson, visitors can take in Mystery Mountain Winter Park.
Nordic skiers have even more choices. Most of Manitoba’s provincial parks offer cross-country ski trails, with Spruce Woods, Duck Mountains and Turtle Mountain provincial parks popular in the west. Farther east, ski-trail-offering parks include Birds Hill, Whiteshell, St. Malo, Grand Beach, Hecla, Camp Morton and Beaudry Parks. Riding Mountain National Park (RMNP) is also popular for cross-country skiing, with a variety of trails, including some right in the town of Wasagaming that are lighted in the evening.
Outside of the parks, many towns and cross-country clubs have their own trails either groomed or tracked. Visitors are welcome, but be sure to sign in where needed, and watch for a donation box to help with operating expenses.
Bittersweet Trails south of Bagot is popular, with both classic and skate-skiing trails. Other cross-country spots include (but are certainly not limited to): Shannondale Ski Area west of Morden; the Brandon Hills trails, south of Manitoba’s second-largest city; the Langford-Neepawa Winter Park east of Neepawa; Squirrel Hills, with its challenging slopes at Minnedosa; 40 kilometres of classic trails near Pinawa, and Burwalde Woods south of Carman. For those in the north, the Flin Flon Ski Club has an excellent trail system, with part of it lit for night skiing.
If selecting trails that are new to you, take time to research information on the internet before you go. Detailed information on locations, maps and trail conditions is available on the province’s cross-country association website, https://ccsam.ca/. If skiing alone, carry a cellphone and, in case there is no cell service, a whistle for safety.
If you prefer to snowshoe rather than ski, most of the parks, including RMNP, offer trails. Snowshoes can be rented at Friends of Riding Mountain in Wasagaming, or if you’re trying out the sport for the first time, find someone to borrow a set from.
Many local associations, businesses or local government recreation departments also have winter equipment of various types available for rent. A quick internet search can help you find your nearest rental option.
Younger children might be keen to try new tobogganing hills such as those at Valley View Tubing Hill south of MacGregor or Grand Valley Park west of Brandon. Most of the parks also have one or more, such as Spruce Woods Provincial Park with its two popular toboggan runs.
Adults and families can explore the province’s many snowmobile trails, accessible in many provincial parks such as Turtle Mountain, Hecla, Spruce Woods and Whiteshell. However, snowmobiles are not permitted in Riding Mountain Park.
