The autumn colours are still lovely in Gatineau Park, but the nights are getting chilly and soon those fun-filled cross-country ski days will be back. This summer, the National Capital Commission (NCC) and Lafleur de la Capitale were busy improving services for the upcoming cross-country ski season.
The NCC has carried out rehabilitation work on trails 30, 36 and 52. This work will ensure improved ski conditions in these sectors of Gatineau Park.
A number of special activities are once more being planned for this year. Ski-fest will take place on January 15 and 16, 2005 and once again, new skiers will have the opportunity to try this terrific sport. If you know someone who is not a skier, but who might like to try the sport, invite them to come with you to Ski-Fest! February 19 and 20, 2005, skiers from around the world will be with us for Keskinada Loppet. Mid-March is the occasion for our second Season Pass Holder Appreciation Day. Join us at the Keogan Shelter parking lot for refreshments and warm bon fire; gather around to share your stories and experiences about the ski season.
Once again this year, there will be a random draw for the allocation of cabins and yurts for winter weekends. The last day to regiter is November 14, 2004. The entry forms and rules are on the Gatineau Park website (www.canadascapital.gc.ca/gatineau).
We have extended the period for purchasing season's passes, at an early-bird discount, to November 28, 2004. If you purchase your season's pass before October 30, 2004, you qualify to enter a draw to win a season's pass.
Lafleur de la Capitale, this autumn, is organizing the second annual Snow Dance, on October 23 and 24, 2004. A small snow loop, or circuit, will be built beside the Visitor Center in Gatineau Park. You can try your first ski of the season with your own equipment, or use the euipment that will be available at this location. Staff from trail maintenance, the ski patrol and the hut-to-hut program will be available to talk to you about the upcoming season. You can also purchase your season's pass at a pre-season rate. In case of rain, Snow Dance will be held on the following weekend, October 30 and 31, 2004.
For more information about winter activities in Gatineau Park, call (819) 827-2020 or visit our website at www.canadascapital.gc.ca/gatineau.
Here are some links :
www.csm-mcs.com (Canadian Ski Marathon)
"Winning Moves"