HONORA BAY—Manitoulin’s Nordic Ski Club is reminding folks that it is time to sign up for this year’s skiing and snowshoe adventures.
“Our club depends on three elements to keep these trails available,” noted club treasurer Kerrene Tilson. “Those are volunteers, landowners and membership revenue. Our adult memberships are $45 for those age 16 and older, children and youth ages three to 15 ski for free.”
“We appreciate and value all current members and look forward to welcoming new members,” she continued. “Please help spread the word to anyone you know who is new to Manitoulin and might be interested.”
“We will have five cross country ski trails on Manitoulin Island this winter,” notes Dr. Roy Jeffery in the club’s newsletter. “Trail preparation work has already begun! We may have a sixth venue at the old ski club depending on snow conditions in the new year.”
The trails are located near Little Current at 2394 Highway 540 on the EBC Freer Point property where “We have Honora Trails North. Parking is along the Tilson Homestead driveway after it forks to the right around the old barn (look for the parking sign). These trails are fairly level and feature scenes of winter wetland habitat and Burr oak savannah. Snowshoers are welcome but please try to stay to the side of the track. By the time you receive this newsletter the base on the trail will have been groomed—a few more centimetres of snow and it will be ready to go!”
A second trail is located in Mindemoya, notes Dr. Jeffery. “Skiers can park at the far end of the Manitoulin Community Living administration parking lot to access the Maple Ridge trail. They can enjoy two great trails which feature rolling hardwood terrain and some great vistas. The trails are maintained by Sam Gilcrest. The beginning of the trail down the lane is often windswept but keep going and you will be rewarded by beautiful trails through the woods!”
Another trail is located south of Manitowaning. “Halfway down the New England Road on the right, you will find McLeans Park,” notes Dr. Jeffery. “The trails here wind up and down through lovely old growth beech and maple forests. They are maintained by Rob Mellan. These trails usually require a little more snow to cover the rough spots.” Members who register as with the Manitoulin Nordic Ski Club will receive a trail report by email.
In Gore Bay, at the Manitoulin Golf Course, a set of Nordic trails has been maintained for the past few years, notes Dr. Jeffery. “I believe there is a drop box there for donations for the groomer fuel.”
Finally, at Ice Lake’s Ravenswing Farm (off Robinsons Road and turn right along Strawberry Point road) “a trail is maintained when snow is sufficient—keep tuned to Resilient Manitoulin for further information.”
The first three trails are all accessible on a daily pay-as-you-go basis, but all day skiers are reminded they must sign a waiver at the trailhead or purchase the very reasonably priced annual membership and help support the club.
Club members also receive an Ontario Nordic Ski Passport that allows them to ski at many locations in Northern Ontario once a year for half price.
There are plenty of ways to sign up for the skiing season, you can go to the Zone 4 registration by going online to the link: zone4.ca/register or call/text 249-997-0009 to receive a paper form via Canada Post or drop by Breakaway Sports in Little Current to pick one up.
Once you complete your form, mail it to: Manitoulin Nordic Ski Club, 2394 Hwy 540 Little Current, ON, P0P 1K0.