.: Ski XCOttawa.ca :: Skiing in Ottawa and Gatineau Park

Nakkertok Trails
By:  Kevin Jones   (2008/01/03)

RSS

So far this winter we have been spoiled with amazing ski conditions. What this has meant for many of us is that we have skied as much or more than all of last winter and we are only just starting the New Year. Remember back to last January when we would have been happy to be skiing on any surface? This year I have already skied Burma Trail at least ten times. Fire Tower? Been there too. Tour de lac Philippe? Did that a few days ago. Skiing in Gatineau Park, as wonderful as it is, can sometime get a bit too predictable and even a bit crowded if you are a late riser on the weekends. Well for all you jaded skiers there are amazing ski opportunities outside of Gatineau Park. One that is close by and offers some interesting and challenging skiing is Nakkertok Ski Club in Cantley, Quebec. Nakkertok is a private club with close to a thousand members and two ski trail networks, each with about 25 kilometres of trails. Nakkertok South is located just beyond the northern limit of the City of Gatineau whereas, Nakkertok North is in Val-des-monts not too far from Macgregor Lake. The two areas are connected by a 25 kilometre backcountry trail that every year in late January is used for the Nakkerloppet ski tour.

One of the interesting aspects about Nakkertok is that the club’s trails are open to anyone. Just like in Gatineau Park non-members are asked to deposit a day use fee in the box at the trailhead (a very reasonable $5:00) before they head out to explore. The majority of the trails are trackset regularly with the club’s Pisten Bully tracksetter (similar to the ones used in Gatineau Park). There are short easy loops that are perfect for kids and beginner skiers and longer more technically challenging trails that are used for the many competitions hosted by the club. Other features include a large heated chalet located right beside the parking area, a 2.5 kilometre lighted trail and an expansive stadium area that is used for teaching and the hosting of races. So come check us out and remember that we are more than just a place to ski. We are a ski community with programs for the youngest Bunny Rabbit to the oldest Master skier.

For more information about the club including trail maps please visit our website www.nakkertok.ca.

For a map showing the location of the Nakkertok South trails use the following link: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=nakkertok+ski+club,+Cantley,+Quebec&ie=UTF8&ll=45.512602,-75.735111&spn=0.066281,0.137672&z=13&om=1



New Nakkertok Parking Lot


$5 for great skiing, 20 minutes from downtown.


New wider trails and longer loops similar to Burma and Ridge Road.


Look 'Ma no ridge!


Owl Cabin on Webber Pond at Nakkertok South. [Jo-Ann Holden]
 
Interesting Reading. . .
Interested in supporting XC Ottawa or advertising on our site? Email: info@xcottawa.ca.
© Copyright 2001-2006, www.xcottawa.ca. All Rights Reserved. Contact us before re-publishing anything seen here.